Preparing for Your Exam

Our recommendations:

Women, when making your appointment, please tell the examiner if you will be menstruating so that a better time may be arranged. Hormonal changes can affect test results.

Get a good night sleep.

No salt and high cholesterol foods, 24 hours prior to the test.

No drinking alcoholic beverages, at least 12 hours prior to the test.

No strenuous exercise, 12 hours prior to the test.

Fast for 4-8 hours prior to the test.

No caffeine and nicotine, at least one hour prior to the test.

Do drink a glass of water, 1 hour prior to the test.

For your comfort, tell the examiner of any history of problems with providing a blood sample. Do whatever you can to keep yourself calm and relaxed.

Have your paperwork ready in advance:

Names and dosages of all current medications.

Picture ID.

Policy numbers of any current life insurance.

Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any doctors or clinics visited in the last 5 years.