Abstaining from food or fluids (except water) for a specified amount of time before collection is __________.

• A. Hydration
• B. Starvation
• C. Dehydration
• D. Fasting

Answer: (D)

Fasting is the term used when a patient abstains from any caloric intake and non-water fluids for a defined period before collecting a sample. This practice minimizes the effect of recent meals on test results, which is why it’s required for tests like fasting glucose and lipid panels. Hydration refers to having enough fluids in the body and isn’t the situation described. Dehydration is a state of insufficient body fluids, not the preparation before collection. Starvation implies not eating for a prolonged time, which is more extreme than the typical pre-test requirement. Because the scenario specifies abstaining from food and fluids except water for a set time to prepare for collection, fasting is the correct term.