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Preparing for a blood test – instructions before sample collection 

Preparing for a blood test may require, for example, fasting or leaving out some medications. Not taking medications should be discussed with your doctor. 

Before a blood test 

  • Do not visit the laboratory if you are ill. 
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking the day before the test. 
  • Most of the Puhti test packages do not require fasting. 
  • However, fasting is required for some tests. If your test requires fasting, you should not eat or drink for 8–12 hours before the test. 

Puhti handles all of your laboratory test needs without a doctor’s referral. On this page, you will find instructions for testing and, for example, fasting. 

It is important to prepare for your blood tests correctly so that the results will be reliable and useful. 

Please note that the methods of analysis, test codes and instructions may vary, depending on the laboratory. Puhti test samples are collected and analysed at the laboratories of Mehiläinen. 

Preparing for a blood test 

We take care of the well-being and safety of our customers and staff. Do not visit the laboratory if you are ill. The order placed on the Puhti website is valid for one year, and you can visit the laboratory for testing when it suits you and when you are healthy. 

Food and stimulants before testing 

Usually, a blood test can be taken, no matter what or when you have eaten. A light meal may be eaten prior to the test, but caffeinated beverages (coffee or tea) should be avoided. 

If the test requires fasting, it is mentioned on the product page. Most of the Puhti test packages do not require fasting. 

Alcohol and smoking before a blood test 

Avoid alcohol and smoking the day before the test. Stimulants can affect the body’s hormone and enzyme levels, blood glucose and fluid balance, among other things. 

Exercise before a blood test 

Intense exercise can affect the results. We recommend avoiding heavy physical exertion during the 24 hours before the test. Exercise changes blood plasma volume, metabolism and cell permeability. This affects the levels of glucose and various hormones, among other things. 

Supplements before a blood test 

We recommend avoiding supplements the day before the test, as they may distort the test results. If you are taking iron supplements, we recommend skipping the supplements for two days before the test if the goal is to examine your iron stores. Creatine used as a dietary supplement can increase creatinine levels. Those taking creatine as a supplement should take a week off before sampling.

Medicines before a blood test 

As a rule, medicines prescribed by the doctor may be taken as usual before the test. Not taking your medication should be discussed with your attending doctor prior to testing. 

If you are having testosterone replacement therapy and using a topical gel, you need to avoid applying the gel on your forearms before testing. Testosterone gel on the forearm may yield incorrect testosterone test results. 

Thyroid medication and TSH 

The sample is taken before the thyroid medicine or four hours after taking the medicine. The concentration is the most even between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. 

Fasting before a blood test 

Many of the Puhti test packages do not require fasting. You can find detailed information on the product page in the Puhti online. However, fasting is required for some blood tests. If your test requires fasting, you should not eat or drink for 8–12 hours before the test. Do not fast for longer than 14 hours. Tests that require fasting are usually carried out in the morning after an overnight fast. 

Avoid drinking a lot of water or soft drinks when fasting before a test. As the test may be affected by alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco, please avoid them even when fasting. In the morning before the test, you can drink a glass of water and take the necessary medicines (do not skip your medication without your doctor’s advice). 

However, do not fast unless specifically instructed to do so in the instructions for the test. 

Take a seat and calm down before testing 

Before testing, we recommend that you sit still for about 15 minutes to allow your blood circulation to stabilise. 

How to prepare for a follow-up test?

Try to sleep, eat, drink, exercise and work normally during the days before the test. Intense stress or sorrow, for example, can significantly affect the values. 

Tests requiring a specific time of day 

Some blood tests must be carried out at a specific time of day. The functioning of the body and the concentration of hormones and compounds in the body vary according to the time of day, which is why it is important to test them at the recommended time. See the detailed instructions in the email you received after placing your order or on the product pages of the Puhti online store. You can book an appointment at the Mehiläinen laboratory if you have a test or a test package that requires a certain time of day. 

Puhti tests requiring a specific time of day: 

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