How to prepare for your test
Half of all "abnormal" results that later turn out fine come from preparation, not disease — a breakfast before a fasting sugar, tea before a lipid panel. Two minutes here saves a repeat visit.
Rules that apply to every test
- "Fasting" means no food and no beverages except plain water — water itself is always allowed, and helps the blood draw.
- Never stop a prescribed medicine for a test on your own; ask your doctor or ask us when you book.
- Carry your previous reports. Trends tell a doctor far more than a single value.
- Come rested if possible — a sleepless night or a hard workout the evening before can shift sugar, and even some liver values.
Fasting blood sugar
Fasting: 8–12 hoursBest time: Morning
- Nothing to eat after dinner the night before — plain water is fine and encouraged.
- Skip morning tea, coffee and chewing gum; all of them can nudge the number.
- Diabetics on medication: ask us when you book whether to take the morning dose before or after the sample.
HbA1c (3-month sugar)
Fasting: Not requiredBest time: Any time
- No fasting needed — HbA1c reads the past three months, not this morning.
- Can be combined with a fasting sugar in one visit: fast for that sample, and both are drawn together.
Thyroid profile (T3, T4, TSH)
Fasting: Not requiredBest time: Morning preferred
- TSH runs highest early in the day, so a morning sample keeps your reports comparable over the years.
- If you take thyroxine, ask about timing — many doctors prefer the sample before the day’s dose.
Lipid profile (cholesterol)
Fasting: Usually 9–12 hoursBest time: Morning
- The traditional panel wants 9–12 hours without food; water is fine.
- Some doctors now accept non-fasting lipids — follow the instruction given when you book, and keep it consistent between tests.
- Avoid a heavy, oily dinner the night before; it can distort triglycerides even after fasting.
CBC (complete blood count)
Fasting: Not requiredBest time: Any time
- No preparation needed. Drink water normally — being well hydrated makes the blood draw easier.
LFT / KFT (liver & kidney)
Fasting: Usually not requiredBest time: Any time
- Usually no preparation, but if bundled with fasting sugar or lipids, the same fast covers everything.
- Bring a list of the medicines and supplements you take — several affect liver and kidney values.
Urine test
Fasting: Not requiredBest time: First morning sample best
- The first urine of the morning is the most concentrated and informative.
- Collect midstream: start, pause mentally, collect the middle portion in the container.
- Women: mention if you are on your period when handing in the sample — it changes how results are read.
X-Ray (chest, bone & joint)
Fasting: Not requiredBest time: Any time
- Remove jewellery, chains, and clothing with metal buttons or zips over the area being imaged.
- Tell the technician if there is any chance of pregnancy before the X-Ray is taken.
- Bring earlier X-Rays or reports of the same area — comparison doubles their value.
Booked somewhere to be after the test?
Tell us when you arrive. Fasting samples are drawn on priority in the morning rush so you can eat and get on with your day, and most routine reports are ready the same day.