7 Days Before Your Test
- Stop herbal supplements (St. John’s Wort, echinacea, ginseng, etc.)
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take regularly
- Check if any prescription medications need adjustment before testing
- Begin planning for appropriate fasting if required
3 - 5 Days Before Your Test
- Stop biotin supplements (Vitamin B7, found in many hair/skin/nail vitamins and B-complexes)
- Discontinue creatine supplements
- Stop high-dose Vitamin C supplements
- Avoid fish oil/omega-3 supplements (especially for lipid or clotting tests)
- Temporarily discontinue zinc supplements (if testing for copper or iron)
- Note your vitamin D intake (may affect calcium test results)
- Avoid unusually strenuous exercise or significant changes to your exercise routine
1 - 2 Days Before Your Test
- Review your lab requisition form for specific instructions
- Make note of required fasting time (typically 8-12 hours)
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Plan for adequate hydration (drink extra water)
- Schedule your test for the appropriate time (morning for most tests)
- Avoid unusually strenuous exercise
The Night Before
- Eat a normal, balanced dinner (unless instructed otherwise)
- Begin fasting at the appropriate time if required
- Continue drinking water (hydration is important)
- Take medications as directed by your healthcare provider
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Avoid caffeine for at least 12 hours before the test
- Set out comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms
The Morning of Your Test
- Continue fasting if required (water is still allowed and encouraged)
- Take morning medications only if approved by your doctor
- Drink 1-2 glasses of water 1-2 hours before your appointment
- Avoid smoking or using nicotine products
- Skip your morning workout
- Bring your ID and insurance information
- Arrive 15 minutes early to reduce stress
- Bring your complete list of medications and supplements
Important Information for Your Healthcare Provider
Medications I’m currently taking:
Supplements I’m currently taking:
Recent illnesses or significant changes in health:
Questions to ask my healthcare provider:
*This checklist is intended as a general guide. Always follow the specific
instructions provided by your healthcare provider for your particular tests.*
