Indications on types of tests not performed:
With regards to lab tests, the following tests (paid for by the NHS) are not performed:
C REACTIVE PROTEIN . S PROTEIN . BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS . CRYOGLOBULINS . MUTATION FACTORS . VITAMIN C . ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST . ACTH . RENIN . ALDOSTERONE
Indications on types of tests done in specific days:
On Fridays the following tests are not performed: LYMPHOCYTE SUBPOPULATIONS OR IMMUNOPHENOTYPING PANEL (only from Monday to Thursday).
When you have your blood taken, it is necessary to pay attention to a few instructions, so that the test is as correct as possible:
- fasting: it is necessary to have been fasting for at least 8-12 hours. You can drink, avoiding sugar, coffee, alcohol, smoke.
- diet: during the days before, important changes in your diet should be avoided both by excess and by defect.
- medication: if possible, you should not take any medicines for as long as possible before a blood test.
- physical exercise: it is appropriate to avoid intensive exercise during the 8-12 hours before having your blood taken. This applies particularly to urinalysis for the determination of creatinine clearance.
URINALYSIS
Wash your external genitalia carefully. For urinalysis collect a sample of urine in the morning discarding the first urine stream. Use disposable containers that you can easily find in a pharmacy. It is recommendable for women to wait at least three days from the end of your menstruation.
URINE CULTURE
Urine must be collected in an appropriate sterile wide-top container. Early morning urine is collected according to the following “mid-stream” procedure:
- wash your hands accurately
- accurately wash your external genitalia with soap and water – rinse
- women should keep their great labia spread apart and men should keep their foreskin completely retracted while cleansing skin and collecting urine
- discard the first urine stream
- collect urine directly in the container
- discard the last urine stream
- shut the container rapidly after collecting urine
- hand in the sample as soon as possible
It is necessary to discontinue any antibiotic treatment at least a week before.