--John Harris, M.D., internal medicine physician with Alegent Health Bellevue Clinic.

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Q:  When I have my cholesterol tested I have been told two different ways on how to fast. One said no food or water for 12 hours, while the other said just no food for 12 hours. Which is right and can drinking water make a difference in the results?

A: I tell my patients to fast for 12 hours prior to checking their cholesterol. This means that they shouldn’t eat or drink anything except water or black coffee. Drinking water or black coffee will not interfere with the lab results.