Good preparation starts with clear instructions. There is no single routine that suits every blood test, scan or sample collection. Before making changes to food, drink or medicines, check what is required for your own investigation.
Start with the exact investigation
Keep your referral or test request to hand when you contact the diagnostic centre. Read the full name rather than relying on a shortened description such as “a blood test” or “a scan”. If the handwriting or abbreviation is unclear, ask the referring healthcare professional to clarify it.
Then ask whether that specific investigation is currently available, whether a referral is required, and whether you need an appointment. Confirm the fee and any separate charges before making the journey. At Prime Health Diagnostic Center, individual availability and visit arrangements should be confirmed directly with the centre.
Ask for instructions you can follow
Many laboratory tests require no special preparation. Others do. Tell the responsible healthcare professional about prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Do not stop or change medication unless your clinician instructs you to do so. MedlinePlus outlines laboratory preparation (opens in a new tab).
Do not fast just because a test involves blood. If fasting is required, ask exactly when it starts, what you may drink and what to do about medicines. Fasting unnecessarily can also affect some results. Instructions must match the ordered test and your circumstances. Read MedlinePlus guidance on fasting (opens in a new tab).
- Is any change to food or drink necessary?
- Does the time of day matter for this investigation?
- Who should advise me about my regular medicines?
- Do I need a collection container or written specimen instructions?
- Whom should I contact if the instructions are unclear?
Make the visit easier to organise
Confirm the location, current opening arrangements and arrival time. Ask which identification, referral information or previous reports to bring. If you need assistance with access, communication or getting onto an examination couch, explain this in advance so arrangements can be discussed.
Write the agreed instructions down and read them back if necessary. Keep the centre’s telephone number somewhere easy to find. Before leaving home, check that you have the documents and belongings requested; there is no need to send medical reports through a general website enquiry form.
What if you could not follow the instructions?
Tell the laboratory or healthcare professional before the test. Do not conceal a meal, a missed instruction or a medicine you have taken. They can decide whether testing should proceed or whether arrangements need to change. Why it matters to explain preparation changes (opens in a new tab).
These questions help you prepare a conversation. They do not replace the individual instructions provided by the healthcare team carrying out your investigation.
