Dear patients of Invitro Diagnostics,

Medical tests are conducted to assess health status, diagnose conditions, evaluate disease severity, or monitor the body’s response during treatment.

Biological samples may be collected:

• at the Invitro Diagnostics laboratory (collection center);
• by medical staff at home;
• by the patient at home.

Below are guidelines for preparing for various types of laboratory tests. Following these guidelines can positively impact the accuracy and reliability of results.

SAMPLES THAT CAN BE COLLECTED AT HOME

URINE:

How to prepare for testing?

Avoid taking diuretics for 48 hours before urine collection (in consultation with your doctor).

Women are advised to provide urine samples before menstruation or 2-3 days after it ends.

1. General Urinalysis (Biochemistry and Sediment Analysis): Before collecting the sample, thoroughly wash the genital area. During the first morning urination, release a small initial amount of urine (first 1-2 seconds) into the toilet, then, without stopping, collect about 50 ml of urine in the collection container. Close the container tightly immediately after collection.

2. 24-Hour Urine Collection for Biochemistry Analysis: Collect urine over 24 hours. Discard the first morning portion. Collect all urine excreted throughout the day, night, and the first portion of the next morning in one container, storing it in the refrigerator (+4...+8°C) throughout the collection period. After completing the collection, measure and thoroughly mix the contents. Pour about 50 ml into a small container and bring it to the medical office for testing. Indicate the total urine volume (diuresis) on the form.

3. Urine Collection for Culture (Sensitivity to Antibiotics): Wash the genital area thoroughly before collecting the sample. During the first morning urination, release a small initial amount of urine into the toilet, then collect about 50 ml of urine in the container. Do not collect the final portion of urine. Close the container tightly.

Guidelines for Nechiporenko Urine Test: If both a general urine analysis and Nechiporenko test are required, it is strongly recommended to conduct them on different days to avoid inaccurate results.

4. Urine Collection in a Container with Preservative: Begin collection in the morning after emptying the bladder in the toilet. Collect all subsequent urine in the container as described. Add the preservative carefully to the first portion of urine.

Note: The bottle contains hydrochloric acid (HCl) 25%. Open carefully. Keep away from children and avoid heating. If it comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes, rinse with water.

STOOL:

How to prepare for testing?

Avoid taking laxatives, inserting rectal suppositories, or consuming medications affecting bowel movement (consult your doctor) for 72 hours before stool collection.

For dysbiosis testing, collect fresh stool in a disposable container. Deliver the sample within 3 hours. Ideally, store it in a cool place.

PINWORM TEST: Using a special collection stick, collect samples from the anal area three mornings in a row without cleansing the area beforehand.

SAMPLES COLLECTED BY MEDICAL STAFF AT THE LABORATORY OR HOME

BLOOD:

Factors that may affect results:

• Medications, food intake, physical and emotional stress, alcohol, smoking, procedures, and time of day may affect results.

Preparation for blood tests:

• Preferably collect blood in the morning (8-11 a.m.), fasting.
• Avoid alcohol the day before and do not smoke at least 1 hour before the test.

Notify the medical staff if you have had issues with blood collection before, or if you are taking medications that prolong bleeding.

THROAT, NASOPHARYNX, TONSILS SWABS: Best collected in the morning after sleep. Avoid eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, or smoking for 4-5 hours prior.

MILK FOR BACTERIOLOGICAL TESTING: Collect breast milk before or two hours after breastfeeding.

SEMEN ANALYSIS

The sample should be collected after 48 hours to 7 days of sexual abstinence. During this period, avoid alcohol, medications (except essential medicines prescribed by a doctor for continuous use), sauna, or exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields. When repeating the test, it is recommended to maintain the same abstinence period, if possible, to reduce result fluctuations.

The sample is only accepted at the main Invitro Diagnostics branch (N. Testemițanu St., 19/1) as testing must begin no later than one hour after collection. The sample is obtained by masturbation and collected in a special container, which should be obtained in advance from the medical office. Do not use a condom for collection, as the substances used in condoms can affect sperm motility.

If the sample is collected outside the lab, it should be delivered within 30 minutes, maintaining a temperature of 37°C.

DEMODEX TEST:

For a facial skin test, do not wash or use cream or powder for 1-2 days. For an eyelid test, do not use eye drops for 3 days. For an ear canal test, do not wash or treat ears with medications for 1-2 days.

DOUBLE SCREENING TEST:

This test is done between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy (ideally between 11 and 13 weeks). A recent ultrasound (within at least one day) is required. If possible, blood should be drawn in the morning, between 8 and 11 a.m., while fasting (at least 8 hours and no more than 14 hours without food; drinking water is allowed). Avoid heavy meals the day before.

TRIPLE SCREENING TEST:

This test is conducted between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy (ideally between 16 and 18 weeks). An ultrasound is required for the test. If possible, blood should be drawn in the morning, between 8 and 11 a.m., while fasting (at least 8 hours and no more than 14 hours without food; drinking water is allowed). Avoid heavy meals the day before.

2, 3, 4-GLASS URINE TEST:

The best time to perform this test is before starting antibiotic therapy or between treatment courses, but no earlier than two weeks after finishing the previous treatment. Avoid sexual activity for 1-2 days before the test. Avoid urination for 3-5 hours before the test.

PREPARATION FOR ULTRASOUND (US) EXAMINATIONS

The following information is provided to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound results. Proper preparation improves tissue visualization and significantly enhances the quality of the method.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Two to three days before the examination, it is recommended to follow a low-residue diet, excluding foods that increase intestinal gas (raw vegetables high in fiber, whole milk, black bread, legumes, carbonated drinks, and high-calorie sweets like cakes). It is advisable to take enzyme and sorbent medications (e.g., Festal, Mezim Forte, Activated Charcoal, or Espumisan, 1 tablet three times a day) to reduce bloating. Abdominal ultrasound should be done on an empty stomach. If the test cannot be done in the morning, a light breakfast is permitted. Avoid smoking before the test. If you are taking medications, inform the ultrasound doctor. The examination should not be performed after gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound in women can be performed in two ways:

1. Transabdominally (through the abdominal wall). This method requires a full bladder. Drink at least one liter of water (not juice or carbonated drinks) 2-3 hours before the test, and do not empty your bladder before the examination.
2. Transvaginally. No specific preparation is required for this method. The bladder should be empty. Transrectal ultrasound (through the rectum) may also be an alternative. For transrectal ultrasound, filling the bladder is unnecessary, but the bowel should be emptied on the morning of the procedure (either naturally or with an enema).

Prostate Ultrasound

Prostate ultrasound can be performed using two methods:

1. Transabdominal – This method requires a full bladder, so avoid urinating for 3-4 hours before the test and drink 1 liter of non-carbonated water 1 hour before the procedure.
2. Transrectal (TRUS) – This is the primary method for examining the prostate. A full bladder is not necessary. An enema is required the night before.

Bladder Ultrasound

In men and women, the bladder ultrasound is done with a full bladder, so avoid urination for 3-4 hours before the test and drink 1 liter of non-carbonated water 1 hour before the procedure.

Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound should ideally be performed within the first 10 days of the menstrual cycle.

Thyroid and Kidney Ultrasound

No specific preparation is required.