Listed below are some basic instructions for preparation for your lab test or for collecing your lab specimen. If these are not clear, please contact us or your physician for more information.

PATIENT PREPARATION FOR BLOOD TEST

Lipid Profile

For optimal results, the patient should be on a stable diet for 2 - 3 weeks prior to testing. Patient should fast for 12 to 14 hours before blood collection. Fasting means no food or drink except for water.

PATIENT PREPARATION FOR OTHER LAB TESTS

Urine Specimens

24-hour urine specimens

Please follow these instructions in collecting your 24-hour urine specimen. You will find it more convenient to urinate into the smaller container provided and transfer the urine into the larger collection container.

Do Not add anything but urine to the container and do Not pour out any liquid or powder that may already be in the collection container. These substances may cause burns if touched.

The collection container should be kept cool throughout the collection period. You mayy place in a refrigerator or on a pan with ice during collection.

1. Upon arising in the morning, urinate into the toilet, emptying your bladder completely. Do not collect this sample. Note the exact time and print it on the container label.

2. Collect all urine voided for 24 hours after this time in the container provided. All urine passed during the 24-hour time period (day and night) must be saved. Urine passed during bowel movements must also be collected. Be careful not to contaminate urine specimen with feces.

3. Refrigerate the collected urine between all voidings or keep in a cool place.

4. At exactly the same time the following morning, void completely again (first time after awakening( and add this sample to the collection container. This completes your 24-hour collection.

5. Be sure to label specimen with patient's name, date and time the collection began and ended.

6. Take the 24-hour specimen to the outpatient service area as soon as

Urine for Urinalysis and/or Culture

Obtain a sterile container from your physician's office, Outpatient services and/or the laboratory. Please avoid touching the inside of the container and/or the lid in order to maintain sterility.

1. Female: The patient should be seated on the toilet or bedpan with legs separated. Separate labia minor (inner folds), cleanse opening of urethra thee times with cleansing pads. Allow the initial stream of urine to pass, and then collect urine into a sterile container.

2. Male: Cleanse glans three times with cleaning pads. Allow initial stream of urine to pass, and then collect urine into a sterile container.

3. Olease label the specimen with patient's name, date and time of collection.

4. The specimen should be returned as soon as possible. If there is a delay, the specimen should be refrigerated.

Urine Cytology

1. Obtain a sterile container from your physician's office, Outpatient services or the laboratory if after hours. Avoid touching the inside of the container and/or lid in order to maintain sterility.

2. Obtain a first morning specimen.

3. Return the specimen to Outpatient services within 30 minutres of collection.

4. Please label the specimen with patient'sname, date and time of collection.

Please note that if any of the above is not clear and/or you have any questions, you may call our office at (784) 451 1011.