Test Preparation Guidelines
Proper preparation for medical tests is essential for accurate results. Follow these guidelines to ensure your test results are as accurate as possible.
General Guidelines
- 1Follow fasting instructions carefully
If your test requires fasting, do not eat or drink anything except water for the specified period (usually 8-12 hours).
- 2Stay hydrated
Unless instructed otherwise, drink plenty of water before your test. This makes blood collection easier and helps with urine samples.
- 3Inform us about medications
Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are taking. Some may need to be temporarily stopped before certain tests.
- 4Avoid strenuous exercise
Avoid vigorous physical activity for 24 hours before your test, as it can affect certain test results.
- 5Avoid alcohol and smoking
Refrain from alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours and smoking for at least 1 hour before your test.
Specific Test Preparations
Blood Tests
- Lipid Profile: Fast for 9-12 hours before the test. Water is allowed.
- Blood Glucose: Fast for 8-12 hours for fasting glucose. For glucose tolerance test, follow specific instructions provided.
- Liver Function Tests: Fast for 8 hours before the test. Water is allowed.
- Thyroid Tests: No special preparation required, but morning samples are preferred.
- Hormone Tests: Timing may be important for some hormone tests, especially for women. Follow specific instructions provided.
Urine Tests
- Urinalysis: Collect a midstream sample in the sterile container provided.
- 24-Hour Urine Collection: Follow the specific instructions provided for collection, storage, and transportation.
- Urine Culture: Clean the genital area thoroughly before collection to avoid contamination.
Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound: For abdominal ultrasound, fast for 8-12 hours. For pelvic ultrasound, a full bladder may be required.
- X-Ray: Wear comfortable clothing without metal objects. Inform us if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
- ECG: No special preparation required, but avoid applying lotions or oils on your chest.
Fasting Tests
Tests That Require Fasting
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Tests)
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- Glucose Tolerance Test
- Liver Function Tests
- Renal Function Tests
- Iron Studies
- Certain Hormone Tests
- Abdominal Ultrasound
Fasting Guidelines
- Do not eat or drink anything except water for the specified period (usually 8-12 hours).
- Water is allowed and encouraged to stay hydrated.
- Avoid coffee, tea, juice, and other beverages during the fasting period.
- Do not chew gum or eat mints during the fasting period.
- Take medications as prescribed unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
- Schedule your appointment in the morning to minimize the fasting period.
Special Instructions for Children
- •Fasting for children
Fasting periods may be shorter for children. Follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.
- •Prepare your child
Explain the procedure in simple terms. Bring a favorite toy or book to help distract them during the test.
- •Hydration is important
Ensure your child is well-hydrated before the test, especially if fasting is required.
- •Comfort after the test
Bring a snack for your child to eat immediately after the test if they have been fasting.
Special Instructions for Elderly
- •Medication management
Consult with your doctor about which medications to take or skip before the test, especially for diabetes medications.
- •Hydration
Elderly patients should pay special attention to staying hydrated before tests, even during fasting periods (water is allowed).
- •Assistance
Consider bringing a family member or caregiver to assist during the test and to help remember instructions.
- •Schedule wisely
Schedule appointments during the morning when energy levels are typically higher.
Specific Test Preparation Guidelines
Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- No special preparation required
- Inform us about any medications you are taking
- Morning appointments are preferred
Lipid Profile
- Fast for 9-12 hours before the test
- Avoid fatty foods for 24 hours before the test
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test
- Maintain your usual diet for 2 weeks before the test
Urine Tests
Routine Urinalysis
- Collect a midstream urine sample in the sterile container provided
- Avoid contamination with toilet paper or stool
- Deliver the sample to the laboratory within 1 hour
- Inform staff if you are menstruating
24-Hour Urine Collection
- Use the special container provided by the laboratory
- Discard the first morning urine, then collect all urine for the next 24 hours
- Keep the container refrigerated during collection
- Return the container to the laboratory as soon as the collection is complete
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound
- For abdominal ultrasound: Fast for 8-12 hours before the test
- For pelvic ultrasound: Drink 4-6 glasses of water 1 hour before and do not urinate
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Remove jewelry and metal objects from the area being examined
X-Ray
- Inform staff if you are or might be pregnant
- Remove all metal objects, jewelry, and watches
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners
- Follow any specific instructions for your particular X-ray
Need More Information?
If you have questions about how to prepare for a specific test or need additional information, please contact us. Our staff is available to provide detailed instructions for your particular test.