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At Paramount Diagnostic Lab, we understand that accurate results are the foundation of your healthcare journey, and proper preparation is essential for reliable diagnostic services. As a leading local lab in New Jersey, we're committed to patient-centered care and aim for excellence in every test we perform.
By following these clear, simple instructions, you contribute directly to the high quality of service and precision of your results — optimizing your patient journey from appointment booking to result delivery.
Before You Arrive
Your role in preparing for a test is one of the most important factors in determining the accuracy and reliability of your lab results. Before your scheduled diagnostic test, please keep the following in mind:
Your doctor will provide specific instructions for your test, and you must follow them exactly.
Inform your physician or lab professional about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are currently taking.
If you weren't able to follow the preparation instructions exactly, tell the lab professional.
Strenuous exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption can temporarily alter your metabolism.
Unless specifically instructed otherwise, drink plenty of plain water before your test, as this can make it easier to collect a blood or urine sample.
Specific Guidance
Different tests require different preparation. Follow the relevant section below based on the type of test your physician has ordered.
Fasting is a common preparation, often required for 8 to 12 hours before a diagnostic test. Fasting helps ensure the accuracy of tests by preventing nutrients from food from altering the substances measured in your bloodstream.
What Fasting Means: Do not eat or drink anything except water for the required number of hours (typically 8 to 12 hours or overnight).
Common Fasting Tests: This preparation is often necessary for tests measuring Blood Glucose, Cholesterol Levels, and Triglycerides.
Allowed Drinks (Unless Directed Otherwise): Plain water is generally permitted. Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, herbal teas, or vitamin water unless explicitly advised.
After the Test: It's best practice to bring a snack or light meal to have immediately after your fasting test.
Proper preparation for blood tests ensures accurate results and a comfortable experience.
Hydration: Drink enough water the day before and the morning of your test to make the blood draw easier.
Bring Documentation: Have your personal ID, insurance information, and physician's order ready to ensure accurate patient identification.
Post-Draw Care: Apply light pressure to the site if bleeding occurs, and use an ice pack if bruising develops.
Correct urine sample collection is crucial for accurate test results.
Hydration: Drink water about 15 to 20 minutes before your urine test to make collection easier, unless otherwise instructed.
Clean Catch Method (If Required): For a 'clean catch' sample, a health professional will give you instructions to properly cleanse the genital area before you collect the sample mid-stream. This prevents germs from the skin from contaminating the sample.
Collection: Collect the sample into the container without letting the container touch your body.
Proper stool sample collection ensures reliable test outcomes.
Follow Dietary/Medicine Restrictions: Some fecal tests, like the Fecal Occult Blood Test, may require you to avoid certain foods or medicines beforehand. Follow the instructions provided by your physician.
Sample Collection: The sample should be passed directly into a clean container with a tight cover.
Storage and Labeling: Follow instructions for storage and transport, and ensure the container is properly labeled with your name and the date/time of collection.
At Paramount Diagnostic Lab in New Jersey, we pride ourselves on providing precise results and a transparent, positive experience. By paying attention to these preparations, you are actively participating in your journey towards better health.
If you have any questions or concerns about your preparation, please contact us right away. Our commitment to quality assurance and clear communication is unwavering.
Examples of some common laboratory tests that require advance preparation include:
Glucose tolerance, fasting, and two-hour post-prandial blood glucose tests: fasting or eating meals at specific times may be required.
Lipids profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, etc.): fasting for 9-12 hours may be required.
Creatinine: fasting overnight or refraining from eating cooked meat may be required since some studies have shown that eating cooked meat prior to testing can temporarily increase the level of creatinine.
Fecal occult blood test: certain food and/or medication restrictions may be required.
Urine culture: a patient may be instructed not to urinate for at least one hour before the test and/or to drink a glass of water 15-20 minutes before sample collection.
5-HIAA: foods such as avocados, bananas, pineapples, plums, walnuts, tomatoes, kiwi fruit, and eggplant can interfere with 5-HIAA measurement and should be avoided for 3 days prior to and during urine collection; there are also a variety of drugs that can affect the 5-HIAA test.
Cortisol: resting before sample collection may be required and, if a saliva sample is to be collected, it may be necessary to refrain from eating, drinking, or brushing teeth for a period of time prior to the test.
Pap test (pap smear): a woman may be instructed not to douche or tub bathe for 24 hours before the Pap test is to be performed and not to use any vaginal creams or foams for 48 hours prior to the exam; she also may be asked to refrain from sexual intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before the test and not schedule the test during her menstrual period.
However, be sure to check with your health care provider for specific instructions rather than relying on the information on this or any other web site, as different labs may have varying testing protocols.
