Blood tests are performed to gain information on the patient’s health or to diagnose diseases. Blood tests may also be performed to monitor treatment or the effectiveness of medication. It is important to prepare yourself for a blood test appropriately to ensure reliable test results. The blood samples are most commonly collected from a vein in the bend of the elbow. The treating physician is always responsible for interpreting your results.

Follow the preparation instructions provided by your physician. If you need more information, please contact our customer advice service for help by calling 03 3117 4445 (on weekdays Mon–Fri between 8:00–16:00).

General

• Some laboratory tests require fasting. A small letter ‘f’ in front of the test abbreviation means that the test requires fasting.
• Some laboratory tests require sampling at a specific time.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, smoking and other nicotine products on the day before sampling and in the morning of the sampling day.
• You can take your medication normally in the morning of the sampling day, unless your physician has instructed otherwise (see: Therapeutic drug monitoring).

Sampling

• Do not exercise vigorously or push yourself too hard before the test.
• Arrive at the test on time, shortly before the appointment.
• Tell the nurse if the blood test is making you feel unwell. The blood test can also be collected in the lying position.
• Press where the sample was collected for five minutes after sampling.

Therapeutic drug monitoring

• If you are prescribed a therapeutic drug monitoring test, take the relevant medicine only after the test.

Tests that require fasting

On the day before sampling:

• Do not consume alcohol.
• Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 10–14 hours before sampling.
• Please note that fasting for too long (more than 14 hours) also affects the test results.

In the morning of the sampling day:

• Do not smoke or use any nicotine products.
• You can drink a glass of water.
• Follow the instructions provided by your physician for medication.