Blood tests

Blood tests: how to prepare and what are they for?

Blood tests are one of the most common methods of lab diagnostics which helps evaluate the overall condition of the organism and expose many diseases. At Medincentre blood analyses are conducted on modern equipment with the use of methods that provide high precision results.

About the main types of blood tests

Many types of blood tests exist, each of them has its own purpose:

Complete blood count (CBC): used to assess the immune system, detect inflammation, and identify anaemias.
Blood biochemistry test: allows assessment of internal organ function (liver, kidneys) and metabolism.
Hormonal tests: used to diagnose endocrine disorders and assess hormone levels.
Serological tests: help detect infections and determine the body's immune response.
Coagulogram (blood clotting test): required for assessing blood coagulation, especially before surgery or when haemostasis disorders are suspected.

General test preparation recommendations

To get back precise results it is important to keep to the following rules:

1. Blood sampling on an empty stomach In most cases, the last meal should be 8–12 hours before the test. Only water is allowed. An exception may be serological tests, which are sometimes permitted after a light snack.

2. Exclusion of physical activity and stress
A day before the test refrain from intensive training. An hour before the test try to relax.

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking
Alcohol must be excluded 24 hours before the test, and cigarettes at least an hour before the test.

4. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking
Some medication can influence the results. It is important to consult with a doctor in the case of a temporary stop in medication.

Specific recommendations for different types of blood tests

Complete blood count (CBC)

Preparation: fasting isn’t always mandatory. When testing the levels of glucose, fasting for 8 hours is necessary.
Specifics: refrain from fat food and excessive consumption of liquids a day before analysis.

Blood biochemistry test

Preparation: fasting is strictly mandatory, the last meal should be 8-12 hours before the test.
Specifics: 2-3 days before the test limit consumption of fat food, alcohol and sweets.

Hormonal tests

Preparation: blood is drawn on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning (before 10 a.m.).
Specifics: one day before the test exclude stressful situations, physical exercises and hormonal medication (after consulting with a doctor)

Serological tests

Preparation: in most cases fasting is not mandatory, but clarify with your doctor. The last meal should be 3-4 hours before taking the test.
Specifics: no special restrictions, other than the general recommendations.

Coagulogram (blood clotting test)

Preparation: fasting is strictly mandatory, the last meal should be 12 hours before the test.
Specifics: if you are taking anticoagulants make sure to inform your doctor.

Advantages of taking a test at Medincentre

Modern equipment. An in-house Russian-Swiss laboratory equipped with machinery of leading manufacturers, which guarantees the precision of tests
Swift results. Examinations are conducted within one work day.
Experienced specialists. The process of blood collection is fast and painless.
An individual approach. All recommendations on preparation are provided in advance during your visit to the doctor.

FAQs

Can you take tests after eating?
For most tests fasting is mandatory. Exceptions to this are some serological tests, analyses and infectious diseases or emergency examinations where the time of the test is more important than maintaining this condition.

How long is it to wait for test results?
Depending on the type of the analysis the results may be ready in several hours or on the next day.

Can you take blood tests while on medication?
It depends on the medication. Before taking the test consult with a doctor.