Patient's Information

Everything you need to know about preparing for sample collection.

Preparing patients for sample collection

  1. Blood sample collection is recommended to be done in the morning hours (07:00-10:30 am). The results of blood tests are not affected after a normal breakfast. The main exception to this are the analyses related to metabolism such as glucose (sugar), triglycerides, cholesterol and blood lipids in general. Therefore, it is a good routine practice to collect the samples that will be examined for such analyses after an overnight fast of 12-14 hours.
  2. For general blood and urine tests: 12-hour fasting and 24-hour abstinence from alcohol are required. Water is allowed. The laboratory should be informed about the intake of any medications.
  3. For gynecological hormonal testing: blood sampling can be performed at any time of the day and fasting is not required. All tests are always evaluated according to the day of the woman’s cycle. However, the preferred time period for a better assessment of most tests (Prolactin, FSH, LH, Androgens) is between the 2nd and 5th day of the cycle. Estradiol on the 14th and Progesterone on the 21st.
  4. For Prolactin testing: it is preferable to have blood sampling at least 2 hours before sleep and to avoid stress. Various medications (antibiotics, anxiolytics, antacids, contraceptives, etc.) may also affect the test.
  5. Pregnancy test (beta-chorionic gonadotropin): the most appropriate day for testing is after the 2nd day of missed period. In in vitro fertilization, the most appropriate day for testing is the 14th day after embryo transfer.
  6. For simple investigation of Thyroid function: blood sampling can be performed at any time of the day. For people who take daily medication to treat various thyroid diseases, blood sampling is recommended to be done in the morning and before taking the medication.
  7. For Cortisol testing: blood sampling is recommended to be done between 8-10am or 6-8pm.
  8. For drug level testing: blood sampling can be done in the morning hours and before taking the drug.
  9. For Cancer Markers testing: blood sampling can be done at any time of the day and fasting is not required.
  10. For the glucose tolerance test or blood sugar curve: the patient follows a normal diet for 3 days before the test, avoiding alcohol and intense physical exercise. The test is done in the morning after a 12-hour fast.