What is considered an empty stomach?

Being considered empty stomach refers to the state of the digestive system where there is no food or drink in the stomach or small intestine. It is typically advised to eat or drink nothing for a certain amount of time before certain medical tests or procedures, such as blood glucose tests, colonoscopies, and surgeries. This is because food and drink in the digestive system can affect the accuracy of the test results or increase the risk of complications during the procedure. The duration of fasting required to achieve an empty stomach varies depending on the procedure and the individual's age, health status, and medications. Typically, fasting between six and eight hours is sufficient for most medical tests and procedures that require an empty stomach.