Are Laboratory Tests Permissible While Fasting?

With the arrival of the Holy month of Ramadan festivities are all around, suhoor and iftar preparations become ourpriority, in all of this hustle and bustle, our health is what remains one of the concerns. 

A lot of people have concerns regarding various screening tests services. We would like to answer all the concerns on the occasion of Ramadan. Following are the concerns:

Does a blood test invalidate your fast?

Because the blood is only a small amount, drawing a few vials of blood for testing purposes does not invalidate the fast.

If it was a bigger amount, such as in cupping or blood donation, the fast would be broken.

Including drawing blood to check sugar levels.

Injections?

During a fast, any form of injection, whether intravenous or intramuscular, is allowed EXCEPT those that deliver nutrients to the body and act as food and energy indirectly. 

Eyedrops Ear drops are permissible to use but care needs to be taken as to not swallow anything if it reaches the throat.

Nose drops or sprays?

Because nasal drops frequently reach the back of the throat, they are not permitted to be used when fasting.

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“Nose drops are not permissible, because the nose is an opening through which food and drink may enter the body. 

Hence the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Snuff water up into the nose deeply, UNLESS you are fasting.” 

The one who does that has to make up the fast because of this hadeeth and similar reports if he finds the taste of that in his throat.”

Ultrasound?

Ultrasound and X-ray have no influence on the fast in and of itself. However, if the ultrasound test needs you to drink a lot of water before the test, it is preferable to postpone the exam until after Ramadhaan. If at all possible, postpone it until after maghrib.

If you need to drink water for the test, though, you may break your fast for that day if it's an 

emergency.

At the gynaecologist's office:

Pap smears, gynaecological exams, insertion or extraction of IUD etc do NOT break the fast. 

And ghusl is NOT required after such procedures. At the dentist's office:

Dental treatment in Ramadan:

Dental procedures like tooth extractions, root canals, fillings, cleaning, polishing the teeth etc. do NOT invalidate the fast, in and of themselves. But if water goes into the throat, it will invalidate the fast. So be careful not to swallow any water or rinsing material used during the procedure. Dental services can be availed after iftar.

Fasting and inhalers

If someone suffers from asthma or other diseases where inhalers are used, they’re allowed to use them and this does not break their fast. That’s because the medicine is going into their lungs and not into their stomach. 

As for nebulizers and steam, there’s a difference of opinion among scholars about that.

The scholars said that steam will break the fast if the steam is a LOT and you find it in the form of water in your nose or mouth. But if it’s a small amount, it does not break the fast. So it’s best to avoid inhaling steam to be on the safe side. 

However, it is permissible to apply balm or a similar substance near the nose area (without steam).

Fasting and sublingual medicines

Any medicine taken under the tongue (for example, for chest pain) is permitted during fasting because it is absorbed through the mouth membrane rather than the stomach.

 

Dr Essa Lab is offering their services in Ramadan 24/7 with a 20% discount on online booking of the tests. You can avail our services with a free dental consultation and a 40% discount on services. Visit our nearest branch or book your online test or appointment now. For more info call on our UAN: 111-786-986. (Terms and Conditions Apply)

Reference: Islaamic Fiqh Council.

---