American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

For a glucose tolerance test, proper preparation is crucial to ensure accurate results. The correct answer highlights that fasting for more than 14 hours prior to the test is not required. In fact, fasting typically needs to be limited to a timeframe of at least 8 hours but less than 14 hours. This balance of fasting is designed to establish baseline glucose levels without extending the fasting period too long, which could artificially lower the glucose levels. Additionally, while the patient should maintain a normal diet for several days preceding the test to ensure that the test reflects their typical glucose metabolism, the emphasis here is on avoiding an excessive fasting period. A more extended fasting may lead to a depletion of glycogen stores, skewing the test results and making it less reliable for diagnosing potential glucose handling issues. Therefore, adherence to these guidelines regarding fasting duration and dietary habits is essential for planning and executing a glucose tolerance test effectively.