Guidelines

PREPARATORY GUIDELINES

Our doctors and specialists are available to assist if you have any concerns or questions. The below are general preparatory guidelines, it is always recommended to consult with your physician for information related to your diagnostic requirement.

  • It is recommended not to eat 8-12 hours prior to a blood test. It is important to remember that juice, tea, and coffee, especially sweetened, are also considered food. One is only allowed to drink water
  • Patient should not eat 3 hours prior to general blood test
  • 1-2 days prior to the test it is recommended to eat less fat and fried food, and avoid alcohol;
  • Do not smoke for one hour prior to the test
  • The levels of enzymes and hormones might vary at different times of day, therefore these tests should be performed before 10 a.m.
  • It is recommended to avoid physical load (sports) and stress before the blood test, to calm down and rest for at least 10-15 minutes
  • If you are planning to start using medications, perform tests before or after treatment, no sooner than 10-14 days post-treatment. When establishing the efficacy of a drug, blood is tested in 14-21 days after using the drug. If you are using medications, be sure to inform your doctor or laboratory specialist about it
  • It is not recommended to perform blood tests after roentgenelogic and ultrasound tests, massage, reflexotherapy or physiotherapy procedures
  • The results of women hormone tests are influenced by physiological factors related to the menstruation cycle, therefore, during preparation for a sex hormone test, it is necessary to indicate cycle phase and listen to doctor’s recommendations, on which cycle day to perform tests
  • Before performing a stress hormone test (ACTH, cortisol, prolactine, etc.) it is important to calm down, ignore side factors during the procedure and relax because stress increases the level of these hormones in blood
  • When performing tests regarding infections, it is necessary to take into account the stage of infection development and the state of immunity. A negative test result does not necessarily show that there is no infection. If laboratory test results cause doubts, it is appropriate to repeat them in 3-5 days. It is best to perform infection tests 10-14 days after the onset of disease, when the antibody production is the most active
  • Morning urine is the most suitable for the test. It is necessary to wash genitals before collecting the urine.
  • Collect your container from CEMA Laboratory or it can be purchased from pharmacies
  • The middle portion of urine for the test is collected (1.Urinate directly into the toilet. 2. Stop urinating 3. Urinate in the container).
  • Secure the lid tightly on the container and confirm that your full name and date of birth are on the label
  • In order to ensure accurate laboratory test results it is advised to perform them at the same time in the same laboratory.
  • Many drugs, including nonprescription medications and supplements, can affect the results of a urinalysis. Before a urinalysis, tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins or other supplements you’re taking.
  • There is little preparation for an MRI exam. Take your daily medications as you normally would, unless instructed otherwise. There are few dietary restrictions for an MRI. For those exams, you will be notified of the requirements.
  • Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to prevent it from being lost or stolen, for they have to be removed prior to entering the scan room.
  • Please let us know if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
  • Please bring a list of your current medications.
  • If you have claustrophobia, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take with you for your MRI appointment.
  • Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your exam and check in with the receptionist. You will need to complete the MRI screening form.
  • To eliminate possible MR safety issues, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
  • A technologist will verify your identification and the requested exam. Your screening form will be reviewed by the technologist in consultation with the radiologist if indicated. If MRI contrast is indicated for the exam, an IV catheter will be inserted in your arm by a nurse or technologist.
  • In the event that sedation is needed (such as for claustrophobia), you will be sent home once awake and alert. If you receive sedation, someone must drive you home.
  • You will be asked to remove any metallic or other items and ALL jewelry that might interfere with the scan.
  • Your CT scan will take about 15 minutes. Certain types of examinations require that intravenous contrast (“x-ray dye”) be administered in order to best evaluate the organ system or disease.
  • During the scan you will be lying on a padded table. You may be asked to lie on your stomach, back or side, and to hold your breath or stay very still. You may hear humming noises or feel the table move slowly through the CT scanner. 
  • If you received contrast, you should drink about five glasses of water to help flush out the contrast that was injected. If the area where the plastic tube (IV tube) was placed inside your vein is red, swollen or sore, you should put a warm, wet towel on the area four times a day for 15-20 minutes. If swelling continues for more than 48 hours, you should call your doctor.
  • Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your menstrual period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period.
  • Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
  • Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
  • Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
  • Obtain your prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist if they were done at a different location. This is needed for comparison with your current exam
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