How many hours do I have to fast to take blood tests?

For tests such as glucose (sugar) fasting for 8 hours and for the lipid profile, 14 hours are required.

Should I go to the Clinical Laboratory on an empty stomach whenever I have to  perform some kind of analysis?  

Preferably yes, especially for blood glucose and lipid profile. However, there are studies in which fasting is not necessary, so if you have any questions about this, before visiting our Laboratory, contact us and we will tell you what are the recommendations that you should take into consideration before any test.

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If I drink a cup of coffee without sugar or eat gum or other sugar-free foods, am I still fasting?

The patient does not continue fasting if this type of beverage, food or chewing gum is consumed. The fast is strict.  Only water does not break this state and if it is consumed it must be in moderate quantity.

What is the lipid profile?

It is the test that shows the state of lipids in the body and is made up of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol), LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.  

What conditions do I require for a general urine test?

It is advisable to collect the first urine in the morning, although it is not essential.  The first portion of urine must be discarded and the rest of the sample collected, in addition, the bottle must be clean and labeled with your full name.

Do all laboratory tests require an appointment or can I come at any day and time?

No appointment is required, but in the case of exams that require fasting, you must attend in the morning, between 6:30 am and 10 am.

I want to know if I am diabetic, what test should I take?

Glycemia is the test that allows you to know the levels of sugar in the blood.

I want to know if I have anemia, what test should I do?

The blood count or complete blood count BHC,  It allows us to know the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood, to rule out the presence of anemia.

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I want to do check-up tests, what do you recommend?

For a general checkup, glycemia, lipid profile, uric acid, complete blood count, general urine test, and stool test are recommended.  For men over 40 years of age, the Prostate Specific Antigen (total PSA) is suggested.

How often should I have a lab check?  

Laboratory tests are appropriate at least once a year, or as determined by your doctor based on your health condition.

What screening tests are recommended for children?

A complete blood count, glycemia, general urinalysis and stool examination are the most appropriate tests for children, if there is no special health situation, where the child's doctor is the one who refers the test to be performed.

To rule out the presence of parasites, what is indicated?

A general stool exam is what should be done.

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I have burning and pain when urinating, can I rule out a urinary tract infection with a test?

Yes, with the general urinalysis, followed by a urine culture.

Do I take medications, should I take them before or after the blood test?

Unless the doctor tells you otherwise, do not stop taking your medications and please inform the Laboratory of what medications you use.

How long should I wait to take a pregnancy test with certainty?

You must be at least three days late, or wait at least 10 to 12 days after the relationship in which the pregnancy is suspected, for the test to reach its highest level of confidence.

Why, when they ask me for serial stool tests, do I have to submit one daily and not all three together?

The purpose of requesting three samples is to have a greater probability of finding the existence of intestinal parasites, this must  be done on different days to extend the sampling, if you keep the sample for three days, it may be that the eggs, cysts or parasites deteriorate making their identification difficult.

Is the material used to take the samples safe?

Yes, all the material used in the laboratory such as needles, tubes, syringes, etc.,  are always new and sterile,  they are discarded after use.