Blood tests

How to prepare

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Fasting

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• Fast for 8–12 hours before the blood test​

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• You may only drink plain water in small quantities (1–2 glasses)​

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• Avoid: coffee, tea, fruit juices, sugary drinks and alcohol​

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• Do not smoke from the time you wake up until the blood test

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Diet

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• Maintain your usual diet in the days leading up to the test​

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• Avoid overeating or restrictive diets that could alter the results​

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• Do not consume alcohol in the 24 hours prior to the test

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Physical activity

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• Avoid physical exertion in the 8–12 hours prior to the blood test​​

• Activities such as running or going to the gym can affect various parameters (CK, LDH, AST)​

• Get plenty of rest the night before

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Medicines

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• The patient should have the blood sample taken without having taken any medicines (unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor)​

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• For essential long-term treatments, consult your doctor​

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• Always declare all medicines you are currently taking at the time of registration

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Useful information

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Have the blood sample taken early in the morning (between 7.00 and 9.00) as many values vary throughout the day. For women, some hormone tests require specific days of the menstrual cycle: follow your doctor’s instructions.