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
Important: If diabetic, consult your doctor about medication timing.
Preparation guide
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
Fasting = 8–12 hours, water only
Continue medications unless told otherwise
Wear loose, metal-free clothes for scans
Bring previous reports for comparison
Blood Tests — Fasting Requirements
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
Important: MRI with contrast: Inform about kidney disease or allergies. You may need to fast for 4 hours.
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)
Important: Contrast CT: Drink plenty of water after the scan to flush out the contrast dye.
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
Important: Inform your doctor about any chest pain, breathing difficulty, or joint problems.
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
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.
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