Preparing for a Lab Test

Preparing for a Lab Test

In order to obtain accurate results and maximize benefits from laboratory analysis, proper preparation and collection of specimens is essential. Ensuring that the right amount of specimen is collected is critical to achieving success.

 

For a blood test, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Blood Test

1. Blood Sugar Detection:

  • Fast for at least 8 hours, but able to drink water
  • No other drinks of any kind are allowed
  • Detection of cumulative average sugar levels (Hb A1C) without fasting

2. Check the Lipid Levels in the Blood:

  • Fast for at least 12 hours, but able to drink water
  • No other drinks of any kind are allowed

3. Wear clothes that can roll up the sleeves for ease of blood collection

**After blood collection, apply pressure to the mouth of the wound until the bleeding stops, or for about 5 minutes if the bleeding does not stop. Notify the authorities if necessary.

  1. Urine sample

A Random Urine analysis test is used to detect urinary retention, as well as other substances such as protein in the urine which could indicate pregnancy.

To collect a urine sample for urinary retention, follow these steps:

1. Clean the urinary excretory area.

2. Discard the first portion of urine.

3. Collect 10-30 ml of central urine (1/2 can) in a clean container with a tightly closed lid.

4. Hand over to the staff.

** If collecting from home, submit within 2 hours.

** If collecting for a culture, place the sample in the sterile container provided.

 

  1. Stool Collection

Collect about 1 scoop of feces and put it in a container.

      • By selecting an area of the stool that looks abnormal or appears to contain parasites and make sure to avoid any contamination from urine.
      • If the stool is soft to hard, not liquid, tightly close the lid of a container.

**Deliver the sample within two hours.

  1. Sputum Collection
  1. Should be collected in the morning after waking up.
  2. Rinse your mouth several times with plain water. Do not use mouthwash.
  3. Take a deep breath and cough deeply to produce sputum, then spit it into a sealed can. Ensure that the sputum is not saliva, but rather a thick, sticky substance that may be yellow, green, or red in color. Once the sputum is in the can, make sure to close the lid tightly.
  4. Hand over to the staff.

 

** In case of collecting sputum from home Should be sent within 2 hours. If unable to deliver, store in a refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius for no more than 24 hours.

** In case of collecting sputum for tuberculosis testing for 3 days, all 3 cans can be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius and delivered together. but should not be longer than 7 days.

 

Remarks: Clearly indicate the name-surname and Hospital No.

Best wishes from Vibhavadi Hospital