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Blood Test Preparation Checklist

Written by Sage Admin | Sep 25, 2025 6:17:46 PM

 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:

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Supplements I’m currently taking:

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Recent illnesses or significant changes in health:

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Questions to ask my healthcare provider:

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 *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
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