NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Foundational Knowledge and Basic ScienceHard
A medical assistant is drawing blood for a lipid panel. The patient asks why they are required to fast overnight. The medical assistant should explain that fasting is necessary to ensure the accurate measurement of which of the following components?
- ATotal protein
- BWhite blood cell count
- CBlood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- DTriglycerides
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Triglycerides
Fasting is essential for a lipid panel, particularly to obtain an accurate triglyceride level. Triglycerides are highly influenced by recent food intake, so fasting provides a baseline measurement that is not skewed by a recent meal.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Total protein levels are generally not significantly affected by short-term food intake, so fasting isn't typically required.
- B. White blood cell count is part of a CBC and is not affected by fasting or recent food intake.
- C. BUN measures kidney function and is not primarily affected by recent food intake, though diet can have long-term effects.
Fasting for Lipid Panel
The requirement to abstain from food and caloric beverages (usually 9-12 hours) before a lipid panel blood test to ensure accurate measurement of blood lipid levels, especially triglycerides.
- Primary reason: accurate triglyceride measurement.
- Water is usually permitted.
- Fasting also aids in more stable glucose readings.
Memory trick: Triglycerides Tangle with Tummy's Treats, so Take a break!