Fasting Tips Before a Medical Check-Up You Need to Know

A Medical Check-Up (MCU) is a crucial step in detecting potential health issues early on. An important step in preparing for an MCU is to fast beforehand. Here is a complete guide on fasting before an MCU that you need to know.

Reasons to Fast Before a Medical Check-Up

Fasting before an MCU is not merely a formal procedure but has a strong medical basis.

Food and drink can affect the examination results because the substances contained in them are absorbed into the bloodstream. This can directly impact the results of blood glucose, fat, or iron tests.

By fasting, doctors can obtain more accurate diagnostic results regarding your health condition. Fasting can prevent the need for redundant examinations.

Tips for Fasting Before an MCU

You should fast for 8–12 hours before a blood test, but clinics and hospitals may have different fasting requirements. If at Tirta Medical Centre (TMC), fasting is done 10–12 hours before the examination.

During this period, you are only allowed to consume water to maintain hydration. If a blood test requires fasting, you can schedule the MCU test in the morning.

Factors to Consider Before an MCU:

• Avoid caffeine as it can affect blood pressure and glucose levels.
• Do not smoke as it can alter blood test results.
• Avoid consuming alcohol which can affect liver enzyme function.
• Refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activity in the lead-up to your health test.
• Ensure the body is well-hydrated to facilitate blood sample collection.

Blood Sample Collection Timing

Blood checks should ideally be conducted in the morning to achieve optimal results. If you accidentally eat before the test, immediately inform the medical staff for adjustments in result interpretation.

Tips for Fasting Before an MCU for Acid Reflux Patients

People with acid reflux need to be careful when fasting for an MCU and should drink enough water to avoid stomach irritation. Additionally, consider the following fasting tips before an MCU for those with acid reflux:

1. Avoid lying down or sleeping for at least 2 or 3 hours after your last meal.
2. Wear loose clothing to reduce pressure on the stomach area.
3. Consume high-fiber foods the day before fasting to aid digestion.
4. Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy or fatty foods.
5. If you take acid reflux medication, consult your doctor regarding the appropriate time to take it.
6. When sleeping the night before the MCU, position your head higher, about 15-20 cm, to prevent acid reflux. You can use an extra pillow or elevate the head of your bed.

Fasting Required for Medical Check-Up Examinations

Fasting is necessary for accurate results in blood tests during a medical check-up, including glucose, lipid profiles, liver function, and uric acid tests, as well as for procedures like gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

– Regular Blood Tests

• Blood Glucose Test: Requires fasting for 8–10 hours to accurately detect diabetes or glucose metabolism disorders.
• Lipid Profile Test: Requires fasting for 9–12 hours for examinations of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
• Liver Function Test (SGOT, SGPT, GGT): Requires fasting for 8–12 hours to accurately evaluate liver enzymes and organ function.

– Examination of the Digestive System

• Gastroscopy: Complete fasting, including water, for at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure optimal visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Colonoscopy: Requires fasting from solid food one day before the procedure. You are only allowed to consume soft and liquid foods like water, broth, or jelly. In the evening, the doctor will provide a laxative liquid to cleanse the large intestine.

– Metabolic Examination

• Uric Acid Test: Requires fasting for 10–12 hours for valid results.
• Iron Substance Test: Fast for 12 hours and stop iron supplements 24 hours before the test.
• The Complex B Vitamins Test: requires fasting overnight for accurate results.

– Anesthesia for Examinations

Anesthesia or sedation procedures are not actually Medical Check-Ups. However, some examinations such as biopsies and endoscopies are performed with anesthesia.
Patients must fast before procedures requiring sedation to prevent complications.

During fasting, patients can only drink water, except for specific procedures that require total fasting.

Patients with specific medical conditions or on regular medications should consult a doctor to adjust their fasting schedule.

Best MCU Locations

Tirta Medical Centre (TMC) offers a reliable solution for your Medical Check-Up needs. TMC has the best laboratories in Indonesia, with more than 30 clinics nationwide, providing comprehensive MCU services at competitive prices.

The MCU package prices at Tirta Medical Centre are as follows:

• Basic MCU Package: IDR 435,000
• General Heart Check-Up Package: IDR 1,195,000
• Diabetes MCU Package: IDR 595,000
• Cholesterol MCU Package: IDR 606,000
• Basic Premarital MCU Package (per person): IDR 1,350,000
• Premarital MCU Package for couples: IDR 2,450,000.
• Genomic Test Package: IDR 4.8 million

Prices may change. For the latest costs of medical check-up packages or to make online reservations, please contact us.

Each MCU package at TMC is equipped with modern equipment and handled by experienced medical professionals. The examination results can be relied upon as TMC laboratories are accredited and nationally recognized.

By undergoing MCU regularly and paying attention to the correct fasting procedures, you can optimally monitor your health condition.

Consult a doctor if you have medical conditions that may affect your ability to undergo an MCU fast.