Blood Test Preparation Checklist

 7 Days Before Your Test

• Stop herbal supplements (St. John’s Wort, echinacea, ginseng, etc.)
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take regularly
• Check if any prescription medications need adjustment before testing
• Begin planning for appropriate fasting if required

 3 - 5 Days Before Your Test

• Stop biotin supplements (Vitamin B7, found in many hair/skin/nail vitamins and B-complexes)
• Discontinue creatine supplements
• Stop high-dose Vitamin C supplements
• Avoid fish oil/omega-3 supplements (especially for lipid or clotting tests)
• Temporarily discontinue zinc supplements (if testing for copper or iron)
• Note your vitamin D intake (may affect calcium test results)
• Avoid unusually strenuous exercise or significant changes to your exercise routine

 1 - 2 Days Before Your Test

• Review your lab requisition form for specific instructions
• Make note of required fasting time (typically 8-12 hours)
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Plan for adequate hydration (drink extra water)
• Schedule your test for the appropriate time (morning for most tests)
• Avoid unusually strenuous exercise

 The Night Before

• Eat a normal, balanced dinner (unless instructed otherwise)
• Begin fasting at the appropriate time if required
• Continue drinking water (hydration is important)
• Take medications as directed by your healthcare provider
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep
• Avoid caffeine for at least 12 hours before the test
• Set out comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms

The Morning of Your Test

• Continue fasting if required (water is still allowed and encouraged)
• Take morning medications only if approved by your doctor
• Drink 1-2 glasses of water 1-2 hours before your appointment
• Avoid smoking or using nicotine products
• Skip your morning workout
• Bring your ID and insurance information
• Arrive 15 minutes early to reduce stress
• Bring your complete list of medications and supplements

Important Information for Your Healthcare Provider

 Medications I’m currently taking:

Supplements I’m currently taking:

Recent illnesses or significant changes in health:

Questions to ask my healthcare provider:

 *This checklist is intended as a general guide. Always follow the specific 
instructions provided by your healthcare provider for your particular tests.*

Download this checklist as a PDF