Blood tests are best taken in the morning between 08:00 and 11:00 AM. For certain tests, fasting is required. Below are the test categories and the corresponding preparation instructions.

Tests that Require Fasting: • Lipid Profile • Glucose • Insulin • HOMA Index • C-peptide

Fasting Instructions: Fasting means no food for 8 hours (or 12 hours in some cases, like for lipid profile tests) after your last evening meal. Tests Recommended While Fasting: • Kidney Function Tests • Electrolytes (calcium, magnesium) • Iron • Phosphorus • Liver Function Tests • Uric Acid • Total Protein • Transferrin, etc.

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Important Considerations: • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption before blood collection. Even small amounts can cause significant changes and inaccuracies in results. • Smoking: Refrain from smoking at least one hour prior to blood collection, as smoking can reduce oxygen saturation in your blood. • Physical Exertion: Avoid physical exertion before collection. • Medications: Inform the laboratory staff if you are taking any medications, as these may affect the results. • Microbiological Tests: If undergoing microbiological tests, ensure you collect the sample before starting any antibiotic therapy. If you are already on antibiotics, inform the lab so they can adjust the test as needed.

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Glucose Measurement in Blood Serum Fasting Glucose Measurement: • Instructions: Do not consume food or drink (except water) before the test. Fasting should last for at least 8 hours after dinner. Post-Meal Glucose Measurement: • Instructions: Blood should be collected exactly 2 hours after finishing the meal. For example, if you finish breakfast at 10:00 AM, blood should be collected at 12:00 PM. Arriving 10-15 minutes before your appointment will help ensure timely collection. Glucose Tolerance Test: • Preparation: Fasting is required. The first blood sample is collected in a fasting state, followed by the patient drinking a glucose solution (75 grams of glucose for adults, or 1.75 grams per kg for children). Subsequent samples will be taken one or two hours after the glucose solution. • Important: No food or drink (except water) is allowed during the intervals.

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Glucose Tolerance Test (Gestational Diabetes Screening) • 50-gram Glucose Load: No special preparation is required. Blood is collected 1 hour after consuming the 50-gram glucose solution. • 100-gram Glucose Load: Fasting is required before the first blood sample. Subsequent samples will be taken 1, 2, and 3 hours after consuming the glucose solution.

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Urine Sample Collection Guidelines Proper collection is crucial for accurate urine test results. Please follow the guidelines below. General Instructions: • Avoid food or medications (e.g., beets, B vitamins, phenazopyridine) that can affect the sample. • Do not collect urine samples during menstruation to prevent contamination. • Physical exertion before sample collection should be avoided. • Ensure the sample reaches the laboratory within 2 hours. If there is a delay, store the sample at 2-8°C or use a chemical stabilizer.

How to Collect a Midstream Urine Sample:

1. Wash the genital area thoroughly.
2. Collect the sample in a clean, sterile container.
3. Ensure the container is clean, dry, and sterile.
4. Minimum sample volume required: 10 mL. 24-Hour Urine Collection:
5. Discard the first morning urine.
6. Collect all subsequent urine until the first morning urine the next day.
7. Avoid contamination with fecal material.
8. Store the sample in a cool, dark place in a sealed container.
9. Provide the exact volume of the sample to the laboratory. Minimum required: 10 mL.
10. Include the patient's height and weight when submitting the sample.

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Pediatric Sample Collection • Boys: After hygienic cleaning, place the genital organ into the collector and secure it with adhesive. • Girls: Attach the adhesive collector to the external genital area. Do not leave the collector on for more than 1 hour and send the sample to the laboratory immediately.

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Fecal Sample Collection Guidelines For accurate results, avoid the use of certain medications before collection, and follow these instructions: For Coprological Examinations: • Avoid medications such as laxatives, barium sulfate, or iron supplements before the test. For Occult Blood Testing: • Avoid consuming meat, fish, or green vegetables for 3 days before the test. Fecal Sample Collection Instructions: • Collect samples in a clean, dry container. • Ensure the sample does not mix with urine or genital discharge.

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Semen Sample Collection Guidelines • Abstinence: Abstain from sexual activity for 3 days before sample collection. • Collection: Collect the entire ejaculate in a sterile container. If the sample is incomplete, note it as "incomplete" and do not add from another collection. • Transport: Bring the sample to the laboratory within 30 minutes and keep it close to the body to maintain temperature.

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Sputum Sample Collection Guidelines

1. Preparation: Rinse your mouth with boiled water or a mild saline solution.
2. Collection: Cough deeply to collect the sputum directly (avoid saliva).
3. Container: Use a wide-mouthed container for collection.
4. Storage: The test should be done shortly after collection. If there is a delay, store the sample in a cool place or refrigerator.

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