Preparing for tests - Family laboratory
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Preparing for tests

Blood Test

The material for examination is venous blood collected from the cubital (antecubital) vein.

  • Blood for all biochemical parameters, diabetes testing (glucose), complete blood count (CBC), and immunogram must be collected strictly on an empty stomach (fasting state). A minimum of 8–12 hours should elapse between the last meal and blood collection.
  • It is recommended to exclude fatty and fried foods, as well as alcohol, from the diet 1–2 days prior to testing. Refrain from smoking for at least one hour before blood sampling.
  • Eliminate factors that may affect test results, such as physical exertion (e.g., running) and emotional stress. Before the procedure, rest for 10–15 minutes and remain calm.
  • Blood samples for hormone testing should preferably be collected in the morning due to circadian fluctuations of certain parameters.
  • If antibacterial or chemotherapeutic agents have been administered, blood testing should be performed no earlier than 10–14 days after their discontinuation. If you are taking any medications, inform your attending physician.
  • When submitting blood for hemostasis parameters, indicate on the requisition form the use of any medications (heparin, aspirin, hormonal agents, oral contraceptives).
  • Blood sampling for total Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and free Prostate-Specific Antigen (fPSA) must be performed prior to, or not earlier than 2 weeks after, prostate biopsy, prostatectomy, or prostate massage. Post-surgical PSA levels should be assessed no earlier than 6 weeks after the intervention.
  • Serum for CA 15-3 determination must be collected prior to, or not earlier than 2 weeks after, breast biopsy, surgical procedures, or breast massage.
  • Blood testing should not be performed immediately after radiographic examinations, rectal examination, or physiotherapeutic procedures.

Urine Collection

Urine must be collected in a clean, dry container with a lid for subsequent transport to the medical facility. A urine collection container can be purchased at our laboratory.

The specimen should be delivered to the medical center on the morning of collection, preferably within 1.5–2 hours after sampling.

  • Urine should not be collected during menstruation or within 5–7 days after cystoscopy.
  • It is not recommended to collect urine while taking medications. If this cannot be avoided, inform your attending physician about any medications being taken.

General Urinalysis:

  • Personal hygiene procedures must be performed prior to urine collection.
  • Collect strictly the first morning urine specimen immediately after waking into a clean container (approximately 100 mL).

Urinalysis According to Nechiporenko:

  • Personal hygiene procedures must be performed prior to urine collection.
  • Collect the midstream portion of the first morning urine in a volume of 50–100 mL.

Urinalysis According to Zimnitsky (24-hour urine collection):

Urine is collected every 3 hours over a 24-hour period, excluding the first morning portion. A total of 8 containers are collected and stored at +4°C to +8°C. During the collection period, record the total volume of fluid intake to determine the ratio between daily diuresis and total fluid consumption.

Stool Collection

Collection of Specimens for Coprogram, Ova and Parasite Examination, and Giardia Testing:

  • Personal hygiene procedures must be performed prior to stool collection.
  • Stool should preferably be collected in the morning. The specimen should be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours after collection to prevent significant changes due to enzymatic activity and microbial growth. If immediate delivery is not possible, the sample may be prepared in advance, but no more than 8 hours before submission. In such cases, store the specimen in a refrigerator (do not freeze).
  • Urinate prior to stool collection. Defecation should be performed into a clean, dry container.
  • Using the spoon integrated into the container lid (available at our medical center), transfer stool from different areas of a single bowel movement into the container, filling no more than one-third of its volume.
  • Tightly secure the lid.
  • Indicate your surname and initials on the container.
  • Stool examination should not be performed earlier than 2 days after an enema, radiographic examination, or colonoscopy.
  • Do not take laxatives, activated charcoal, iron, copper, or bismuth preparations, or use rectal suppositories on the day prior to collection.
  • Avoid contamination of the specimen with urine or water.
  • Stool testing should not be performed during menstruation.

Stool Collection for Dysbiosis Testing:

  • Collect a morning stool specimen from multiple sites into a clean, sterile container. Deliver the material to the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably while still warm.

Semen Collection

Semen (ejaculate) for analysis is recommended to be collected after 3–5 days of sexual abstinence. During the week prior to testing, it is not recommended to take medications, consume alcohol, smoke, undergo prostate massage, or be exposed to thermal procedures such as sauna or tanning bed use. Specimen collection is performed exclusively in the procedure room.