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When you are going for a diagnostic test, it is imperative to know what preparations you have to do to ensure accurate results. The doctor will discuss with you what preparations need to be done. Make sure to follow the instructions provided to you by your doctor.

A professional technician will be in charge of the test. They will also check and verify if you have done the required preparations. To make things easier for you and the technician, here are some key points to remember before you go through with your scheduled diagnostic test.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

For a blood test:

  • Drink plenty of water. That way, you won’t have to worry about your blood pressure causing you to faint or feel dizzy.
  • Before you get your blood drawn, inform the technician if you are taking a blood-thinning medication. This way, the technician can check the puncture site if the bleeding has stopped before letting you go.

For a glucose or cholesterol test:

  • You need to fast for at least eight hours. Avoid the intake of foods or liquids, with the exception of water.
  • In the case when your attending physician does not specifically instruct you to fast before going through the test, you better eat breakfast. It will help keep your blood sugar up which, in turn, prevents dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • If fasting is not required, make sure to eat a few hours before the testing and not right before the test. Otherwise, you may feel nauseous during the test due to the food in your stomach.

Check with the doctor if it is okay to continue taking your regular medications and supplements before your scheduled diagnostic tests.

You can eat right after going through the diagnostic test. Thus, it is highly recommended to bring foods and drinks with you. That way, you can immediately eat after the test.

Just relax. If you feel anxious about your test, don’t hesitate to ask questions. To feel reassured, ask the doctor what happens before, during, and after the test.

The puncture site should no longer bleed in less than an hour. After that, you can remove your bandage.

If puncture site bleeds again, put a light pressure on it. Apply a new bandage as well.

If you see bruising around the site, apply ice.

FASTING

Most diagnostic tests require you to fast. This means no eating or drinking, with the exception of water. Here is a list of some diagnostic tests that will require you to fast a few hours before testing:

  • Vitamin K
  • Glucose testing
  • Carotene
  • Lactose
  • Lipid
  • Alpha-2 Macroglobulin
  • Calcitonin
  • Vitamin A
  • Cholesterol
  • Coenzyme Q10

BLOOD WORK TESTING

Generally, fasting is required before blood work testing. Thus, stop eating and drinking the day before the test.

There are some liquids you are allowed to take though. They are:

  • Black coffee
  • Black tea
  • Water

Avoid adding the following though:

  • Cream
  • Sugar
  • Milk

Unless your doctor advises you to, just continue taking your regular medication and supplements.

24-HOUR URINE SAMPLE

Activities you need to refrain from doing eight to twelve hours before testing:

  • Vigorous exercise
  • Drinking coffee and tea
  • Smoking

On the day of sample collection, the first morning urine should be discarded. The collection starts with the succeeding urine for the next 24 hours.
Refrigerate urine samples up until submission.

Properly label the urine collection container. Indicate your name as well as the date and time of collection.

STOOL ANALYSIS

Conditions that affect the digestive tract will require you to go through stool analysis. This test will require you to provide a stool sample.

  • There will be an indicated line at the side of the collection container. Fill the container with your stool sample up to the indicated line.
  • Label the container with your name as well as date and time of collection.

Usually, a stool analysis will be required when there is a need to test for parasites, ova, C-Diff, and Adenovirus.

CREATININE CLEARANCE (24-HOUR URINE AND BLOOD) TESTING

This test will measure the volume of urine produced by the body within 24 hours. This test will determine the amount of chemicals such as protein and creatinine released into the urine.

  • If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform the doctor.
  • Inform the doctor if you are taking supplements or prescription medicines. Some supplements and prescriptions can affect your test results.
  • On the first day of the 24-hour period, don’t collect your first morning urine. The first morning urine of the second day should be collected, though.
  • Label the container with your name as well as date and time of collection.
  • Make sure you understand and follow the doctor’s instructions for the test.

PER PLASMA AND RBC TEST

If you are scheduled for a Copper Plasma and RBC Test, here are the preparations you should do:

  • Avoid taking vitamins seven days before the testing.
  • Tell the doctor if you are on a prescription.

CADMIUM TESTING

Cadmium is one of the many poisonous elements that we should be wary of. Inhaling dust laden with cadmium can lead to conditions such as kidney and respiratory tract problems. Ingesting cadmium can lead to poisoning and liver damage.

Cadmium testing will be required if you show the following symptoms several hours after exposure:

  • Cough
  • Dryness
  • Nose and throat irritation
  • Dizziness
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Chest pain
  • Headache

NOTE: Avoid eating seafood three days before the date of your scheduled test.

VITAMIN & NUTRITIONAL TESTING

Vitamins and minerals are required by the body to function properly. However, too much or too little of them can negatively impact the body. Certain diagnostic tests can determine your body’s current vitamin and nutritional composition.

For Vitamins C, B6, Chromium, and Calcium testing, we urge patients to stop taking their vitamins at least 24 hours before. Drinking alcohol is also prohibited alongside the supplements mentioned above.