Test FAQs

Lab Test FAQs

What variables could affect test results?

• Patient variables including exercise, diet, age, sex, circadian variation, posture, obesity, stress, smoking and medication may affect laboratory test results.
• An individual’s diet and lifestyle may affect laboratory test results. It is generally recommended that the night before laboratory tests patients avoid high-fat foods, alcohol and strenuous exercise.
• Patients should ask their doctors if certain medications should be stopped prior to lab testing as certain medications may interfere with the laboratory test results.

How can I know what the results mean?

• Laboratory test results are often reported with a reference interval to assist the clinician in interpreting them. These reference intervals reflect the values in the majority of healthy individuals; however, a small number of healthy people (5%) may have results that are higher or lower than those in the reference range. Therefore, laboratory results should interpreted by clinicians who can decide whether or not the results indicate a medical condition.
• Clinicians consider personal medical history, family history, and results from physical examination when interpreting an individual patient’s laboratory test results.

Facts about blood Tests

• Patients may need to fast prior to certain blood tests. For example, patients should not eat or drink anything except water for 10-12 hours prior to glucose and lipid profile tests.
• The amount of blood drawn at the time of collection for laboratory testing depends on the tests that are ordered. Usually the amount collected is very small (around 10-15 ml.)
• Some patients become anxious when they have their blood drawn. Patients should tell the health care professional who is drawing the blood if they feel faint or sick. Slow deep breaths prior to the needle stick may help to alleviate anxiety
• After a blood draw, the phlebotomist makes sure that all signs of bleeding have stopped. A Band-Aid is applied to the arm for a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Aspirin or other anticoagulant (blood thinners) drugs can prolong bleeding. In such cases, patients may need continued applied pressure until the bleeding has stopped. A cold pack may be necessary to reduce swelling and bruising.
• After a patient has blood drawn, even when bleeding has stopped, patients should not carry heavy objects with that arm for a minimum of one hour.

Tips for collecting Specimens at Home

• Patients must follow all instructions exactly for collection of specimens performed at home then brought to the laboratory for testing.
• Special containers with a powder or liquid preservative may be provided for urine or stool collection. Patients should never empty or discard any powder or liquid from the container before beginning the collection of a specimen.
• Specimens should be delivered to the laboratory in the prescribed timeframe in order to assure accurate results.

When will you receive the Results of your test?

Depending on the laboratory work performed, test results may be available within a few hours to as long as several weeks. More details about each test can be obtained in the services section.

How can the patient help in getting accurate results?

Since the vast majority of medical decisions are based upon results obtained from laboratory tests, it is critical to the well-being of patients to obtain the most accurate information possible. Patients can help to ensure that their lab tests are accurate by following pre-testing instructions carefully and by providing complete medical histories, including lists of medications and natural supplements, to their health care providers.

What should I do to give my sample for Testing?

• All patients for blood tests should proceed to the Phlebotomy room on the ground floor. Phlebotomy is located just behind the reception desk at the main entrance to the hospital. The service is open between 7.00 and 20:00 hrs from Monday through Saturday and between 7:00 and 15:00 hrs on Sundays.
• When you arrive at phlebotomy please take a ticket at dispenser and wait seated in the waiting area until your number is called. When your number is displayed proceed to the phlebotomy room with your ticket and a phlebotomist will collect your blood.
• A laboratory request form or a letter from your GP is required for a blood test. If you require clarification on any issues please ask the Phlebotomy Reception staff who will answer any queries.
• Patients who are fasting should only drink water before the blood test.
• The results of all blood tests are available at the report dispatch counter at the radiology reception on the ground floor.
• Patients who are dropping off a specimen or have tests that require only urine/stool sample can go directly to the phlebotomy reception.

How should I Collect Mid Stream Urine (MSU)?

• Do not empty your bladder for three hours, if possible.
• Label the container with your surname, first name, date of birth, date/ time and referring doctor.
• Wash your hands, and then wash your genital area with water.
• The aim is to get a sample of urine from the middle of your bladder.
• Urine is normally sterile (no bacteria present). If bacteria are found in the sample, it means that the urine may be infected.
• A ‘mid-stream’ sample is the best sample as the first bit of urine that you pass may be contaminated with bacteria from the skin.
• Women – hold open your labia (entrance to the vagina) apart while urine is passed. If you have a vaginal discharge or period, a tampon should be inserted prior to collecting the sample.
• Men – Uncircumcised males should retract the foreskin while the urine is passed. Do not open the sterile bottle until you are ready to take the sample.
• Pass some urine into the toilet. Without stopping the flow of urine, catch some urine in the sterile bottle (fill approximately half full). (The bottle will be provided by the phlebotomy Reception). Finish off passing urine into the toilet. Close the lid firmly.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Check that the form contains the full name, address and date of birth of the person sampled and add the date and time the sample was collected.
• The sample should ideally be brought to the lab within one hour.
• If that is not possible, put the sample in the fridge until it is brought to the lab.

How should I collect Faeces /Stool Sample?

• Label the container with your surname, first name, date of birth, date/ time and Referring doctor.
• Place plenty of lavatory paper in a clean potty or in the lavatory pan.
• Make sure there is no trace of disinfectant or bleach present, as this will interfere with the test.