Recommendations for all blood tests especially for lipid profile, FBS:
-12 hours fasting before the tests.

Recommendations for all hormonal tests:
– Avoid taking multi-vitamins for few days before the test.
– Avoid taking Biotin for few days before the test.

Recommendations for Prolactin test:
– Avoid taking any anti-histamines or any antiemetics or antidepressants one day before the test.

Recommendations for hormones such as (ACTH) & Cortisol:
– You should be at the laboratory before 8:00 am.
– 12 hours fasting before the test.
– People undergoing Biotin therapy should stop the treatment few days before the test.

Collection of Urine Samples:
– Urine sample should consist of a single, early-morning, midstream sample, collected in a 100 ml given sterile cup, after washing with soap and water.
– Urine sample contaminated with menstrual blood should be avoided.
– Male patients having spermogram in addition to urine test should collect the urine sample before the semen sample.
– Urine sample from outside the laboratory should be delivered as soon as possible to the Lab.

How to collect 24 hour urine:
– Make sure you get a proper container when you start collecting urine:
– Get rid of the first morning urine and collect the rest while calculating 24 h starting from the first sample.
– Collect all urine samples of the day and night till the next day at the same time of the first urine in the container.
– Do not drink fluids in a way that exceeds your daily consumption.
– Please be very strict to collect all samples within 24 hours.
– Place the container in the fridge all the time during the collection.
– Wash with water and dry every time you collect a sample.
– Make sure you get a proper container when you start collecting urine:

Conditions for Semen Sample Collection:
– Patient should avoid sexual relations for 3-5 days before giving the sperm and prostate secretions samples.
– Patient should bring semen to the laboratory within 30 min. of collection.
– Do not use any cream or lubricant.
– Urinate before giving the semen.
– Wash and dry well and put all the semen in the cup.

Conditions for Sputum Sample Collection:
– Submit early morning deep-cough specimen before breakfast.
– The patient should take three deep breaths, then force out a deep cough.
– Wash the mouth with water first.
– Send specimens fresh as soon as possible to the laboratory.