Your Role in Accurate Results
One of the most important factors in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your test results is you. Please follow all instructions carefully to help us provide you with the best possible care.
For Routine Blood Collection: For most tests, an overnight fast (10-12 hours of no food) is required. Tea, coffee, alcohol, and smoking are not permitted. Water is allowed.
Random blood sugar (RBS): No special preparation is needed.
Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS): An overnight fast of 8-12 hours is required. Only water is permitted.
Post–lunch blood glucose (PLBS): For diabetics, blood is collected 1.5 to 2 hours after lunch.
For routine analysis: The first morning specimen is best. Discard the initial and final portions, collecting the middle portion (midstream sample).
For 24-hour collection: Start at a specific time (e.g., 6 a.m.) by emptying your bladder and discarding that urine. Collect all urine passed thereafter for the next 24 hours, including the sample from the same time the next morning. Refrigerate the container until delivery.
For Occult Blood: Collect a separate sample from three different stools, usually on consecutive days. Do not contaminate with urine or water.
For Other Tests: Avoid antacids, anti-diarrheals, oily laxatives, Barium, or Bismuth before collection as they can interfere with results.
Rinse your mouth with water. Collect the specimen from a deep cough into a sterile container, avoiding saliva. Return the specimen to the lab as soon as possible (preferably within 30 minutes).
Refrain from sexual activity for 3 to 4 days. Collect the sample by masturbation into a screw-capped plastic container. Deliver to the lab within one hour, keeping it close to the body to maintain temperature.
Non-Pregnant: Fast for 8 hours. A fasting sample is drawn, then you'll consume a glucose drink. Blood will be drawn at intervals (e.g., every hour) for 2-4 hours.
Prenatal (Pregnant): Your physician may order a 1-hour or 3-hour test. The 1-hour test does not require fasting. The 3-hour test requires an overnight fast of at least 8 hours. Be prepared to spend the required time at the lab for these tests.
Fast for 12 to 14 hours before blood collection. This means no food or drink, except for water. Avoid oily or fatty food the day before.
Blood is typically drawn at about 8 a.m. (peak level) and again at about 4 p.m. (lower level). Your physician will provide specific instructions.
Blood should be drawn 6-8 hours after the last dose was taken. Please inform the lab of the time you took your medication.
Detailed history is required, including your age, date of birth, and recent sonography reports.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Metal objects like jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins should be removed as they can affect the images.
For Kidneys, Pelvis, Bladder: A full bladder is required. Drink 3 glasses of water one hour before the exam.
For Gallbladder, Pancreas, Abdomen: Fast for at least 6 hours before the exam.
On the day of your exam, do not apply underarm deodorant or powder from your neck to your waist. Please wear a two-piece outfit for convenience.
Do not take any vitamins or calcium supplements on the day of your exam (you may take them afterward). You may eat normally. If you have had any recent contrast studies (like a barium enema or CT with contrast), please wait at least five days before this exam.
Important: Pregnant women should not have a CT exam. Please inform us if you are pregnant.
You may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before your scan, especially if contrast material will be used. Inform your physician of any allergies (especially to contrast dye), medications, and medical conditions like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease.