How soon after fasting should the Blood Glucose Tolerance Test be started?

The Blood Glucose Tolerance Test (BGTT) is primarily used to assess how well the body processes glucose and is crucial for diagnosing conditions like diabetes. The key aspect of this test is that it measures the body's response to glucose after a fasting period.

Starting the test immediately after fasting ensures that the results accurately reflect the body’s ability to respond to glucose without the influence of recent food intake, which can affect blood sugar levels. Typically, patients are required to fast for at least 8 hours before the test, and beginning the test immediately ensures the most reliable results, as the body has not had recent carbohydrate intake to alter glucose levels.

Other answer choices suggest starting the test after varying periods or after eating a meal, which would compromise the test's integrity and accuracy. By starting immediately after fasting, healthcare providers can assess how the body processes glucose properly, leading to effective diagnosis and management of blood glucose-related conditions.