Pathological Test Preparation Guides for Patient:
Proper patient preparation ensures accurate and reliable test results. Follow fasting guidelines, avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and exercise, stay hydrated, inform the lab about medications, and provide fresh samples when required. Correct preparation helps your diagnostic tests reflect your true health condition.
Fasting Requirements:
- Some tests (like FBS, Lipid Profile, OGTT) require 8–12 hours fasting.
- Only water is allowed unless instructed otherwise.
Medication Guidelines:
- Patients should inform the lab about any ongoing medications or supplements.
- Some medicines may need to be paused only if doctor advises.
Hydration:
- Drink enough water before tests unless fasting is required.
- Proper hydration helps smooth blood collection.
Avoid Heavy Exercise:
- No heavy workouts, long walks, or physical stress 12–24 hours before testing.
- Exercise can affect many test results.
Avoid Alcohol, Smoking & Caffeine:
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours, and smoking or caffeine at least 2–4 hours before testing.
Diet Control Before Specific Tests:
- For lipid, glucose, and liver tests, avoid fatty, oily, sugary foods the previous night.
Timing Matters:
- Many tests require morning samples (hormone profile, thyroid tests, cortisol, etc.
Menstrual Cycle Information:
- Females should inform the lab if they are menstruating, as it affects some reports (urine, hormone tests).
Urine & Stool Sample Instructions:
- Use clean, dry containers.
- For midstream urine, do not collect the first few drops.
- Bring fresh samples to the lab within 1 hour.
Rest Before Test:
- Take 10–15 minutes rest before blood collection for accurate vitals & hormone stability.
Rest Before Test:
- Take 10–15 minutes rest before blood collection for accurate vitals & hormone stability.
Avoid Stress:
- Anxiety and stress can alter hormone, glucose, and BP-related tests.
Follow Special Instructions If Given:
- Some tests require special guidelines (24hr urine collection, semen analysis, culture tests).
- Follow them strictly for accurate results.