Apollo Diagnostics | NABL-Certified Lab | Home Collection Available | Digital Reports on WhatsApp
What is a Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test?
The Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test is a simple yet vital blood test used to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood after an overnight fast. This test is the primary screening tool for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes. By checking glucose levels when the body is at rest and unaffected by recent meals, an FBS test provides a clear baseline of how effectively your body regulates sugar through insulin.
⚠ Important: A fasting period of 8 to 12 hours is mandatory before this test. Only water is allowed during the fasting period. Please do not eat, drink tea or coffee, or take medications before your sample is collected.
The Importance of Diabetes Screening
An FBS test is often the first step in preventive health management. Early detection is critical for several reasons:
- Identifying Prediabetes — Spotting elevated sugar levels before they progress to Type 2 diabetes allows for timely lifestyle interventions
- Monitoring Treatment — For diagnosed diabetics, regular FBS testing helps assess if medication or diet plans are working effectively
- Symptom Investigation — Recommended if you experience increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or blurred vision
- Routine Checkups — Essential for individuals over 35 or those with a family history of diabetes or metabolic disorders
Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Range
| FBS Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 100 mg/dL | Normal — healthy blood sugar |
| 100 – 125 mg/dL | Prediabetes — impaired fasting glucose |
| 126 mg/dL or above | Diabetes — confirmed on two separate tests |
| Below 70 mg/dL | Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar |
Your doctor will interpret your FBS result alongside your symptoms and medical history.
When is an FBS Test Recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a Fasting Blood Sugar test if you experience:
- Increased thirst or frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Blurred vision or fatigue
- Slow healing of wounds or infections
- Family history of diabetes
- Obesity or sedentary lifestyle
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Routine annual health checkup for those over 35
- Gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy
What Conditions Does FBS Help Diagnose?
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Prediabetes (Impaired Fasting Glucose)
- Gestational Diabetes (during pregnancy)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
FBS vs PPBS vs HbA1c — What is the Difference?
| Test | What it Measures | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FBS | Blood sugar after 8–12 hours fasting | Diagnosis and daily monitoring |
| PPBS | Blood sugar 2 hours after a meal | Checking post-meal glucose control |
| HbA1c | Average blood sugar over 3 months | Long-term diabetes management |
| Random Blood Sugar | Blood sugar at any time of day | Quick screening without fasting |
FBS Test Price in Kolkata
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test Price: ₹85
Fasting of 8–12 hours required | Results within a few hours | Free home collection above ₹2,000
Fasting of 8–12 hours required | Results within a few hours | Free home collection above ₹2,000
Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside FBS
If your FBS is outside the normal range, your doctor may suggest:
- HbA1c — confirms long-term average blood sugar control over 3 months
- Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) — checks glucose 2 hours after eating
- Fasting Insulin — assesses insulin resistance
- Lipid Profile — diabetics are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease
- Kidney Function Test (KFT) — checks for early diabetic kidney damage
- Urine Microalbumin — detects early diabetic nephropathy
Home Collection for FBS Test in Kolkata
Apollo Diagnostics provides early morning home blood sample collection for FBS tests across North and Central Kolkata. Our phlebotomists are available from 7:00 AM to ensure you can get your fasting sample collected before breaking your fast.
- Home collection available: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Daily
- Early morning slots ideal for fasting tests
- Free home collection on orders above ₹2,000
- Digital reports delivered to WhatsApp within a few hours
Quick Links
→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages
→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the FBS test used for?
The Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test measures glucose levels in the blood after an 8–12 hour fast. It is the primary screening tool for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes, and is also used to monitor blood sugar control in diagnosed diabetics.
Q2. What is the normal fasting blood sugar level?
A normal fasting blood sugar level is below 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100–125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes. A reading of 126 mg/dL or above on two separate tests confirms diabetes. Below 70 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Q3. How many hours of fasting is required for FBS test?
A fasting period of 8 to 12 hours is required before the FBS test. Only water is allowed during the fasting period. Avoid tea, coffee, juices, medications and food until after your sample is collected.
Q4. What is the FBS test price at Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?
The Fasting Blood Sugar test price at Apollo Diagnostics is ₹85. Home collection is available free on orders above ₹2,000.
Q5. Can I drink water before the FBS test?
Yes. You can and should drink plain water during the fasting period before an FBS test. However, avoid tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks and any food or medications until after your sample is collected.
Q6. What is the difference between FBS, PPBS and HbA1c?
FBS measures blood sugar after fasting and is used for diagnosis and daily monitoring. PPBS measures blood sugar 2 hours after a meal and checks post-meal glucose control. HbA1c measures average blood sugar over the past 3 months and is used for long-term diabetes management. Doctors often order all three together for a complete picture.
Q7. Is home collection available for FBS test in Kolkata?
Yes. Apollo Diagnostics provides early morning home blood sample collection for FBS tests across Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Satgachi, Baguiati, Lake Town, Bangur, Kaikhali, Sealdah, Entally, Phoolbagan, Tangra and surrounding areas. Our phlebotomists are available from 7:00 AM for fasting tests. Book by calling or WhatsApping +91 8660434628.
Q8. How long does it take to get FBS test results?
FBS test results are typically ready within a few hours of sample collection. Reports are delivered digitally to your WhatsApp or email.
Q9. Can a single high FBS result confirm diabetes?
No. A single elevated FBS result is not sufficient to confirm diabetes. Diabetes is confirmed when two separate fasting blood sugar tests on different days both show readings of 126 mg/dL or above. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Q10. Which centre processes my FBS sample in Kolkata?
All samples collected across North and Central Kolkata are processed at Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar — Nandarani Apartment, 8A Narasingha Avenue, Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata 700074. Our lab is NABL-certified and ISO-certified.
No comments:
Post a Comment