FAQS
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY TEST?
You will need to bring along with you a Request Form; which has been duly signed by your doctor.
ID card required for HIV testing and Semen Analysis.
WHAT DOES “FASTING” INVOLVE?
If fasting is required, you should not have anything to eat or drink for 10-12 hours before your test. You may drink water only. Unless advised by your doctor you should take all regular medications.
If you are diabetic or have any concerns, please contact your doctor before fasting. Please notify us if you have fasted for longer than 10-12 hours as prolonged fasting may affect your results.
WHICH ARE THE TEST REQUIRE FASTING SAMPLE?
Following are the test which require fasting
- FBS
- GTT
- Lipid profile
- Triglycerides (individual test)
AM I RISK OF CATCHING ANYTHING BY HAVING MY BLOOD TAKEN?
No… It is the policy of PATKAR LABORATORY to utilize single use sterile syringes/equipment when taking blood samples from patients. No syringes/equipment is reused. Our specimen collection staffs are trained in infection control.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY SAMPLES WILL NOT BE MIXED UP IN THE LABORATORY?
Our collection staff will confirm your details with you at every visit. This is to ensure we have all the correct information. Each sample is carefully labeled with barcode before collection. A laboratory number is given to your request form and samples to ensure they are not mixed up. This number is unique and assists to ensure that the correct tests are performed on each sample. We have other checks in place throughout the testing procedure to ensure the testing is performed at the highest possible standard.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (GTT) – 2 HOUR?
It is recommended that this test be performed in the morning and that you follow the instructions below in order for accurate results to be obtained
- Discuss your medication regime prior to and during the GTT test, with your doctor.
- 10 to 12 hours fasting is required prior to the test. Have no breakfast, tea or coffee BUT water is
allowed.
- On arrival at the lab blood sample is collected in the fasting state. You will then be given 75gms
(1gm/kg body weight) of glucose in 200ml of water. Another 4 blood samples are obtained at 30min intervals for a period of 2hours.Corresponding urine sample is also collected. You should remain at the lab till all the samples are obtained.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTION OF URINE SAMPLE ( URINE & CULTURE )?
Clean the area with soap and water, midstream sample of urine should be collected in a sterile container provided in the laboratory and send to lab within 30 min. For 24hours urinary examination- collect all the urine passed in a sterile container and transport to the lab at the earliest. Detailed instructions to be enquired at the lab.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR MIDSTREAM COLLECTION OF URINE?
Instructions for Male :
Before collecting this specimen, please obtain a suitable specimen container from one of our collection centres or from your doctor.
PROCEDURE
1. Wash and dry hands thoroughly
2. Pull back foreskin if present. Clean tip of penis with sterile water and cotton swab or gauze (supplied by laboratory or collection centre).
3. Commence passing urine into toilet for about 3 seconds. Bring the collection container into the urine stream and half fill container. To prevent contamination of specimen, do not touch inner surface of container or lid.
4. Finish emptying bladder into toilet.
Clearly label the container with your Name, Age, Sex, Lab number and the date the specimen was collected. Take specimen to the laboratory, doctor’s surgery or closest collection centre (refer to listed addresses). A request form should accompany the specimen.
It is important that we receive the specimen as soon as possible on the day it is collected. If a delay is unavoidable, refrigerate sample until delivery is possible.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTION OF SPUTUM?
Before collecting this specimen, please obtain a suitable specimen container from our lab.
This is best collected on arising in the morning, prior to cleaning your teeth, taking medication or having a drink, only gargle. The specimen should be produced by taking a few deep breaths and then coughing as vigorously as possible collecting the sputum into the provided specimen container.
A good plug of sputum is required by the lab – saliva is not acceptable for testing.
Clearly label the container with your full Name, Age, Sex, Lab number and the date the specimen was collected. Transport the specimen to the laboratory on the day of collection. A request form should accompany the specimen.
FAECES FOR OCCULT BLOOD DETECTION?
Before collecting this specimen, please obtain suitable screw top specimen containers from one of our lab.
Collect stool (feces) specimens as instructed by requesting doctor or laboratory staff.
Specimens should not be collected during or within 3 days of a menstrual period. Bleeding haemorrhoids or urinary bleeding may also interfere with results.
EXPLAIN THE METHOD OF COLLECTION OF SEMEN FOR FERTILITY ANALYSIS.
For accurate assessment of the seminal fluid, strict attention should be paid to the following collection procedure.
1. Abstain from intercourse and masturbation for 3 days prior to collection.
2. The specimen can be collected at home or at the laboratory.
3. The sample should be obtained by masturbation directly into a sterile container provided by the laboratory or doctor’s surgery. (Withdrawal is not a satisfactory method because of the possible contamination of the specimen with vaginal cells.)
4. Before collection try to bring the container close to body temperature e.g. by warming the container in the hand.
5. Wash hands and then penis with warm prior to specimen collection.
6. Do not use a condom or lubricants as they can immobilize the sperm.
7. It is important to get as much of the ejaculate as possible into the container.
Clearly label the container with your full name and date of birth, and the date and time the specimen was collected. Transport the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
Protect the specimen from the cold during transport. Keep it in a coat pocket close to the body. Extremes of temperature can irreversibly affect sperm motility.
A request form should accompany the specimen.