If you don't fast for your cholesterol blood test what happens to the result?

[Rheeso]

Does it mean the result would be higher than if you had fasted? Can anyone explain how it works?

Someone please answer, got one on Tuesday. It would be nice to have breakfast.

No clue but I'm interested too so bumping for you.

Dh is never asked to fast for blood tests

This from one source:
Do you need to fast?
The truth is, your cholesterol can be tested without fasting. In the past, experts believed fasting ahead of time produces the most accurate results. This is because your low-density lipoproteins (LDL) — also known as “bad” cholesterol — may be affected by what you’ve recently eaten. Your levels of triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood) may also be affected by a recent meal.

If the GP has asked you fast for it, I would they may also be doing other tests at the same time that need it? But even if not if it was high, you may think was that because I did not fast..?!?

I had a cholesterol blood test last week and wasn't asked to fast.

Thank you. I've always been asked to fast before but Covid etc means I haven't had one for about 3 years. I shall have some toast and coffee then.

I have cholesterol bloods along with other tests. I used to fast for them but don;t have to any more, not sure why!

If you have been told to fast, you should, because otherwise the result will be inaccurate. If you haven’t been told to you don’t have to.
Why would you compromise a potentially important blood test for the sake of one breakfast?

It is likely that they'll test for diabetes as well.
I would definitely fast if that's what you were told. Usually they tell you not to eat anything after midnight.
I think you can drink clear, unsweetened liquid, such as water or black tea, until half an hour before the test.

I'm not actually answering your asked question, but...

Before COVID, my GP's practise alwats insisted on the fast. During the lockdowns (in a lull) I had an appointment with a practice nurse for a cholesterol test. She told me that she was normally placed at another practice, that didn't require a fast.

So it seems to be practice-preferential.

Any nurse-practitioners here who can provide a professional insight, please?

There are two types of cholesterol (lipid) blood tests for screening used in GP practices. Lipid random and lipid fasting. We tend to use the random one where I work (no fasting required)--as far as GPs are concerned the results are accurate and are used for treatment/medication/lifestyle advice etc. I don't know if the lipid clinics or cardiology uses any other more specialist testing. I can't be certain but the fasting lipid blood test is old school.

Fasting for a cholesterol test is very old fashioned! Tends to not be required these days