Blood work
In order to obtain the most precise lab results possible, please note that for empty-stomach blood draws you may not eat for a minimum of 10 hours before your blood draw, but feel free to drink water, tea, and coffee plain (without milk or sugar).If you take any medications, continue them as directed, and you may take medications with water before the blood draw, as well.
An exception is the screening test in the 12th week of pregnancy (which includes a blood draw), for which you do not need to arrive with an empty stomach. The expectant mother may eat and drink before that blood draw, without any restrictions..
Prick test (allergy test)
For 5 days prior to the test, do not take any antihistamines (allergy medicine) or calcium, and do not use any creams containing steroids.
Lactose/fructose sensitivity test = Lactose/fructose intolerance test
This test requires that you arrive with an empty stomach. You may not eat, drink, brush teeth, chew gum, or smoke before the test, and you may not take antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to the test. Additionally, you may not take your usual morning medications, only after the test.
Celiac quick test – flour sensitivity quick test
This test requires a drop of blood taken from the tip of the finger. It does not require an empty stomach or any other preparation.
Mammogram
The best days to have a mammogram are the first 10 days after the monthly period (after the flow has stopped) because any breast swelling or sensitivity is less during those days.
Abdominal ultrasound exam
- 4 to 6 hours before the test do not eat, and arrive with a full bladder. You may drink and take your medications.
- With infants, stop feedings an hour before the exam.
- For gall bladder exams, arrive with an empty stomach. The gall bladder contracts in reaction to fatty foods or coffee and becomes impossible to examine.
- With kidney exams, the patient may drink water or tea.
- If there is a suspicion of appendicitis, an empty stomach is not required.
Urology exam
Arrive with a full bladder for urology ultrasounds, uroflowmetry exams, and cystoscopy procedures.
Hysteroscopy (uterus exam), HyCoSy (Fallopian tube exam)
You do not need to arrive with an empty stomach, and no other preparation is required. However, it is important that you schedule the exam to take place during the first half of your cycle, when your monthly period has completely finished.
IUD insertion
If possible, come during your monthly period, because then it is less uncomfortable due to the cervix being in a more open position.
Ophthalmology exam – pupil dilation
It is best to have someone accompany you to this exam, because after the exam you should not drive a car. We recommend that you bring sunglasses because the strong light can bother your eyes.
Endoscopic exams, surgeries
For these services, special preparation is necessary, which our doctors and assistants will discuss with you during the preparatory consultation.
