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Preparing for your test

A little preparation helps us get clear results the first time. These are general guides; your doctor or our staff may give you different instructions.

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We will tell you exactly what to do for your test.

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Abdominal ultrasound

Do not eat for about 6–8 hours before your scan. For a morning scan, have nothing to eat after your evening meal.
You may drink small sips of plain water.
Take your usual medicines with a little water, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
If you have diabetes, ask us before you fast.
Wear loose, two-piece clothing.

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Pelvic or early pregnancy ultrasound

Come with a full bladder: drink about 1 litre of water (4 to 5 glasses) about 1 hour before your scan.
Do not pass urine until after the scan.
If your bladder becomes too uncomfortable, tell our staff.
Bring your antenatal card or any previous scan reports.

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Pregnancy 3D/4D scan

Best time: about 26–32 weeks of pregnancy. By then your baby’s face has filled out and there is still room to move. Expecting twins? Ask us, as a slightly earlier scan is usually better.
A 3D/4D scan gives you keepsake pictures of your baby. It does not replace your routine pregnancy (anomaly) scan, which is usually done at about 18–22 weeks.
You do not need to fast or come with a full bladder. Drinking plenty of water in the days before may help give clearer pictures.
Pictures depend on your baby’s position. If your baby is facing away, we may ask you to walk around for a while, or to come back another day.
Bring your antenatal card and any previous scan reports.

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X-ray

You do not need to fast for an ordinary X-ray.
Remove jewellery, belts, coins, hair clips and anything metal from the area being X-rayed.
Wear clothes without metal zips or buttons if you can. We may ask you to wear a gown.
Tell our staff before the X-ray if you are, or may be, pregnant.
Bring any previous X-rays of the same area.

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Fasting blood sugar and lipid (cholesterol) tests

Do not eat for about 8–12 hours before the test. Fasting overnight and coming in the morning is easiest.
Plain water is allowed. Avoid tea, coffee, juice, soda and chewing gum.
Take your usual medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
If you take medicine or insulin for diabetes, ask your doctor before fasting.
A random blood sugar test and an HbA1c test do not need fasting.

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Urine sample

If possible, collect the first urine of the morning.
Wash your hands and clean the genital area with water.
Pass the first part of your urine into the toilet, then collect the middle part (midstream) in the clean container we give you.
Close the lid tightly and bring the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Tell our staff if you are having your period or taking antibiotics.

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ECG (heart tracing)

Wear a loose top or two-piece clothing, so we can reach your chest easily.
Do not put heavy lotion, oil or powder on your chest on the day of the test.
The test is painless and takes a few minutes. Lie still and breathe normally.
Tell us about any heart medicines you take.

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For every visit, please bring

Your national ID or another form of identification
Your insurance card or member number, if you are insured
Previous results, scan reports or X-rays
Your current medicines, or a list of them
A referral note, if you have one

This page gives general guidance only. Follow any instructions your doctor or our staff give you. See also prices and services.

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