Test Preparation Guide

Complete instructions for preparing for medical tests, scans, and procedures at Mascot Healthcare Clinic

Important Notice

Proper preparation ensures accurate test results. Failure to follow instructions may require test rescheduling or yield inaccurate results. If unsure about any instruction, please contact us before your appointment.

Jump to Preparation Guide

Blood Tests Ultrasound Scans Lab Tests Procedures Special Cases General Prep

Blood Test Preparation

Preparation Timeline
24 Hours Before

Avoid Alcohol & Strenuous Exercise

No alcoholic beverages. Avoid intense workouts as they can affect certain test results.

12 Hours Before

Fasting Begins (if required)

For fasting tests: No food, only water. Take medications as usual unless instructed otherwise.

2 Hours Before

Drink Water

Drink 2-3 glasses of water to stay hydrated. This makes veins easier to locate.

Arrival

Rest Before Test

Sit and relax for 10-15 minutes before blood draw. Inform technician of any fainting history.

What to Bring Checklist
Doctor's referral/test request form
Valid identification (ID card, passport)
List of current medications and supplements
Previous test results (if available)
Health insurance card (for reference)
Payment method (cash, card, transfer details)
DO's Before Blood Test
Inform about medications you're taking
Stay hydrated with water
Wear loose clothing with sleeve access
Keep warm to improve circulation
Relax and breathe normally during draw
DON'Ts Before Blood Test
Don't smoke for at least 1 hour before
Don't chew gum (stimulates digestion)
Don't apply lotion/oil to arms
Don't schedule after strenuous activity
Don't stop medications without doctor's advice

Ultrasound Scan Preparation

Scan Type
Preparation Required
Duration & Special Notes
Abdominal Ultrasound
(Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas)
• Fast for 6-8 hours
• Drink 4 glasses water 1hr before
• Don't urinate after drinking
20-30 minutes
Morning appointment recommended
Pelvic/OB Ultrasound
(Pregnancy, Uterus, Ovaries)
• Drink 4-5 glasses water 1hr before
• Full bladder required
• Empty bladder for transvaginal
15-25 minutes
Empty pockets, wear two-piece clothing
Renal Ultrasound
(Kidneys, Bladder)
• Drink 3-4 glasses water 1hr before
• Full bladder required
• No fasting needed
15-20 minutes
Can eat normal meal before
Breast Ultrasound
• No preparation needed
• Wear two-piece clothing
• No lotion/powder on breasts
15-20 minutes
Schedule 1 week after menstrual period
Thyroid Ultrasound
• No preparation needed
• Remove neck jewelry
• Wear open-neck shirt
10-15 minutes
No special timing required
Pregnancy Ultrasound Preparation
Drink 1 liter water 1 hour before appointment
Do NOT empty bladder after drinking water
Wear comfortable two-piece clothing
Bring pregnancy records if available
Partner/family member may accompany
For early pregnancy (<12 weeks): May need transvaginal scan

Laboratory Test Preparation

Medication Guidelines Before Tests

Continue Taking Normally (Unless Doctor Says Otherwise)

Blood pressure medications
Heart medications
Thyroid medications (take after blood draw if fasting)

May Need to Temporarily Stop (Consult Your Doctor)

NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin) - 3 days before if testing bleeding time
Certain supplements (Vitamin C, Biotin) - 2 days before
Iron supplements - 24 hours before

Special Instructions

Diabetes medications/insulin: Take after blood draw for fasting glucose tests
Birth control pills: May affect hormone tests - inform technician
Steroids: Timing important for cortisol tests
Fasting Tests Preparation
Fasting Blood Sugar/Lipid Profile: Fast 10-12 hours, water only
Liver Function Tests: Fast 8-10 hours, avoid fatty foods day before
Iron Studies: Fast 12 hours, morning sample preferred
Glucose Tolerance Test: Specific instructions provided separately
Non-Fasting Tests
Full Blood Count (FBC): No fasting needed
Kidney Function Tests: Can eat and drink normally
Thyroid Function Tests: No fasting, but morning sample best
Urinalysis: First morning urine preferred

Medical Procedures Preparation

Minor Surgical Procedures
1 Week Before

Medication Review

Inform doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners (Aspirin, Warfarin). Stop certain supplements (Vitamin E, Ginkgo).

24 Hours Before

Pre-Procedure Instructions

No alcohol. Shower with antibacterial soap. Get adequate rest. Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation used.

6 Hours Before

Fasting (if sedation)

No food or drink if intravenous sedation will be used. Small sips of water allowed for oral medications.

Arrival

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing, list of medications, insurance information, companion if needed.

Biopsy Procedure Preparation
Stop blood thinners 3-7 days before (as directed by doctor)
Inform about allergies to medications or latex
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Eat light meal 2 hours before (unless instructed otherwise)
Arrange for someone to drive you home
Plan for rest period after procedure

Special Cases Preparation

Pediatric Test Preparation (Children)
Infants (0-1 year): Feed 30 minutes before blood draw. Bring favorite toy/blanket.
Toddlers (1-3 years): Explain simply what will happen. Use distraction techniques. Bring snacks for after.
Children (4-12 years): Be honest but reassuring. Practice deep breathing. Offer reward after.
Teens (13-18): Involve in preparation decisions. Respect privacy. Explain importance of test.
All children: Bring immunization record. Dress in comfortable clothing. Stay calm as parent.
Senior Citizens & Special Needs Preparation
Bring all current medications in original containers
Inform about mobility issues for appropriate assistance
Schedule morning appointments when energy levels are higher
Bring hearing aids/glasses if normally used
Arrange for companion if memory/cognitive issues exist
Request additional time if needed for understanding instructions

Special Notes for Pregnant Patients

Always inform staff if you are or might be pregnant. Some tests/procedures may need modification. Ultrasound is safe during pregnancy. Certain medications may need adjustment. Bring prenatal records to all appointments.

General Preparation Guidelines

What if I accidentally eat/drink before a fasting test?

Contact us immediately. We may reschedule your test or proceed with modified instructions depending on what was consumed and the specific test requirements.

Can I take my regular medications before tests?

Most medications should be taken as usual unless specifically instructed otherwise. However, bring all medications with you or a complete list for the healthcare provider to review.

What should I do if I feel faint during/after blood draw?

Inform the technician immediately. Lie down with feet elevated. Stay seated for 10-15 minutes after procedure. Drink juice or water. Have someone accompany you if you have a history of fainting.

How long do I need to wait for different test results?

Routine blood tests: 24-48 hours. Specialized tests: 3-7 days. Urgent tests: 4-6 hours (extra charge applies). We will inform you of the expected timeline when you take your test.

Can I exercise before medical tests?

Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before most tests as it can affect results. Light walking is usually fine. For cardiac stress tests, specific exercise instructions will be provided.

Download Preparation Checklists

Print these checklists to help you remember all preparation steps for your medical tests and procedures.

Blood Test Preparation Checklist Ultrasound Preparation Guide Pediatric Preparation Tips

PDF files will open in new window. Right-click to save.

Still Have Questions?

If you're unsure about any preparation instructions or have special circumstances, please contact us before your appointment. Call Book Appointment or WhatsApp 0903 185 8761. Proper preparation ensures accurate results and avoids the need for test repeats.

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