Before specimen collection
Laboratory Preparation Center
Start with the exact test instructions. These guides explain common preparation concepts but do not replace instructions supplied for your test.
Important safety rule
Do not stop medicines or change preparation without qualified guidance. Confirm fasting, timing, medicines, and collection instructions for the exact test.
Preparing for a Blood Test
Preparation can affect specimen quality and may include instructions about timing, food, drinks, exercise, medicines, or supplements.
Read the guideFasting Before Laboratory Testing
Fasting means avoiding food and most drinks for a specified period when the requested test requires it; water may be allowed under the supplied instructions.
Read the guideWhat Can Affect Laboratory Results?
Food, drinks, medicines, supplements, exercise, timing, illness, and collection conditions can affect selected laboratory results.
Read the guideUnderstanding Urine Testing
Urine testing may assess physical, chemical, or microscopic features of a urine sample, depending on the requested test.
Read the guideUnderstanding Stool Testing
Stool tests examine a collected sample for a specific laboratory purpose, such as blood, infection, inflammation, or digestive function.
Read the guideChildren's Laboratory Testing
Age-appropriate preparation can help a child understand what will happen during specimen collection and reduce avoidable distress.
Read the guidePreparing for Home Collection
Home Collection changes where a specimen is collected, not the medical purpose or preparation requirements of the requested test.
Read the guide