Article: Fasting lipid specimen collection.(best specimen for a lipid profile)

Q I was taught that the best specimen for a lipid profile is drawn in the early morning from a patient in the basal state who has been fasting for 10 to 12 hours. Upon researching this, I found mention of the fasting requirement, but I found no stipulation that the specimen should be drawn in the early morning. Are there no significant metabolic changes that might interfere with accurate lipid testing if, for instance, a fasting patient presents to the lab in the afternoon?

A We asked two experts in lipid chemistry to answer this question. Their answers reflect somewhat different perspectives on the issue.

--Dan Baer

Answer 1

There are ...

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