How to Prepare for Blood Tests

Patient Memorandum for Preparing for Blood Tests

1. Do not eat for 8-14 hours.
2. Do not drink sweet or tonic drinks (coffee, tea).
3. Do not smoke at least 1-2 hours before the blood collection procedure.
4. Only water is allowed to drink.
5. Before blood collection, it is necessary to calm down and sit quietly for 10-15 minutes.
6. Before lipidogram or other lipid metabolism tests, do not eat for 10-12 hours.
7. When repeating hormone, microelement, electrolyte tests, it is recommended to take blood at the same time of day.
8. When repeating any blood tests, it is important to consider the patient's position (lying or sitting), and it is important that samples are taken in the same position as previously taken.
9. It is not recommended to perform an iron test during menstruation. The test is best done 2 weeks after menstruation.
10. The concentration of female sex hormones in blood serum depends on the menstrual cycle, so it is recommended to perform them on the date prescribed by the doctor.
11. It is not recommended to perform a blood test after radiological, ultrasound, and/or other instrumental tests, as well as after massages or water procedures.
12. Before blood collection for prostate-specific antigen and/or free prostate-specific antigen tests, it is recommended to avoid sports, physical exertion, and/or sexual intercourse for several days.
13. Before catecholamine test (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine), do not eat bananas, drink coffee, take B vitamins, or use sedatives and other drugs affecting the central nervous system for 3 days.
14. It is necessary to inform the staff who collect the blood about the drugs, vitamins, and supplements being used.
15. If there are medical indications, blood for tests can be taken at any time.