Do I need to fast before my blood tests or my procedure?

Water is allowed and encouraged: drink plenty of water from the moment you wake up until you arrive at the clinic. We do not want you to fast for too long, so plan to arrive in the morning, and if your flight lands later, have a light meal early so you do not go much more than about 8 hours without food. If you take heart medicine or other controlled medications, tell us, since they can usually be continued. If you have diabetes or feel unwell without food, let us know in advance so the team can schedule your tests or your application as early as possible.

Fasting is a simple instruction, but it raises practical questions, especially for patients who are traveling. This guide explains why we ask you to fast, how long, what you can drink, how to plan around your flight and what to do if you take medication or have diabetes.

Why fasting matters

For your blood tests

On your arrival day, you have a set of laboratory tests: a complete blood count, a comprehensive metabolic panel, a urinalysis and tumor markers. Some of these results, especially blood sugar and blood fats, change after a meal. Fasting gives the doctor accurate results, so your evaluation reflects your real health and your plan can be confirmed with confidence.

For your procedure

On your treatment day, many direct injection procedures are performed with sedation for your comfort and so you stay still while the doctor works with precision. Arriving with an empty stomach is a standard safety measure for any procedure with sedation, because it lowers the risk of nausea and of stomach contents going into the airway. In our pre-treatment instructions, we ask every patient to be fasting on the morning of the procedure.

How long should I fast?

Our goal is to have you fasting, but not for longer than needed:

• Have your last meal the night before, or a light meal early in the morning if your schedule requires it.
• Avoid fasting much more than about 8 hours. Long fasting can make you feel dizzy, weak or unwell, especially while traveling.
• Arrive in the morning. We recommend arriving at the San Diego airport between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, or at the clinic between 8:00 am and 11:00 am. The earlier, the better.

Example

A patient whose flight lands at 11:00 am was advised to eat no later than 5:00 am and to keep sipping water during the flight. This kept the fasting period reasonable while still arriving fasting for the blood tests.

If your flight lands later, tell your advisor. The team can adjust your pick-up time and will tell you exactly when to have your last meal.

What can I drink?

• Water: yes. Drink plenty of water from the moment you wake up until you arrive at the clinic. Good hydration makes the blood draw and the IV line easier and helps you feel well.
• Other drinks: avoid them on fasting mornings. Coffee, juice, milk and soft drinks count as food for fasting purposes. Carbonated soft drinks are also on the list of things to avoid during the week before your procedure.

What about my medications?

• Heart medicine and other controlled medications can usually be continued up to the day of your procedure. Tell us what you take, and the doctor will confirm whether to take your morning dose with a sip of water.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers and natural anti-inflammatory supplements should already be paused before your procedure, as explained in your pre-treatment instructions.
• Never stop a prescribed medication on your own, especially blood thinners or prescribed aspirin. Ask the medical team first.

If you have diabetes

Fasting requires extra care if you have diabetes:

• Tell your advisor when you book, and include your diabetes medication in your medication list.
• The doctor may adjust the timing or dose of some medications on fasting mornings to avoid low blood sugar.
• Bring a source of sugar, such as glucose tablets, in case you feel symptoms of low blood sugar, and tell the team immediately if you feel shaky, sweaty or confused.
• Ask for an early time for your tests and procedure, so your fasting period is as short as possible.

If you feel unwell without food

Some people feel lightheaded, nauseous or get headaches when they skip meals. If this happens to you, tell us in advance. The team can schedule your tests or your application as early as possible and give you specific instructions. On the day, tell the nurses if you feel unwell.

Tips for a comfortable fasting morning

• Drink water before bed and as soon as you wake up, and carry a bottle of water while you travel.
• Eat a balanced dinner the night before, following the pre-treatment diet: lean proteins, vegetables, rice or whole grains, without dairy, fatty or fried foods.
• Pack a light snack for after your blood draw on arrival day, such as fruit or crackers.
• Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, since fasting can make some people feel cold.
• Get up slowly if you feel lightheaded, and tell the team right away.
• Avoid heavy physical activity on fasting mornings, such as a workout before your flight.

These small steps make the morning easier, especially when travel and fasting happen on the same day.

When can I eat again?

• On your arrival day: you can eat after your blood draw. Many patients bring a snack for after the tests.
• On your treatment day: you can eat after the procedure, once the medical team confirms you are ready. You spend the night at our facilities under nursing and medical monitoring.

After your treatment, we suggest you continue the pre-treatment diet for at least 4 weeks for better results: avoid dairy, fatty, fried and breaded foods, and keep drinking plenty of water.

Do all procedures require fasting?

The fasting instructions in this guide apply to our stem cell treatments. Some other procedures, such as certain standalone PRP or hair treatments, may have different instructions, and in some cases patients are asked not to fast. Always follow the written instructions your advisor sends you for your specific treatment.

Your arrival day, step by step

1. Wake up and drink water. Do not eat if your arrival time allows a reasonable fasting period.
2. Travel to San Diego, ideally arriving between 8:00 am and 10:00 am.
3. Pick-up and transfer to our facilities in Tijuana, if transportation is part of your plan.
4. Blood draw for your laboratory tests.
5. Eat a snack, if the team confirms your samples are complete.
6. Medical forms, payment and your in-person consultation with the doctor and the stem cell specialist.
7. Rest at your hotel.

Your treatment day, step by step

1. Wake up fasting and drink plenty of water.
2. Arrive at the clinic in the morning.
3. Procedure, a direct injection, with sedation when indicated, or a calm IV infusion.
4. Recovery and food once the team confirms you are ready; meals are not included, so plan with your companion or bring a light meal.
5. Overnight stay under nursing and medical monitoring.

Common questions

Can I brush my teeth? Yes. Brushing your teeth is fine on fasting mornings.

Can I chew gum? It is better to avoid it on fasting mornings.

Can I take my vitamins? Wait until after your blood draw or procedure, unless the doctor tells you otherwise.

What if I ate by mistake? Tell the team as soon as you arrive. Your tests or procedure may need to be rescheduled to later in the day, or the doctor will tell you the safest option.

Do I need to fast for an IV treatment? Yes. The instructions apply to our stem cell treatments in general, including your blood tests on arrival.

Questions to ask your advisor

• What time should I arrive, and when should I eat my last meal?
• Should I take my morning medications on fasting days?
• How should I manage my diabetes medication?
• When can I eat after my procedure?

Bottom line

Come fasting on the morning of your blood tests and on the morning of your procedure, drink plenty of water and avoid fasting much more than about 8 hours by arriving early or having a light meal early in the morning. Tell us about your medications and any condition, such as diabetes, so the team can plan your schedule safely. Always follow the written instructions for your specific treatment. A medical evaluation can help determine whether this type of regenerative treatment is appropriate for your condition, goals and medical history.