Abstract: Background: To determine serum lipid profiles, fasting blood samples have traditionally been used as the most reliable method. However, fasting can pose significant challenges, particularly for children, and individuals associated with diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and it also serves as a barrier to widespread population screening. Therefore, our study aims to assess the validity of lipid profile results obtained from non-fasting blood samples by comparing them with those derived from fasting blood samples.

Objectives: To evaluate whether there is any change in the measurement of lipid profile in fastingversus non-fasting states

Material and Methods: This study included about 98 patients at Medanta from October to December 2024. Fasting and random blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, including serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL, in the clinical biochemistry laboratory using Vitros dry chemistry autoanalyzers. Serum values from fasting and Postprandial lipid profiles were obtained, compared, and correlated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 32, employing paired sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The comparison of lipid profiles between fasting and non-fasting states revealed a significant difference in triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels (p < 0.001). Mean TG and VLDL levels were higher in the non-fasting state (152.84 ± 58.3 mg/dL and 30.56 ± 11.54 mg/dL, respectively) compared to the fasting state (135.04 ± 46.9 mg/dL and 19.63 ± 11.6 mg/dL, respectively).  A significant level of correlation was observed (r > 0.936, p < 0.001) between fasting and non-fasting samples across all lipid parameters.

Conclusion: Our study concludes that non-fasting lipid profiles are better for patient convenience while providing comparable diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for monitoring and treating dyslipidaemias. Further research is needed to establish non-fasting reference intervals in a larger population.