Preparing for tests

Each test’s page says how to prepare for it. Here the rules are grouped by kind of test, and below you can pick a few tests and see one rule for all of them: the strictest wins.

Tests on an empty stomach

Sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney values change after a meal. So blood is given in the morning, 8 to 12 hours after the last meal.

Water is fine, still or plain. No tea, coffee, juice, gum or sweets.
Have a light supper; no alcohol and no fatty food the day before.
No smoking and no exercise in the morning.
Sit for 10–15 minutes after you arrive, then give blood.

Tests with this rule

12 hours fasting

CHOL, HDL, LDL, TG, LIPID

8–10 hours fasting

ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, BIL, CREA, UREA, UA, Ca, Mg, GLU, INS, C-PEP, OGTT, PRL, CORT, B12, B9, FERR, Fe, PT/INR, APTT, FIB, D-dimer, COAG, PSA, CEA, CA-125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, AFP

4 hours after a meal

CBC, ESR, RET, SMEAR, CRP, Na/K/Cl, TSH, FT4, FT3, Anti-TPO, FSH, LH, E2, PRG, TESTO, β-hCG, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV Ag/Ab, TP-Ab, H. pylori IgG, Toxo IgG, Rubella IgG, Measles IgG, RF, HBV DNA, HCV RNA, IgE, FOOD-20, INH-20

No fasting needed

ABO/Rh, HbA1c, AMH, 25-OH D, HPV, C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, STI-7, URINE, URC, mALB, COPRO, O&P, FIT, ENT, KIDS-20

Hormones: the hour and the cycle day

Many hormones change over the day, and female hormones depend on the day of the cycle. So the time is part of the result.

In the morning, before a set hour

The sample is taken before 09:00

CORT

The sample is taken before 10:00

OGTT, TSH, FT4, FT3, Fe

The sample is taken before 11:00

INS, C-PEP, FSH, LH, E2, PRG, PRL, TESTO

On a set day of the cycle

Day 3–5 of the cycle

FSH, LH, E2, PRL

Day 19–21 of the cycle

PRG

Day 1 of the cycle is the first day of your period. If your cycle is short or long, check the day with your doctor.

Urine

For urinalysis and a urine culture we take the first urine after you wake up.

Take a sterile cup free at any branch, or buy one at a pharmacy.
After washing, let the first part go into the toilet and collect the middle part in the cup.
Close the cup and bring it to a branch within 2 hours; if you have to wait, keep it in the fridge.
Not during a period; 2 days after it ends.

Tests with this rule

URINE, URC, mALB

Stool

Stool tests need a sterile cup with a spoon: we give one free at any branch.

No laxatives or suppositories for 3 days.
Pass stool into a clean container or onto paper, then spoon it into the sterile cup, with no urine in it.
Bring the cup within 3 hours.
The occult blood test needs no diet; do not give it during a period.

Tests with this rule

COPRO, O&P, FIT, ENT

Swabs (PCR)

Swabs for sexually transmitted infections and HPV are taken at a branch by a nurse or a doctor.

Come at least 14 days after antibiotics.
Not during a period; 2 days after it ends.
Do not pass urine for 2 hours before the sample.
No douching, suppositories or vaginal creams for 2 days.

Tests with this rule

HPV, C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, STI-7

Children

A child under 18 comes with a parent or legal guardian, who signs the consent form. Bring the child’s birth certificate or ID card.

Tell the child calmly beforehand what will happen: instead of “it won’t hurt”, say “it will sting a little and be over quickly”.
For fasting tests, check with your doctor how long the child should go without food; for babies, blood is usually taken before the next feed.
Give water: blood is easier to take from a child who has had a drink.
Bring a favourite toy. At branches with a children’s room the nurses are used to working with children.

Branches with a children’s room

Narimanov, Elmlar Akademiyasi, Khatai, Memar Ajami, Sumgait

Medicines

Do not stop a medicine your doctor prescribed on your own. When you give blood, tell the nurse what you take.

Take your thyroid pill that morning after the blood test.
No biotin (B7) or vitamin mixes with it for 2 days: it changes hormone results.
If you take a blood thinner (warfarin, heparin), say the dose and when you last took it.
Cultures and PCR tests are given at least 14 days after antibiotics.

Check the preparation for your order

Choose the tests: we show one rule for everything you chose, the strictest on each point.

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Questions

Can I drink water before a fasting test?

Yes, plain still water is fine and even helps. No tea, coffee, juice or gum.

Can I come after 11:00?

For fasting tests, yes, if you have gone 8 to 12 hours without food. But TSH, cortisol, iron and female hormones are taken before a set hour: each test’s page gives it.

Can I give blood when I have a cold?

You can, but an infection can change the complete blood count, ESR and CRP. If your doctor wants a check-up, come 2 weeks after you recover.

Can I give blood after exercise?

Leave at least a day after hard exercise: muscle enzymes, creatinine and potassium go up. An ordinary walk during the day does not change the result.

Do I need to fast for vitamin D?

No. Vitamin D, HbA1c, blood group and AMH can be given at any time of day, after a meal too.

Is preparation different in pregnancy?

The rules are the same. If fasting for long is hard, choose the first time, 07:30, and bring food with you: you can eat right after the blood test.

The laboratory does not diagnose or prescribe. The doctor who sent you reads the result.

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