I would like to know if the cholesterol readings
taken after food (without 12 hour fast) are valid?
If not, what is the approximate adjustment value
we need to add/subtract from these readings
to get the correct values?
Eating before a test has little or no effect on your HDL and total Cholesterol readings. What is affected is your Triglyceride readings. Since your LDL's are computed using your Triglyceride numbers they will be affected also. That's why you are directed to fast before a cholesterol test. There is no formula to convert from non-fasting to fasting.
[This message has been edited by jim5554 (edited 08-29-2002).]
You need to fast a MINIMUM of 12 hours.I usually fast 14 hours and I manage to get pretty accurate readings.
ANother thing you need to do is be consistent in your arm placement.Different positions will affect the readings.