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PATIENT INFORMATION

Can I have tea or coffee?

Tea or coffee without milk may count as a clear liquid under many fasting protocols.

Milk and creamer

Rules differ for milk or creamer, including small quantities. Milk takes longer to leave the stomach than clear liquids, so many hospitals treat tea or coffee with milk differently. Do not assume a small amount of milk is allowed unless your instructions say so.

Sugar and sweeteners

Sugar alone does not necessarily make a drink non-clear, but the hospital’s permitted-drinks list takes priority.

Regular coffee or tea drinkers

If you normally drink a lot of tea or coffee, stopping suddenly can cause a headache. If black tea or coffee is permitted under your instructions, this may help. If it is not permitted, mention it to the team, especially if a headache develops.

What to follow

Follow the drink, quantity and timing instructions supplied for your procedure. Do not change your fasting plan because another hospital or website uses a different definition.