Habits, behaviours and substances that can affect blood tests
Any intake of food and fluids influences blood substances levels. For example, a large fat-rich meal is likely to increase triglycerides. Even prolonged starving can affect substance levels.
The evening before your test (about 10 hours before)
Consume a standard meal and avoid any food and fluids afterwards until your blood test.
Avoid or limit alcohol the day before, as it may affect results (e.g., lowering blood glucose).
Avoid caffeine drinks such as coffee, tea and cola, as they may interfere as well.
Do not smoke from the night before your test (smoking can affect fatty acids, glycerol, aldosterone, cortisol and other analytes).
In the 3 hours before the test
No eating, drinking or smoking.
Avoid physical activity (long walks, cycling, running): it shifts water from blood to muscles and may alter results.
Reduce anxiety and stress: they can affect fatty acids, lactate and white blood cells.
In the 15 minutes before the test
Sit and relax. A short rest before blood collection helps stabilise blood circulation and analyte concentrations.
Important notes
Pregnancy and the menstrual cycle may cause sensible variations in many blood substances: please let us know, as we may need additional information to measure hormones accurately.
Inform us about any drugs you have taken in the past 24 hours.
Laboratory test
Full blood count
ESR
Cholesterol
Urea and electrolytes
Creatinine
Liver
CRP
PT (INR) and APTT
Glucose and HbA1c
CK
TFT
PSA
Uric acid
Magnesium
Iron and IBC
Ferritin
Vitamin B12
Folate
IgG, A, M
Rheumatoid factor
IgE (RAST)
MSU urine test
This is not an exhaustive list. For the complete range, give us a call or email: posta@biolabanalisi.it
Digital service
We provide same-day results for patients taking warfarin, by phone or text.
Laboratory test
It is also possible to receive your blood test result digitally by using our Fidelity card web system.
Home service
If you have any physical impairment and are not able to come to us, we can come to you with our home service available by appointment.
