Notice

Instructions to prepare for a laboratory test

To have reliable results which can be compared to reference ranges, please follow the instructions below:

• It is recommended to have specimens collected during the morning hours (before noon) after an overnight fast (necessary e.g. for several hormones).
• Fasting blood specimen (lipids; cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, glucose, glucose- and lactose tolerance tests, rheumatoid factor, folate, high sensitive crp, helicobacter breath test): During the day before specimen collection you can eat and drink normally avoiding, however, alcoholic drinks. After 10 p.m. you are not allowed to eat or drink and you should also avoid smoking. You can have a glass of water.
• You are not allowed to take any medication in the morning prior to specimen collection, especially if drug concentrations or hormonal status are to be measured. (Thyroxin must be taken at least 4 hours prior to specimen collection for thyroid function tests.)
• Please avoid any kind of physical stress on the way to the laboratory.