Test Preparation Guidelines

Proper preparation ensures accurate results. Follow these guidelines for the best testing experience with Curamed Healthcare.

📋 Follow Instructions Carefully
⏰ Timing Matters
💊 Check Medications
📞 Call if Unsure

Jump to Your Test Type

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Fasting Tests

Lipid profiles, glucose tests
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Hormone Tests

Thyroid, reproductive hormones
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Routine Tests

CBC, basic chemistry
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Specialty Tests

Cancer markers, autoimmune
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Women's Health

Reproductive, hormone cycles
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Corporate Tests

Workplace screenings

General Preparation Guidelines

These guidelines apply to most tests unless otherwise specified

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Stay Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water 24 hours before your test
  • Well-hydrated veins make blood collection easier
  • Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol
  • Continue drinking water unless fasting is required
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Get Adequate Rest

  • Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep before your test
  • Avoid late-night activities that may affect results
  • Stress and fatigue can impact certain test values
  • Schedule tests when you're feeling well
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Avoid Strenuous Exercise

  • No intense workouts 24 hours before testing
  • Light walking is acceptable
  • Exercise can affect muscle enzymes and other markers
  • Resume normal activities after collection
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Smoking and Alcohol

  • Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours before tests
  • No alcohol 24 hours before testing
  • These substances can affect blood chemistry
  • Be honest about recent use with your phlebotomist

Fasting Tests

Required for accurate lipid profiles, glucose tests, and metabolic panels

Fasting Timeline

12 hours before

Stop Eating

Last meal should be at least 12 hours before your test. Light dinner is recommended.

10 hours before

No Beverages

Stop all beverages except plain water. No coffee, tea, juice, or sports drinks.

Test Day

Water Only

You may drink plain water. No flavored water, gum, or mints.

Tests Requiring Fasting

Lipid Profile

12 hours

Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL

Fasting Glucose

10-12 hours

Blood sugar levels

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

12 hours

Glucose, electrolytes, kidney function

Insulin Level

8 hours

Diabetes screening

Fasting Tips

✅ Allowed During Fasting

  • Plain water (unlimited)
  • Essential medications (with doctor's approval)
  • Normal sleep schedule
  • Light activities

❌ Avoid During Fasting

  • All food and snacks
  • Coffee, tea, soda, juice
  • Gum, mints, candies
  • Vitamins and supplements

Hormone Tests

Timing is crucial for accurate hormone level assessment

Optimal Timing for Hormone Tests

Thyroid Tests (TSH, T3, T4)

Best Time: 7-9 AM

TSH levels are highest in early morning. Avoid if you've taken thyroid medication within 4 hours.

Cortisol Level

Best Time: 8-10 AM

Cortisol peaks in the morning. Avoid if you're under significant stress or taking steroids.

Testosterone (Men)

Best Time: 7-11 AM

Testosterone levels are highest in the morning and decline throughout the day.

Women's Reproductive Hormones

Day 3-5 of Cycle

For baseline FSH, LH, estrogen. Different timing for other cycle phases.

Factors That Can Affect Hormone Levels

Medications

  • Birth control pills
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Thyroid medications
  • Steroids and supplements

Inform us of all medications and supplements

Lifestyle Factors

  • High stress levels
  • Recent illness
  • Extreme exercise
  • Irregular sleep patterns

Schedule when you're feeling well and rested

Women's Cycle

  • Menstrual cycle phase
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Menopause status
  • Recent pregnancy

Let us know your cycle status when booking

Routine Tests

Most common tests with minimal preparation requirements

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Minimal Preparation

What You Need to Know:

  • No fasting required
  • Can be done any time of day
  • Stay hydrated for easier blood draw
  • Inform us of any blood disorders

Kidney Function Tests

Moderate Preparation

What You Need to Know:

  • No fasting required
  • Maintain normal hydration
  • Avoid excessive protein 24 hours before
  • List all medications and supplements

Liver Function Tests

Moderate Preparation

What You Need to Know:

  • Avoid alcohol 24 hours before
  • No fasting required (unless combined with other tests)
  • Maintain normal diet
  • List all medications, especially pain relievers

Inflammatory Markers (ESR, CRP)

Minimal Preparation

What You Need to Know:

  • No fasting required
  • Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before
  • Schedule when you're not acutely ill
  • Normal diet and hydration

Specialty Tests

Advanced diagnostic tests with specific preparation requirements

Cancer Markers (PSA, CEA, CA-125)

Special Considerations:

  • PSA: Avoid ejaculation 48 hours before test
  • PSA: No bike riding or prostate exam 48 hours prior
  • CEA: Avoid smoking 24 hours before
  • CA-125: Schedule outside of menstrual period if possible
  • No fasting required for cancer markers

Autoimmune Panels (ANA, RF)

Special Considerations:

  • Schedule when symptoms are stable
  • Avoid during active infections
  • List all immunosuppressive medications
  • No special diet restrictions
  • Morning collection preferred

Allergy Testing

Special Considerations:

  • Stop antihistamines 72 hours before test
  • Avoid steroids if possible (consult doctor)
  • Schedule when allergy symptoms are minimal
  • List all medications and supplements
  • No fasting required

Genetic Testing

Special Considerations:

  • No special preparation required
  • Can be done any time
  • Results may take 7-14 days
  • Consider genetic counseling consultation
  • Inform about family medical history

Women's Health Tests

Special considerations for women's reproductive and hormonal health

Menstrual Cycle Considerations

Days 1-5 (Menstruation)

Best for: Baseline hormone levels (FSH, LH, Estrogen)

Avoid: Pap smears, certain cancer markers

Days 6-14 (Follicular Phase)

Best for: Most routine tests, thyroid function

Good for: General health screenings

Days 15-28 (Luteal Phase)

Best for: Progesterone levels (day 21)

Consider: PMS may affect some results

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If You Might Be Pregnant

  • Inform us before any test
  • Some tests may need to be postponed
  • Pregnancy can affect many lab values
  • We offer pregnancy testing

If You're Breastfeeding

  • Most tests are safe while breastfeeding
  • Hormone levels may be altered
  • Inform us about breastfeeding status
  • Stay well-hydrated before testing

Birth Control and Hormone Medications

How Medications Affect Test Results:

  • Birth Control Pills: Affect hormone levels, thyroid binding proteins
  • Hormone Replacement: Impacts multiple hormone tests
  • Fertility Medications: Significantly alter reproductive hormone levels
  • Thyroid Medications: Take after blood draw, not before

Important: Don't stop medications without consulting your doctor. We'll interpret results accordingly.

Corporate and Workplace Testing

Guidelines for employee health screenings and workplace wellness programs

Pre-Employment and Annual Screenings

Standard Corporate Package

  • Fast for 10-12 hours before testing
  • Bring valid ID and any medical history
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Stay hydrated (water only if fasting)
  • Get adequate sleep the night before

Executive Health Package

  • Fast for 12 hours before comprehensive testing
  • Complete pre-test questionnaire honestly
  • List all medications and supplements
  • Schedule when feeling well
  • Arrange for follow-up consultation

Workplace Testing Considerations

For Employees:

  • Schedule early morning appointments when possible
  • Bring snacks for after fasting tests
  • Wear short sleeves or easily rolled-up sleeves
  • Plan lighter work schedule after comprehensive testing

For HR Coordinators:

  • Send preparation instructions 48 hours in advance
  • Schedule morning slots for fasting tests
  • Provide quiet, private space for testing
  • Have light refreshments available post-testing

Medication and Supplement Guidelines

Continue Taking Unless Told Otherwise

  • Blood pressure medications
  • Heart medications
  • Diabetes medications (adjust timing if fasting)
  • Seizure medications
  • Mental health medications
  • Prescription pain medications

May Need to Stop or Adjust

  • Vitamins and supplements (48 hours before)
  • Biotin supplements (72 hours before)
  • Antihistamines (for allergy tests)
  • Blood thinners (consult doctor)
  • Thyroid medications (take after test)
  • Iron supplements (may affect some tests)

Always Inform Us About

  • ALL prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Recent antibiotic use
  • Steroid use (any form)
  • Recent vaccinations

⚠️ Important Medication Safety

Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. If you're unsure about any medication, call us at +234 901 234 5678 before your appointment.

What to Expect During Your Home Collection

1

Arrival and Setup

Our certified phlebotomist will arrive at your scheduled time with all necessary equipment. They'll verify your identity and review test requirements.

2

Preparation Check

We'll confirm you've followed preparation guidelines and answer any last-minute questions about the testing process.

3

Sample Collection

Professional, sterile blood collection in the comfort of your home. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on tests ordered.

4

Post-Collection Care

We'll provide aftercare instructions and schedule result delivery. You can resume normal activities immediately after collection.

Questions About Preparation?

Our healthcare team is available 24/7 to answer preparation questions and ensure you're ready for your test.

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Call Us

+234 901 234 5678 Available 24/7
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WhatsApp

Quick Questions Fastest response
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Email

info@curamedhealthcare.com Detailed inquiries

Reminder: If you're unable to follow preparation guidelines, please contact us. We can reschedule your appointment to ensure accurate results.