Blood Test Instructions:
Sugar, Lipids, Vitamins, and Hormones

To ensure the most accurate results for blood tests, please adhere to the general instructions (such as informing the laboratory about medications) in addition to the specific preparations for each test.

Diabetes Tests

Importance of Diabetes Tests

Diabetes is one of the most important diseases affecting multiple organs (heart, liver, kidneys, retina). Therefore, regular monitoring of blood sugar and HbA1c levels is crucial to prevent complications.

Preparations for Diabetes Tests

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS):
Requires fasting for 6 to 8 hours (some cases may require 10 hours).
Only water is allowed.
Smoking must be avoided.
Medications can be taken as usual (unless otherwise advised by the doctor).

Postprandial Blood Sugar (2 hours after meal):
The two hours are counted from the start of the meal (not the end).
Meal should be completed within 10 minutes.
Diabetes medications are taken as usual (unless the doctor advises otherwise).
Only water is allowed during the 2 hours; eating or smoking is prohibited.

Glucose Curve:
Patients should attend the lab in the morning after 12 hours fasting.
Smoking must be completely avoided during the test.
A fasting sample is taken, then the patient consumes a glucose dose, followed by additional samples (after 1 hour and 2 hours, or 3 hours for pregnant women).

Lipid Profile (Cholesterol & Fat Tests)

Importance of Lipid Tests

These are essential routine tests, especially with a medical history, as high lipid levels may lead to atherosclerosis, heart, and brain diseases. Diabetic and hypertensive patients are most affected.

Preparations for Lipid Tests

Blood lipid test (Lipid Profile):
Includes HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and Triglycerides.
Fasting for 9 to 12 hours is required (some sources prefer a full 12 hours).
Fasting blood sugar with lipid test:
If both tests are requested together, fasting for exactly 10 hours is required.

Vitamin & Mineral Tests

Iron Test:
Fasting for 6 to 8 hours is preferred.
Sample should be drawn in the morning.
For women: preferably after the menstrual cycle.
Avoid iron-rich foods or supplements 24 hours before the test.

Vitamin B12 Test:
Fasting for 6 to 8 hours is required.
Inform the lab if you are taking B12 supplements or injections.

Hormones & Organ Function Tests

Importance of Hormone Tests

Hormones are chemicals that control all vital body functions (reproductive health, sugar, blood pressure, blood production). Testing them is essential for evaluating gland function, especially the pituitary gland.

Importance of Biochemical Tests (Liver & Kidney Functions)

These tests reflect liver and kidney performance and help determine the degree of dysfunction associated with various diseases.

Preparations for Hormone & Function Tests

Creatinine Test:
May require fasting or avoiding cooked meat before the test.

Cortisol Test:
Rest is required before taking the sample.
May be asked to avoid eating, drinking, or brushing teeth for a certain period.

Calcitonin Test:
Fasting is required.

Tumor Marker Tests

Importance of Tumor Marker Tests

Essential for early detection, especially for those with a family history, which increases recovery chances. Also used to monitor treatment success (e.g., Alpha-fetoprotein for liver patients, PSA for prostate).

Preparations for PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

Patients must abstain from sexual activity for 24 hours before the test.
Inform the doctor and lab if a recent endoscopy or catheterization was performed.

Immunity & Other Blood Tests

Importance of Blood Tests

Help detect health issues early, facilitating treatment and increasing recovery chances with minimal complications.

Importance of Coagulation & Blood Clotting Tests

Essential for heart patients, the elderly, and those at risk of atherosclerosis. Also necessary before any surgical procedure.

Importance of Immunity Tests

Immune-related diseases are serious and complex. These tests help in early diagnosis before starting medications that may be unsuitable, reducing potential health damage.

Importance of Hepatitis Virus Tests

Early detection of hepatitis viruses through these tests prevents liver failure, ascites, and liver cancer.

This table serves as a reference for blood test names and their English translations.Blood tests are essential for the accurate diagnosis of blood, immune, and hormonal disorders.This category includes tests performed on various blood samples (serum, plasma, or whole blood), and forms the basis for most routine and specialized examinations.