Laboratory Test Preparations
To ensure accurate results and proper sample collection, please follow the below guidelines and preparations before testing.
Blood Lipid Profile Preparations
- Fasting is required for 10–12 hours before the test.
- Only water is allowed during the fasting period.
Postprandial Blood Sugar (2 Hours After Meal)
- The 2-hour countdown starts from the beginning of the meal.
- The meal should be finished within 10 minutes.
- If you are taking diabetes medication, take it at the usual time.
It is recommended to arrive at the lab 15 minutes before the test.
Fasting Blood Sugar
- Fasting duration: 6–8 hours.
- Only water is allowed during the fasting period.
Urine Culture Test
- Wash hands and genital area well with soap and water.
- Cleanse the urethral opening with an antiseptic (e.g., Dettol), then rinse with water.
- Discard the first few drops of urine, then collect the remaining sample in the sterile container provided by the lab.
- Deliver the sample to the lab within 2 hours if collected at home.
Stop taking antibiotics 48 hours before the test.
Semen Analysis
- Abstain from intercourse or ejaculation for 4 consecutive days.
- Preferably collect the sample at the lab, ensuring the entire sample including the first drops is collected in the provided container.
- If collected at home, deliver within 20 minutes.
Gynecological Smear Instructions
- The appointment must be booked in advance.
- Abstain from intercourse for two days before the test.
- Do not wash the vagina on the day of the test.
- Stop taking antibiotics 48 hours before the test.
Stool Culture Test
- Provide the sample in the sterile container supplied by the lab.
- Deliver the sample within 2 hours.
- Samples collected in diapers or cardboard boxes are not accepted.
- Stop antibiotics 48 hours before the test.
PSA Test (Prostate)
- No catheterization or endoscopic procedures for 10 days prior.
- Abstain from intercourse for 48 hours.
5HIAA, VMA, and Catecholamine Tests
- Collect urine for 24 hours as instructed.
- Avoid the following foods and drinks before and during collection:
Tea, coffee, biscuits, vanilla, bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, and eggplant.
G6PD Test
- Do not perform the test after a blood transfusion or during a hemolytic crisis unless 4 weeks have passed.
Asthma Medication Monitoring
- Take the medication regularly for 5 days before the test.
- Avoid vomiting or diarrhea for 48 hours prior.
- A blood sample is collected before the morning dose (lowest level).
- Another sample is collected 4 hours after the dose (peak level).
Prostate Examination (Urine Test with Massage)
- Appointment booking is required.
- Abstain from intercourse for 4 days before the test.
- Retain urine for 1 hour before the test. Two urine samples will be taken: one before and one after prostate massage.
- Stop antibiotics 24 hours before the test.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
- Avoid all types of meat for 48 hours before the test.
- Stop consuming radish, rheumatism medications, aspirin, Vitamin C, corticosteroids, and iron.
Do not use laxatives before the test.
Iron and Related Tests
- Fasting for 6–8 hours is preferred.
- Best done in the morning.
- The test should be performed before starting iron therapy or blood transfusion.
Al Safa Lab – Your Partner for a Healthier Life
Through our website, you can:
- Easily book home visits.
- Search for tests and health check-up packages.
- View test results online and pay electronically.
- Find the nearest branch via Google Maps.
