Dear patients,
In order to obtain accurate laboratory results, your adequate preparation is of great importance.
The food, coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, physiological cycle in women, physical activity are some of the factors that can strongly affect the accuracy of the results, so please follow the instructions below.
General instructions for adults:
- Blood sampling time is from 7 to 9am (for the largest number of analyses) It is necessary not to take a food for 12 hours before blood sampling (light dinner) In the morning, before blood sampling, you should not consume cigarettes, coffee, or tea. Water is allowed. 24 hours before blood sampling, it is necessary to avoid consuming aclohol. Inform the laboratory assistant at the reception the possible consumption of medicines or dietary supplements. Avoid a heavy physical activity 2-3 days before blood sampling
General instructions for children: Blood sampling time is from 7 to 9am (for the largest number of analyses) For newborns and children up to 2 years old, it is recommended not to take a food at least 2-4 hours before blood sampling. Blood is taken just before the next meal.
Lipid blood test - Lipid status: Blood sampling time is from 7 to 9am. It is necessary for the patient to not take a food for 12-16 hours before blood sampling (minimum 9-12 hours), and not to consume alcohol 7 days before blood sampling (minimum 3 days). In the morning, before blood sampling, you should not consume cigarettes, coffee, or tea. Water is allowed. At least 2 weeks before determining the lipid status, you should not follow a diet. Inform the laboratory assistant at the reception the possible consumption of medicines or dietary supplements.
Sample preparation for the complete urine testing - the first morning urine
The first morning urine should be collected after an 8-hour night's rest, and at least 4 hours after the last urination during the night, before breakfast and other activities. Take the first morning urine (medium stream) in a sterile container, after performing hygiene of the urogenital region with warm water. Bring the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible (2 hours) or store it in the refrigerator until it arrives at the laboratory. (max. 4 hours). The middle stream of urine should be collected by urinating the first stream into the toilet, then about 30-50ml of urine is collected into a sterile bottle, and the excess is urinating into the toilet. The outside of the vial is wiped, the lid is tightly closed and it is delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible (max. 2 hours after urine collection or 4 hours if the urine is stored in the refrigerator). Women should not collect urine during menstruation. Avoid intense physical activity. Sample preparation for the complete urine testing – for children: Do not collect a urine sample by pouring it from the "potty" into a sterile urine bottle. For babies and small children, use Pediatric urine collection bags. In children who can carry out urine sampling like adults, perform hygiene like adults, then put a sterile bottle for urine in the front part of the potty (so that it touches the front wall), place the child on the potty. After urinating, wipe the outside of the urine bottle, tightly close the lid and deliver it to the laboratory as soon as possible (max. 2 hours, or 4 hours if the sample is stored in the refrigerator).
Collection of all-day urine sample - 24h urine: Keep the hygiene of the urogenital zone with warm water every time you collect urine within 24 hours. Urine should be collected in graduated, plastic bottles (2-3L) obtained from a healthcare facility or clean glass bottles, and never urinate directly into the bottle. Collected urine should be stored in a dark and cool place. If necessary, a preservative is poured into the bottle. Throw away the first portion of urine in the morning and record the time. Collect all urine during the day and night in a bottle. Put the first morning portion of urine from the next day into the bottle and complete the urine collection. Exactly 24 hours from the beginning of the collection, completely empty the bladder and combine all the urine. The patient needs to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water (about 1.5L) during those 24 hours.
Preparation for Glucose tolerance test (OGTT test):
The test is performed in the morning, after 12-16 hours of fasting (no more than 16 hours), but with normal consumption of water and unsweetened tea. Before performing the test, the patient must not be exposed to intense physical activities. 3 days before the test, the patient must eat a normal diet or a diet saturated with carbohydrates (minimum 150 g of carbohydrates per day, e.g. bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc.). The test is not performed 3 days before and 3 days after menstruation, nor after a sleepless night. During the test (120-180 min), the patient should rest, not smoke, eat or drink. The test is not performed in patients suffering from diabetes or is interrupted when the glucose in the zero sample is above 8.0 mmol/L.
Preparation for determination of thyroid hormones: It is recommended that the blood be sampled in the morning (until 11 am). It is necessary for the patient to avoid physical exertion and strain, and to take substitution therapy after blood sampling. Avoid a higher intake of foods rich in Iodine (onions, crabs, mushrooms, eggs, pineapple). Inform the laboratory assistant at the reception the possible consumption of medicines or dietary supplements.
Preparation for determination of PSA: Before giving a blood sample, at least 3 days should pass since the last examination of the prostate (either RTG or medical ultrasonography). 
IMPORTANT NOTE: after removing the needle from the vein, KEEP YOUR ARM EXTENDED AND PRESS A COTTON OVER THE INJECTION SITE FOR THE NEXT 5 MIN. in order to achieve a complete stoppage of bleeding and to avoid formation of bruises.
Preparation of patients for bacteriological analysis: It is advised that sampling for bacteriological testing be carried out before starting antibiotic therapy. If the patient has used a local antiseptic or antibiotic, at least 12 hours must pass before the sample is taken. Take a control sample after antibiotic therapy at least 5 - 7 days after the end of therapy. When taking a urine sample, after using the toilet, take a medium stream of urine. Bring the sample in a sterile container or in an uricult (Urinary Tract Infections).