INSTRUCTIONS
Before preparing for a test, please make sure you have the right container on hand. You can download the document related to your test below. If you want more information on how to prepare for your test, don't hesitate to contact us.
The DIFFERENT Categories
RECOMMENDATIONS & PREPARATIONS
WATER
WATER
It is recommended to stay well hydrated throughout the day and specifically during the time of a fast in anticipation of a blood test. Good hydration also facilitates collection.
Please note: NO restriction.
MEDICATION
MEDICATION
We recommend that you take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Unless otherwise specified. However, taking it on an empty stomach can sometimes cause stomach pain, or irritation to the stomach, in which case you can wait and take it with food to make the absorption more pleasant Get informed
FASTING
No FASTING necessary
It is recommended to eat well all day long. The right diet allows the organs to function well, it helps to replenish energy.
NO restrictions.
URINE tests
Urine PECULIARITIES
Urine ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has ordered you to be tested for urine analysis. This test is used to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, such as urinary infections, liver problems, kidney disease, and diabetes.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a plastic cup (to transfer)
- a transport tube (for Analysis)
Urine CULTURE
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed a urine culture. This test is used to diagnose urinary tract infections.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a STERILE container (transport container)
To collect the urine sample, it is recommended to use the mid-stream method and to use the most recent urine (15-30 minutes MAXIMUM before the sample is returned).
URINE CULTURE & ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed a urine analysis and culture test. The urine analysis makes it possible to evaluate the urinary tract, renal function, as well as disorders that affect the whole body, such as diabetes and the various liver problems. Urine culture can diagnose urinary tract infections.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a STERILE container (for the Culture)
- a transport tube (for Analysis)
To collect the urine sample, it is recommended to use the mid-stream method and to use the most recent urine (15-30 minutes MAXIMUM) before the sample appointment.
CHLAMYDIA & GONORRHEA Urine
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has ordered you to be tested for Chlamydia (caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis) and Gonorrhea (caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae) done by PCR. This test is used to detect in order to treat asymptomatic infections in addition to preventing complications, transmission and reinfection.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a STERILE container (1st DROPS ONLY)
- a transport tube APTIMA (with CLEAR liquid)
IMPORTANT:
You MUST NOT have URINATED (or EJACULATED) 2 hours before taking the test, as the fluids will remove any bacteria that may have developed in the urethra.
**** IMPORTANT ****
The volume of urine added is considered ADEQUATE when the FLUID LEVEL is BETWEEN the TWO BLACK indicator LINES located on the transport tube APTIMA label.
Urinary CYTOLOGY
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed a CYTOLOGY urine test. It is used to detect abnormal cells detected in certain cancers.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a STERILE container (collecte urine)
- a container with ALCOHOL 50% = 30ml (receiving an equal amount of urine)
This test consist of performing between 1 to 3 urine tests, in this kit, which contains everything you need to do only ONE collection. Please AVOID the first urine of the morning.
DRUGS in URINE
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed a urine drug test procedure. This test is used to detect a panel of 7 different families of drugs. DRUG and ALCOHOL abuse are part of the principal cause of accident, lowered productivity, and even an increase in health fees at work.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a STERILE container (the transport container)
PLEASE NOTE:
When collecting urine, there are some strict rules procedures that must be followed and respected. The urine collection will be done in presence of the nurse ONLY. it is recommended to use the mid-stream method and to use the most recent urine.
24h URINE collection
24h URINE
Your doctor has prescribed a 24-hour urine collection. This test is used to measure certain elements to establish a diagnosis, choose a treatment (if necessary), or monitor your kidney function.
IMPORTANT to KNOW:
There are SEVERAL DIFFERENT tests involved in the 24h urine collection. It is very IMPORTANT to KNOW that a PRODUCT (preservative) that may have been ADDED INSIDE the CONTAINER (during the preparation in the laboratory), sometimes it can be CORROSIVE and DANGEROUS. This is why you should never urinate directly into the container, preferably you should use a clean plastic container that is designed for the transfer of urine, this way you will avoid any risk if incidents or accidents (which could have serious consequences).
RECOMMENDATIONS & PREPARATIONS
TOILET
TOILET bowl
LAXATIVE
AVOID LAXATIVES
To KNOW:
You MUST NOT take any medication that could help you have a bowel movement (laxative, anti-diarrhea, or antacid) for 24 hours before collecting the sample.
STOOL tests
Stool PECULIARITIES
FIT test
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed a fecal occult blood test (iFOBT- FIT). This test is used to detect the presence of blood (invisible to the naked eye) in the stool, which may be a sign of colon cancer, commonly known as Colorectal cancer. The iFOBT- FIT test is quick and easy to do. In addition, no dieting is necessary.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a Container with GREEN cap
NEED to KNOW:
The iFOBT- FIT test is quick and easy to do. In addition, no dieting. The collection can only be started starting the day before your appointment and must kept in the refridgerator.
Fecal CALPROTECTIN
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed a fecal CALPROTECTIN test. This test is used to detect the presence of a protein which can be a sign of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The test is simple and quick to perform. In addition, no special diet is necessary.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a STERILE container
NEED to KNOW:
In addition, COLLECTION and RETURNING the sample must be done (MONDAY – TUESDAY – WEDNESDAY) ONLY.
The laboratory will REFUSE all samples that are DONE and RETURNED on any OTHER DAY of the week.
The collection can occur the day before your appointment (BUT remember, not SUNDAY !)
C. DIFFICILE
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has ordered a test for C. difficile (Clostridium difficile). This test is used to detect the presence of toxins or toxin genes caused by the C. difficile bacteria that may be responsible for diarrhea or other intestinal disease. The test is simple and quick to perform. In addition, no special dieting is necessary.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a STERILE container
NEED to KNOW:
Stool collection for this test must contain LIQUID STOOL ONLY (No HARD or FORM substance) as the laboratory WILL REFUSE any SPECIMEN that is not liquid.
Stool CULTURE
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed the Bacterial CULS (Stool Culture) test. This test helps to identify problems related to the stomach, intestine, or other part of the digestive tract.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a container with PINK liquid
NEED to KNOW:
The amount of stool added is considered ADEQUATE when the FLUID LEVEL is ON the BLACK indicator LINE on the container label. The specimen will be REJECTED if the LIQUID is BELOW or ABOVE this line.
Stool PARASITES
DESCRIPTION:
Your doctor has prescribed the PARA (Parasites) test. This test helps to identify problems related to the stomach, intestine, or other part of the digestive tract.
YOU will NEED:
- a BIOHAZARD bag
- a container with CLEAR liquid
NEED to KNOW:
The amount of stool added is considered ADEQUATE when the FLUID LEVEL is ON the BLACK indicator LINE on the container label. The specimen will be REJECTED if the LIQUID is BELOW or ABOVE this line.
Analysis RESULTS
RESULTS
- All the analyses are sent to the local hospital.
- Most of results come out on the same day of the blood test
- Some analyses have to be sent to a centralized laboratory, therefore the results might come out and sent to your doctor in 6 weeks.
A few EXAMPLES:
- ANUR / CULT 24h / 48h-72h
- CULT THROAT 48h-72h
- CULS / PARASITE 48h / 72h
- RSOSI / FIT 4-6 wks. / Sherbrooke
- Vitamin D 4-6 wks. / St-Jérôme
- Anti-Transglutaminase 4-6 wks. / St-Jérôme
The different ways that your doctor could receive the results for the tests he ordered :
- Automatic FAXING same day
- Manual FAXING 24h-48h
- CANADA POST 10 open days
- DSQ / Quebec Health Files 24h or more