EXAM PREPARATION

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS

LABORATORIO ANALISI CLINICHE Dottoresse MICHELA DE MICHELE E FULVIA VALENTE snc

Venous blood sampling: general indications

Before taking a blood sample it is very important to pay attention to some small precautions. Factors such as fasting, diet, taking medications, physical exercise, physical posture, can influence the success of the analysis to varying degrees.

  • Fast

    There is unanimous agreement on the opportunity for the patient to present himself for the blood sample fasting for at least 8 – 12 hours. During this period only modest quantities of water can be consumed and sugary drinks, alcohol, coffee and smoking must be absolutely excluded.

  • Diet

    In the days preceding the blood sample, the diet should be as usual as possible, avoiding sudden changes in calorie intake, whether excess or deficiency.

  • Medicines

    There are numerous studies regarding the effect of drugs on laboratory tests. Interferences can manifest themselves directly or indirectly at the analytical level.

  • Physical exercise

    Changes in enzymatic activities and some analytes coming from skeletal muscles following intensive and prolonged physical exercise are expected phenomena and should generally be avoided immediately before sampling or in the 8 – 12 hours preceding it.

  • Posture

    In the transition from the supine to the upright position, the plasma volume, the concentration of the figured elements of the blood and of some analytes such as for example calcium (3.43%), magnesium, phosphorus, bilirubin, total proteins, iron (10.93%), triglycerides (18.5%), cholesterol, LDL (34%) and transaminases (34%).

LABORATORIO ANALISI CLINICHE Dottoresse MICHELA DE MICHELE E FULVIA VALENTE snc

Instructions for specimen collection and exam preparation

  • Venous blood sampling after oral glucose loading:

    It is carried out on Wednesdays and Fridays; both for the so-called glucose miniload or GCT (three samples: at 08.00, at 09.00, at 10.00) and for the curve with the standard load or OGTT (six samples: at 08.00, at 08.30, at 09.00, at 9.30 , at 10.00, at 11.00).

  • Venous blood sampling for post-prandial blood sugar:

    The sampling, in this case, is carried out exactly two hours after the meal: the patient will be asked to have a hearty breakfast capable of simulating the caloric intake of a lunch in order to carry out the sampling no later than 11.00.

  • Swabs for bacteriological culture tests (common germs and fungi):

    In this case it is essential that at the time of the swab the patient has not taken antibiotics for at least a week.

  • Swabs for direct detection of Chlamydia, Herpes Simplex Virus from the endocervical canal or urethra:

    It is advisable for the patient to carry out careful intimate hygiene of the affected part before carrying out the swab.

  • Vaginal smear for PAP – test (Papanicolaou test):

    In this case it is recommended to carry out the smear approximately 8 days after the end of the menstrual flow without carrying out any internal washing.

  • Sterile box sample collection methods (urine, feces, seminal fluid, other material)

    Below are some general rules to be observed for correct collection of biological samples:

  • Urine culture test for common germs and fungi

    Urine culture for the etiological diagnosis of urinary tract infection is the most frequently requested test; the results are quantitative and a correct urine collection procedure is essential to obtain reliable results.

  • Stool culture examination (coproculture)

    The optimal material for microbiological research is diarrheal faeces, i.e. those emitted by the patient during the acute phase of the disease.

  • Parasitological examination of feces

    To search for enteric pathogens and parasites, send 3 samples taken on different days to the laboratory, in any case no later than 7-10 days.

  • Scotch test

    The search for Enterobius vermicularis eggs is performed using a scotch test. Enterobius vermicularis deposits its eggs periodically at the perianal level, during the night when the patient sleeps.

  • Collection of feces for occult blood testing

    Purchase the sterile container supplied with a collection spoon fixed on the inside of the screw cap at the pharmacy.

  • Stool collection for fecal calprotectin

    Purchase the sterile container supplied with a collection spoon fixed on the inside of the screw cap at the pharmacy.

  • Sputum culture

    Sputum may not be the material of choice for determining the causative agent of bacterial pneumonia.

  • Ear swab

    The etiological diagnosis of bacterial otitis media is obtained on material coming from the middle ear, following tympanocentesis or spontaneous perforation of the tympanic membrane.

  • Oral cavity swab and throat swab

    The throat swab is used to diagnose acute pharyngitis caused by ß-haemolytic streptococci (15-30% of group A, and 5-10% of groups C and G) and other Gram + bacteria.

  • Nasal swab

    To carry out the test it is necessary not to have inhaled sprays or drops of any kind. Avoid using detergents to wash your face.

  • Eye swab

    To carry out the test it is necessary not to have used drops or eye drops of any kind. Avoid using detergents to wash your face.

  • Skin swab

    Do not disinfect the skin and do not apply ointments before sampling.

  • Vaginal, vulvar swab

    Withdrawal Method:

  • Urethral swab

    Female gender:

  • Semen culture (or sperm culture)

    Withdrawal Method:

LABORATORIO ANALISI CLINICHE Dottoresse MICHELA DE MICHELE E FULVIA VALENTE snc

Sample collection methods for other tests

  • Collected for complete urinalysis

    Withdrawal Method:

  • Urinalysis for determination of single-phase drugs in urine

    For this type of test it is necessary for the patient to urinate and collect the urine in a sterile container upon arrival at the laboratory, after ascertaining his identity.

  • Urine collection for 24-hour urine tests

    Purchase the sterile collection container at the pharmacy.

  • Urine collection for Nordin test

    Purchase a sterile container for collecting urine from the pharmacy.

  • Title or Urine collection for urinary pap test (urine cytology)

    Purchase a sterile container for collecting urine from the pharmacy.

  • Urine collection for chemical examination of urinary stone

    The stone is a compact urinary deposit, with the size and consistency of small stones, which is created in the urinary tract due to the precipitation of mineral salts present in the urine.

  • Acidified 24-hour urine collection method

    Acidified 24-hour urine collection must be performed for the following analyses.

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