Euromed Social Laboratory.

Preparation

Preparation for tests at Euromed

Blood:

Blood must be donated in the morning on an empty stomach or 8-12 hours after the last meal. You can drink clean, still water.
24 hours before donating blood, avoid alcohol, fatty foods, and avoid physical exertion and stressful situations.
Do not smoke for 3 hours before donating blood.
If you are taking medications, vitamin complexes, or other supplements, consult your doctor first. If you cannot stop taking them, inform the nurse before the procedure.
Children under 1 year of age should take a 30-40 minute break in feeding.
Children aged 1-5 years should not eat for 2-3 hours before the analysis.
It is better to donate blood for hormones in the morning.

Urine:

Daily urine:

Food and drinks

4 weeks before collection and during urine collection, exclude:

chewing tobacco, sweets, limit carbohydrate intake;
do not limit sodium and potassium in the diet.

24 hours before collection and during collection, exclude:

mineral water;
spicy, salty, fatty, sweet food;
foods that change the color (beets, carrots) and smell of urine (horseradish, onions, seasonings);
alcohol, coffee, tea, cocoa.

Other recommendations

Avoid physical exertion and emotional stress.
Women are recommended to collect urine before the onset of menstruation or 2-3 days after its end.

Personal hygiene

Before collecting, thoroughly wash the external genitalia:

for men - with the glans penis open;
for women – with the introduction of a gynecological tampon into the vagina.

In infants and young children, urine is collected in a special urine container after hygiene procedures. Urine collected from a diaper is not subject to examination.

Daily urine collection procedure

Start of collection – 7 am:

flush the first morning urine into the toilet;
collect all subsequent portions of urine during the day in a clean container, including the morning urine of the next day at 7:00.

All collected urine is thoroughly mixed, after which 50 ml is poured into a plastic container for single use, which is tightly closed.

Storage and transportation

During collection, store the material in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf at a temperature of +2…+8 ºС, protecting from light (the container can be wrapped in foil).
Deliver to the laboratory within 24 hours after collection.

Additionally

The department must indicate the total volume of urine collected per day.

Single portion of urine

General recommendations

Urine is collected independently at home and immediately delivered to the biomaterial collection point.
Before collection, it is imperative to perform thorough hygiene of the external genitalia.

For women

The collection is carried out after thorough toileting of the external genitalia.
To prevent vaginal discharge from entering the sample, it is recommended to use a gynecological tampon before collection.
Caution! During menstruation, urine collection is not recommended. In case of urgent need, the entrance to the vagina should be closed with a tampon.

For men

Before collection, the external genitalia should be cleaned.
During urination, the skin fold must be completely pulled back to free the external opening of the urethra.

Collection process

Urine should be collected immediately into a sterile container that will be used for transportation to the laboratory.
Remove the lid from the container, place it under the stream of urine, and fill.
Close the container tightly with the lid after collection.

For newborns and young children (when using a urine collector)

Remove the protective paper from the adhesive layer of the urine collector.
Attach the urine collector to the child's body, avoiding the anus:
For boys: place the penis and scrotum in the urine collector, the reservoir should be between the legs.
For girls: attach the urine collector to the skin around the labia majora, the reservoir should be between the legs.
Wait until the urine collector is full, but no more than 1 hour.
After filling, carefully peel off the urine collector, cut off its corner with scissors and pour the urine into a sterile container.

Additionally

When using a urine collection device, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Two-cup and Three-cup Tests

General Recommendations

Urine for analysis is collected independently at home and immediately delivered to the biomaterial collection point.
Before collection, it is imperative to perform thorough hygiene of the external genitalia.

For women

Urine collection is performed after thorough toileting of the external genitalia.
To prevent vaginal discharge from entering, it is recommended to use a gynecological tampon before collection.
Caution! Urine collection is not recommended during menstruation. In case of urgent need, the entrance to the vagina must be closed with a tampon.

For men

Before collection, thoroughly wash the external genitalia.
While urinating, pull the skin fold completely back to free the external opening of the urethra.

Collection process

Urine is collected in two/three sterile containers:

The first portion of urine (approximately 30-50 ml) must be collected in the first container.

The second portion of urine (approximately 50-70 ml) must be collected in the second container.

Collect the third portion of urine (whatever is left) in a third container.

Each container should be labeled: "1 portion" and "2 portions", “3 portions”.

For newborns and young children (when using a urine collection bag)

Use separate urine collection bags for each portion:

For boys: place the penis and scrotum in the urine collection bag, with the bag between the legs.
For girls: attach the urine collector to the skin around the labia majora, place the reservoir between the legs.
Disconnect each filled urine collector, cut off its corner with scissors and pour the urine into a suitable sterile container (container for 1/2/3 servings).

Additionally

Carefully follow the urine collector manufacturer's instructions.

Average portion of urine:

Start urinating into the toilet.

After 2-3 seconds (approximately 20-30 ml of urine), interrupt the stream and collect the middle portion of urine in a sterile container.

Complete urination into the toilet.

Faeces:

Sampling time

Samples are taken before the start or 14 days after the end of treatment with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral or immunobiological drugs.
Biomaterial should not be taken within 2 weeks after instrumental examinations of the gastrointestinal tract (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, etc.) or medical procedures that may cause mechanical damage to the mucosa.

Dietary recommendations

3 days before stool collection, eliminate from your diet:

alcohol, meat, fish, caviar;
buckwheat, pomegranates, apples, beets, tomatoes, green parts of vegetables.

Stop taking medications, in particular:

aspirin, magnesium, bismuth, iodine, bromine, iron preparations (hematogen);
barium, antidiarrheal and antacid medications.

Selection procedure

Feces are collected freshly excreted after an independent act of defecation.
To form an averaged sample, it is necessary to collect biomaterial from the initial, middle and final parts of the fecal masses.
To ensure the accuracy of the results, the biomaterial must be delivered to the biomaterial collection point immediately after collection.

Additional recommendations for women

The biomaterial cannot be collected during menstruation. The collection is possible only 3 days after its end.

Precautions

The feces should not contain any foreign impurities, such as urine or disinfectants.
For collection, use a special sterile container that is hermetically sealed.

Scraping for enterobiasis

Hygienic recommendations

Scraping should be carried out in the morning, before performing hygiene procedures (morning washing) and the act of defecation.

Medication restrictions

The material should be collected before starting treatment with anthelmintic drugs.

Material collection procedure

The material is collected by a specialist or independently at home using a scraping kit that is issued in the laboratory or pharmacy.

Rules for preparing a throat swab

Restrictions on food and drinks

The swab is collected in the morning on an empty stomach.

If the procedure takes place at another time of day, it is necessary to refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum and smoking for 2-3 hours before the material is taken.

Hygienic restrictions

Before the procedure do not rinse the mouth with antiseptic agents or toothpaste. Rinsing with saline or warm boiled water is allowed.

Medication restrictions

In agreement with the doctor, stop taking antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal drugs of local action 7 days before the procedure.

Collection procedure

The material is collected by a specialist using a sterile swab, which is used to carefully swab the back wall of the pharynx, tonsils and other areas (depending on the purpose of the study).

Rules for preparing for ejaculate donation

Material collection

The ejaculate is collected by the patient himself into a sterile container.

The biomaterial must be immediately delivered to the biological material collection point after collection.

Terms and restrictions

The biomaterial is collected before the start or 14 days after the end of the course of treatment with antibacterial, immunobiological, antifungal and antiviral drugs.

Refrain from ejaculation (ejaculation) 3 days before the analysis.

Refrain from urination 3 hours before the procedure.

Diet and behavior the day before

Avoid rectal examination, thermal procedures such as hot baths, saunas or steam rooms. Avoid hypothermia.

Avoid alcohol, spicy foods and other irritating foods.

Rules for preparing for donating breast milk

Material collection

The biomaterial (milk) is collected by the patient in a sterile container.

The biomaterial must immediately deliver to the biological material collection point after collection.

Terms and restrictions

The biomaterial is collected before the start or 14 days after the end of the course of treatment with antibacterial, immunobiological, antifungal and antiviral drugs.

Hygiene before collection

Before collecting milk, you should thoroughly clean your hands and mammary glands using warm water and soap without additional fragrances.

Collection method

The first few drops of milk should be drained and disposed of.

Collect the required amount of milk in a sterile container, observing hygiene conditions to avoid foreign impurities.

Special recommendations

Avoid contact of milk with hands, clothing or any other non-sterile surfaces.

Nails:

Rules for preparing for the collection of biomaterial for analysis

Terms and restrictions

The collection of biomaterial is carried out before the start or 21 days after the end of the course of treatment with antibacterial, immunobiological, antifungal and antiviral drugs (unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor).

Restrictions on cosmetics and medicines

Within 3 days before the study, the use of any cosmetics and medicines, such as nail polish, creams, soaps, lotions, hair care products, etc., should be excluded.

Preparation before the procedure

On the day of the analysis, it is advisable not to wet the area that will be examined.

Medications

Do not use medications, including topical ones. If it is impossible to cancel the medication, you must inform the nurse about this before the material is taken.

Prostate juice:

Terms and restrictions

The biomaterial is collected before the start or 14 days after the end of the course of treatment with antibacterial, immunobiological, antifungal, antiviral drugs (unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor).

Abstinence from ejaculation

3 days before the analysis, it is necessary to abstain from ejaculation (ejaculation).

Restrictions on urination

3 hours before the collection of biomaterial, you must refrain from urinating.

Preparation before the procedure

Before the analysis, it is recommended to avoid thermal procedures, such as hot baths, saunas or steam rooms. As well as hypothermia.

On the day of the analysis, alcohol and spicy foods should be excluded.

Collection procedure

Prostate juice is collected during a medical procedure, usually after prostate massage, and is delivered to the biomaterial collection point immediately after collection.

Smear urology:

Women:

Abstain from sexual intercourse for 2-3 days.
Avoid douching, using intravaginal suppositories, ointments, tampons, lubricants, and taking baths.
Refrain from urinating for 2-3 hours before taking the sample.
Do not use antiseptics, antibacterial, or antifungal drugs topically for 3 days before taking the sample.
Do not wash the external genitalia with soap on the day of sample collection.
Do not take the material during menstruation, but only 3 days after its end.
Do not take antibiotics and antibacterial drugs for 14 days before the analysis.
Refrain from transvaginal ultrasound, colposcopy and other vaginal manipulations for 3 days before the analysis.

Men:

Refrain from urinating for 3 hours.
Refrain from sexual intercourse for 2-3 days.
Avoid using lubricants, taking baths, and using local antiseptics, antibacterial and antifungal drugs.
On the day of sample collection, do not wash the external genitalia with soap.
Do not take antibiotics or antibacterial drugs for 14 days before the test.

CT scan of the abdomen

1. Diet before the examination

24 hours before the procedure: eliminate foods that cause gas formation from your diet, for example:
- legumes, cabbage, raw vegetables and fruits;
- carbonated drinks, sweets, black bread, fatty dairy products.
6 hours before the procedure: avoid eating, especially if the CT scan is performed with contrast.
On the day of the procedure: you can drink water, but in moderation.

2. Drug preparation (if necessary)

If you have a tendency to flatulence, your doctor may recommend taking sorbents (for example, activated charcoal) or drugs that reduce gas formation (for example, Espumizan).
In some cases, especially with constipation, your doctor may advise you to do an enema the day before the study or take mild laxatives.

3. Preparation for CT with contrast

If the study is performed with intravenous contrast, it is necessary to clarify whether you are allergic to iodine-containing drugs.
The doctor may prescribe additional tests to assess kidney function (creatinine level in the blood).
Avoid dehydration the day before the procedure — drink plenty of water.

4. Clothing and accessories

On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable clothing without metal elements.
Remove all jewelry, watches, and belts so that they do not interfere with obtaining clear images.

5. Inform the staff about the following

Pregnancy or its possibility.
Presence of chronic diseases, especially kidney failure or thyroid diseases.
Taking any medications on a regular basis.
Previous allergic reactions to contrast agents or other medical products.

CT scan of the pelvis

1. Nutrition before the examination

24 hours before the procedure:
- Exclude from the diet foods that cause gas formation:
  - legumes, cabbage, raw vegetables and fruits;
  - carbonated drinks, sweets, black bread, fatty foods.
6 hours before the procedure:
- Avoid eating, especially if the procedure involves the use of contrast.
On the day of the examination:
- You can drink still water in moderation.

2. Bladder filling

For clear visualization of the pelvic organs, the bladder should be partially filled:
- Drink 0.5–1 liter of still water 1–1.5 hours before the procedure.
- Do not empty the bladder until the study is complete.

3. Drug preparation (if necessary)

If you are prone to flatulence, you can take sorbents (for example, activated charcoal) or drugs that reduce gas formation (for example, Espumizan) on the recommendation of a doctor.
In case of constipation, mild laxatives or an enema may be recommended before the examination.

4. Preparation for CT with contrast

If the study involves the administration of contrast, it is necessary to:
- Make sure you are not allergic to iodine-containing drugs.
- The doctor may ask you to take a blood test to assess kidney function (creatinine level).
- Avoid dehydration the day before the procedure, drink enough fluids.
- Stay on an empty stomach (no food for 6 hours before the procedure).

5. Clothing and accessories

Wear comfortable clothing without metal elements.
Remove all jewelry, belts, and watches.

6. Inform your doctor about the following

Possible pregnancy (especially important for women).
Presence of chronic diseases, such as renal failure or allergy to contrast agents.
Medications that you take regularly.
Previous reactions to contrast agents.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity

the day before the examination, exclude such products as: milk, cabbage, black bread, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, sweet dishes, carbonated drinks;
take a sorbent (dosage as prescribed by the doctor);
come to the examination on an empty stomach: do not drink anything, do not eat, do not take medications;
if an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity with a water-siphon test is prescribed, then you need to drink 200 ml of water;
if an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity with the determination of gallbladder function is prescribed, then you need to have a choleretic breakfast (chocolate, banana or sweet tea).

Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder

one day before the examination, exclude such products as: milk, cabbage, black bread, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, sweet dishes, carbonated drinks;
take a sorbent (dosage as prescribed by the doctor);
come to the examination with a full bladder;
1 hour before the examination, you need to drink 500ml of water.

Ultrasound of the pelvis (Transabdominal)

the examination is performed on the 5-10th day of the menstrual cycle (the 1st day is the beginning of menstruation);
one day before the examination, exclude such products as: milk, cabbage, black bread, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, sweet dishes, carbonated drinks;
take a sorbent (dosage as prescribed by the doctor);
come to the examination with a full bladder (1 hour before the examination, you need to drink 500 ml of water or juice).

Ultrasound of the breast

There is no special preparation for the examination.
The only condition for obtaining the most accurate results is the choice of the day of the ultrasound. As practice shows, it is best to conduct an ultrasound examination in the first half of the cycle, that is, before ovulation.
With a cycle duration of up to 28 days, breast ultrasound is best done between days 5 and 10.
If the cycle is longer, then from days 7 to 14.
Sometimes before diagnosis, the doctor may cancel the intake of hormonal drugs and suggest when it is better to do breast ultrasound in this case.
During menopause, pregnancy and breastfeeding, the examination can be performed on any day.
If chest pain occurs with an increase in general temperature, the examination is prescribed as an emergency.

Do not require special preparation:

Heart ultrasound;
Thyroid ultrasound;
Scrotal ultrasound;
Joint ultrasound;
Soft tissue ultrasound;
Thymus ultrasound;
Peripheral lymph node ultrasound.