Test Preparation Guide
How to prepare for blood tests, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, ECG, and health checkups. Follow these guidelines for accurate test results.
Quick Preparation Tips
Blood Tests — Fasting Requirements
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
- ✓Fast for 8–12 hours (overnight)
- ✓Drink plain water only
- ✓No tea, coffee, juice, or food
- ✓Take the test early morning for best results
Lipid Profile / Cholesterol
- ✓Fast for 10–12 hours (overnight)
- ✓Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before
- ✓Drink only water
- ✓Avoid high-fat meals the previous night
HbA1c
- ✓No fasting required
- ✓Can be taken at any time of day
- ✓Continue regular diet and medications
- ✓Best done alongside fasting sugar for complete assessment
Thyroid Profile (TSH, T3, T4)
- ✓No fasting required (fasting preferred for consistency)
- ✓Best done in the morning
- ✓Take thyroid medication AFTER the blood draw
- ✓Biotin supplements may affect results — stop 48 hours before
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- ✓No fasting required
- ✓Stay hydrated
- ✓Avoid strenuous exercise before the test
- ✓Inform the lab about any medications
Liver Function Test (LFT)
- ✓Fasting for 8–10 hours recommended
- ✓Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours
- ✓Avoid fatty meals the previous night
- ✓Continue regular medications unless advised otherwise
Kidney Function Test (KFT)
- ✓Fasting for 8–10 hours recommended
- ✓Stay well hydrated
- ✓Avoid excessive protein intake the previous day
- ✓Continue regular medications
Vitamin D & Vitamin B12
- ✓No fasting required
- ✓Can be tested at any time
- ✓Continue regular supplements but inform the lab
- ✓Best combined with a full health checkup
Imaging Tests — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-Ray
MRI Scan
- ✓Wear loose, metal-free clothing
- ✓Remove all jewellery, watches, hairpins, belts
- ✓Inform staff about metal implants, pacemakers, or cochlear implants
- ✓Arrive 15–20 minutes early for paperwork
CT Scan
- ✓Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons
- ✓Remove jewellery and accessories
- ✓For CT with contrast: fast for 4–6 hours before
- ✓Inform about allergies, kidney disease, or diabetes medications (Metformin)
Ultrasound — Abdomen
- ✓Fast for 6–8 hours before the scan
- ✓Drink only water during fasting
- ✓Arrive with an empty stomach for clear images
- ✓No specific clothing requirements
Ultrasound — Pelvis
- ✓Full bladder required
- ✓Drink 4–5 glasses of water 1 hour before
- ✓Do not urinate before the scan
- ✓Wear comfortable, loose clothing
Ultrasound — Pregnancy / Obstetric
- ✓First trimester: Full bladder may be needed
- ✓Second and third trimester: No preparation needed
- ✓Wear a two-piece outfit for easy access
- ✓Bring previous scan reports if available
X-Ray
- ✓No fasting required
- ✓Remove metal accessories from the area being X-rayed
- ✓Inform about pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
- ✓Wear comfortable clothing
Cardiology Tests — ECG, Echo, TMT
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- ✓No fasting required
- ✓Avoid heavy meals and caffeine 2 hours before
- ✓Wear a loose top or button-down shirt
- ✓Avoid applying lotion on the chest area
2D Echocardiography
- ✓No fasting required
- ✓Wear a comfortable top that can be easily removed
- ✓Continue all regular medications
- ✓Arrive 10 minutes early
TMT (Treadmill Test)
- ✓Light meal 2 hours before (avoid heavy food)
- ✓Wear comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing
- ✓Continue medications unless doctor advises otherwise
- ✓Avoid smoking and caffeine on the day of the test
Special Tests & Health Checkups
Full Body Health Checkup
- ✓Fast for 10–12 hours (overnight) before sample collection
- ✓Drink only plain water
- ✓Get adequate sleep the night before
- ✓Carry previous reports for comparison if available
- ✓Wear comfortable clothing for any imaging tests included
Urine Test
- ✓Collect midstream urine in a sterile container
- ✓First morning sample is preferred for routine urine
- ✓Avoid excessive water intake before collection
- ✓For urine culture: clean the area before collection
Stool Test
- ✓Collect a fresh sample in a clean, dry container
- ✓Avoid contamination with urine or water
- ✓Deliver to the lab within 30 minutes
- ✓Inform the lab about any medications including iron supplements
Ready to Book Your Test?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I fast before a blood test?▼
Most fasting blood tests require 8 to 12 hours of overnight fasting. You can drink plain water during the fasting period. Avoid tea, coffee, juice, and any food. Your lab will provide specific instructions when you book.
Can I take my regular medications before a blood test?▼
In most cases, you should continue your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Take medications with a small sip of water. Always inform the lab about any medications you are taking as they can affect certain test results.
What should I wear for an MRI scan?▼
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without any metal components. Remove all jewellery, watches, belts, hairpins, and dentures. The centre will provide a hospital gown if needed. Inform the staff about any metal implants or pacemakers.
Do I need to fast for an ultrasound?▼
It depends on the type. Abdominal ultrasound requires 6-8 hours of fasting. Pelvic ultrasound requires a full bladder — drink 4-5 glasses of water 1 hour before. Obstetric and thyroid ultrasounds generally do not require fasting.
Can I eat before an ECG test?▼
No fasting is required for an ECG. However, avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and exercise 2 hours before the test. Wear a loose top that can be easily lifted. Inform the technician about any medications you take.