Preparation for Laboratory Tests

Most materials for laboratory tests can be submitted at any time of the day, except those that require fasting or as directed by the attending physician.
Tests requiring fasting:

  • High-density cholesterol;

  • Low-density cholesterol;

  • Triglycerides;

  • Glucose;

  • Glucose tolerance test;

  • Insulin;

  • Insulin resistance index (HOMA);

  • Intact proinsulin;

  • Iron;

  • Folic acid;

  • Vitamin B12;

  • Vitamin A;

  • Vitamin E;

  • Vitamin B1;

  • C-peptide;

  • Gastrin;

  • Growth hormone (somatotropin);

  • Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1);

  • Total bile acids;

  • Free fatty acids;

  • Beta CTx.

Important:

  • For fasting tests, the last meal should be the evening before. Approximately 12 hours should pass before the test. Only water is allowed in the morning before the test.

  • For accurate cortisol measurement, the sample should be collected in the morning before 10:00 or between 16:00 and 20:00.

  • If morning urine is collected in a container without preservatives, it must be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.

  • The time of the laboratory visit does not affect the time it takes to receive results. Results are ready within 24 hours (except for tests not performed daily or those requiring more than a day to process).

What to consider when submitting samples for laboratory testing:

  • A personal identification document is required.

  • A doctor's completed laboratory test request is needed.

  • Tests can be done voluntarily (even anonymously), with the request completed by laboratory staff.

  • Blood is drawn by trained laboratory personnel using single-use systems.

  • Materials (urine, stool, sputum, semen, etc.) must be submitted in clean containers, which can be obtained free of charge at the laboratory or from the attending physician.

  • Primary blood tubes are stored for three days, and frozen serum for one month (if sufficient material remains) to allow additional tests without re-drawing blood if needed.

  • The analysis cost includes expenses for single-use materials, serum storage, database maintenance, laboratory doctor consultations for result interpretation, transportation, and test result delivery in various formats (in person, by phone, fax, email, mail, etc.).

  • It is not necessary to refrain from eating before blood tests (except for specific tests requiring fasting).

  • Results include reference ranges (norms) for each parameter, considering age, sex, and pregnancy week.

  • Laboratory results must always be interpreted alongside other patient examination data by the attending physician.

Instructions for specific sample collection are provided by the test collection desk staff.