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Preparing for your test
For most tests you do not need to fast. For a small number you do, and for a few others fasting gives the most accurate result or the time of sampling matters. Below you can see what to do for each test.
Before your appointment
For most tests you do not need to prepare anything. If something does apply, we tell you. You do not have to work it out yourself.
The page of every test shows under About this test whether you need to fast, when to have your blood taken and what to do beforehand.
After your order you receive an email with the preparation for exactly your tests, together with the instructions for the sample.
Need to fast? Then do not eat for the stated number of hours and drink only water. It is easiest to have your blood taken in the morning, before breakfast.
Per test
All tests with a fasting requirement, a set sampling time or other preparation, blood tests first and home tests after. If your test is not listed, you do not need to prepare anything.
Without fasting, the result of these tests cannot be interpreted properly.
Do not eat anything for 8 hours before the sample is taken and drink only water. Ideally have your blood taken in the morning before breakfast.
Do not eat anything for 12 hours before the sample is taken and drink only water. After a meal the value is many times higher.
HOMA-IR is calculated from your fasting glucose and insulin. So do not eat anything for 12 hours before the sample is taken and drink only water.
Do not eat anything for 12 hours before the sample is taken and drink only water. After a meal the fatty acids in your blood are temporarily higher.
Do not eat anything for 12 hours before the sample is taken and drink only water. Vitamin E comes with fat from your food, so the value is higher after a meal.
Do not eat anything for 12 hours before the sample is taken and drink only water.
Do the finger prick in the morning before breakfast: do not eat for 12 hours before and drink only water. After a meal with protein, amino acids are temporarily higher.
Do not eat anything for 12 hours before the sample is taken and drink only water. Vitamin K1 enters your blood with fat from your food, so the value is higher after a meal.
Do not eat for 8 hours before collecting the sample. Do not drink much the evening before, no more than 300 to 500 ml.
Your last meal was at least 8 hours ago.
Practical questions
What is and isn't allowed, and what to do if things go differently than planned.
No, not even black coffee or tea without sugar. Only water is allowed, and it even helps: drinking enough makes the blood draw easier. After the sample you can eat and drink again.
Yes, take it with water as usual. Only if your test says to take it after the sample, such as thyroid medication, calcium or iron, do you wait. Never stop medication yourself without talking to your doctor.
If your test requires fasting, preferably have your blood taken another morning. If fasting is preferred, you can go ahead; the result will be slightly less accurate. Unsure? Get in touch with us.
For most tests the time does not matter. If you need to fast, the morning before breakfast is easiest. For tests with a set time, such as cortisol or testosterone, the time is shown on your test page and in your email.
Yes, a finger prick at home follows the same rules as a blood draw at a collection point. Drink enough water and keep your hands warm, so the prick goes more easily.
The kit contains instructions with the preparation for that test, for example which urine to collect or what not to eat the day before. Follow those instructions; the requirements are also in the list above.