For most laboratory tests, blood should be drawn in the morning on an empty stomach, 10–12 hours after the last meal. For lipid profile testing, 12–14 hours of fasting is recommended.

This is important because food intake can affect the levels of glucose, lipids, proteins, iron, and other parameters.

The day before testing:

• Eat light meals
• Avoid fatty and sugary foods
• Have your last meal no later than 6:00 PM

Before coming to the laboratory:

• Fast for 10–12 hours
• Do not consume food or beverages
• Water is allowed

Additional recommendations:

• Avoid physical activity before blood sampling, as it may affect certain enzymes
• For hormone tests such as prolactin, cortisol, ACTH, and catecholamines, it is necessary to rest for 20–30 minutes before sample collection
• The timing of blood collection for these tests is determined by the physician

Therapy:

• If you are receiving oral anticoagulant therapy, blood should be drawn in the morning and the therapy taken afterward
• For other therapies, consult your physician
• In certain cases, testing is performed after a “wash-out” period (temporary interruption of therapy), especially for iron, vitamins, and hormone tests

Single Sample

• Use the first morning urine sample
• Before collection, perform personal hygiene with warm water and soap
• Collect the midstream urine sample in a sterile container
• Deliver the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible

If immediate delivery is not possible:

• The sample may be stored in a refrigerator
• The analysis should be performed within 2 hours (maximum 4 hours if refrigerated)

24-Hour Urine Collection

• Drink approximately 1.5 liters of fluid during the day
• Discard the first morning urine and note the time
• Collect ALL urine samples during the following 24 hours
• Exactly 24 hours later, add the final sample

Important:

• Store the container in a cool and dark place
• The entire quantity must be delivered to the laboratory
• The sample should be delivered on the same day

• The test lasts 120–180 minutes
• The patient must remain at rest during the test
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed

Before the test:

• Maintain a normal diet for several days beforehand
• Avoid physical exertion
• Stop therapy that may affect glucose levels only upon physician recommendation

• Follow all preparation instructions carefully, as they directly affect the results
• If you are unsure, consult the medical staff
• Do not discontinue therapy without consulting your physician
• Inform the staff about any current therapy or medical condition
• It is recommended that tests be performed in the morning
• After sample collection, follow the instructions provided by the staff

• Results can be collected in person at the hospital reception desk
• Results may also be sent to your email address
• Turnaround time depends on the type of analysis performed