How to Prepare for a Lab Test

Before the lab test, you should be aware of what to expect. You can help them cope with the experience by explaining what will happen during the visit. Avoid promising an easy process or a short wait. Encourage your child to ask questions and receive answers from the lab assistant. This will help distract them from the pain and anxiety they may experience. Following the test preparation guidelines provided by the testing labs in UAE will ensure your child has a positive experience. 

Avoiding eating and drinking before a lab test:

A blood test is an important diagnostic tool for determining disease. A blood test measures your health by measuring your cholesterol, blood sugar, and other body components. A lab test will also check your electrolytes or mineral levels in some cases. Before undergoing a blood test, you should fast for at least 10 hours. Fasting will help the doctor accurately determine the results, and it also ensures that your saliva is clear and free of mucus and food residues. If you are unable to fast, you should reschedule the test.

Avoiding caffeinated drinks:

Among the things you can do to prepare for a blood test is to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks. While caffeine is not harmful in large amounts, it can cause mistakes in blood tests. For example, coffee contains caffeine, and so do energy drinks. Caffeine can also increase blood pressure, although temporary and diminishes over time. Also, caffeine can cause palpitations in some people, so limiting caffeine intake before your lab test is best.

Avoiding medications:

In some cases, patients should avoid certain medications before a lab test. It’s a good idea to notify your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, so they can take these into account when interpreting the results. During the day before the test, you should bring any medication, vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies you’re currently taking. Tell your healthcare provider about any herbal remedies or vitamins you’re taking, and never discontinue a medication without your physician’s prior approval.

Avoiding dietary supplements:

Although many dietary supplements are touted as more natural and safer alternatives to pharmaceuticals, a recent study shows that many dietary supplements are adulterated with pharmaceuticals. While most of these supplements were voluntarily recalled by manufacturers, nearly half remained on the market. This means that dietary supplements may be incompatible with a lab test or cause an adverse reaction in the patient.