How to prepare for blood testing

Memo to the patient about preparing for blood tests

1. Do not eat between 8-14 hours.
2. Do not drink sugary and tonic drinks (coffee, tea).
3. Do not smoke for at least 1-2 hours before the blood collection procedure.
4. Drink only water.
5. Calm down and sit quietly for 10-15 minutes before the blood draw.
6. Do not eat for 10-12 hours before a lipidogram or other lipid metabolism tests.
7. It is recommended to take blood at the same time of the day when repeating hormone, micronutrient and electrolyte tests.
8. When repeating any blood test, it is important to take into account the patient's position (lying or sitting) and it is important that the sample is taken in the same position as the previous sample.
9. It is not recommended to perform an iron test during menstruation. It is best to perform the test 2 weeks after menstruation.
10. Serum levels of female sex hormones are dependent on the menstrual cycle and are therefore recommended to be taken on the date prescribed by the doctor.
11. It is not recommended to have a blood test after X-ray, ultrasound and/or other instrumental examinations, massages or water treatments.
12. It is recommended to avoid sport, exercise and/or sexual intercourse for a few days prior to blood collection for prostate specific antigen and/or free prostate specific antigen testing.
13. Before the catecholamine test (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine), you should not eat bananas, drink coffee, take B vitamins, or take hypnotics or other drugs that affect the central nervous system for 3 days.
14. The staff member taking the blood must be informed about the medicines, vitamins and supplements taken.
15. If medically indicated, blood for testing may be taken at any time.