BEFORE YOUR TEST
FAQs & Test Preparation
Practical answers about preparation, prescriptions, appointment changes and collecting your report.
Draft reviewed: 21 September 2026
Fasting and medicines
General preparation guidance is based on standard clinical laboratory guidance. It does not replace instructions for your test.
Do I need to fast?
Not every test needs fasting. Ask for the instructions for your exact test or package. When fasting is required, it is often 8–12 hours, but the clinician or laboratory must confirm the duration. Do not fast unless instructed.
Can I drink water while fasting?
Plain water is usually allowed for a fasting blood test. Avoid food, coffee, tea, juice and other drinks unless the team gives different instructions. Do not chew gum, smoke or exercise during the fasting period.
Should I stop my medication?
Do not stop or change prescribed medication yourself. Ask your treating clinician about medicines, insulin, supplements and the timing of your test. Tell the laboratory what you take.
What if I ate during the fasting period?
Tell the team before collection. They can check whether to proceed or reschedule. Do not conceal a preparation mistake.
What if fasting is difficult or makes me unwell?
Ask your clinician for individual advice, particularly for children, pregnancy or diabetes. If you become unwell, prioritise medical care rather than continuing a fast to keep an appointment.
Prescriptions and appointments
Is a prescription required?
Requirements depend on the test, clinical context and applicable rules. Ask before booking. A prescription upload on this website is optional for a callback; that does not mean every diagnostic service can be performed without a prescription or clinical consent.
What should I bring?
Bring your booking details, the relevant prescription and any identification the centre requested. Confirm preparation and collection timing. Share earlier reports only if they are needed and requested.
Is my appointment confirmed after I submit the form?
No. The form requests a callback. The centre confirms the test, appointment slot, location, preparation and charges separately.
Can I change my appointment?
Yes, you can request a change through Contact Us. A new slot must be confirmed. Read the cancellation and rescheduling policy for payment implications.
Samples and packages
Does a package’s parameter count mean that many separate tests?
No. It may include several measurements within one test and calculated values. Check the included-test list rather than comparing packages only by the number of parameters.
Can every test be collected at home?
No. Suitability depends on the sample, preparation, transport and equipment needed. Ask the centre to confirm home collection for your requested test.
How should I collect a urine or stool sample?
Ask for the correct container and instructions for your specific test, including timing, labelling, storage and delivery. Do not assume one collection method is suitable for every urine or stool investigation.
Why might I need another sample?
A sample may be insufficient, unsuitable, incorrectly labelled or affected during collection or transport. Ask for the reason, the next appointment and the effect on report timing or charges.
Reports, payments and support
When will my report be available?
Ask for the estimated turnaround for the actual tests booked. Some tests require additional checks or referral processing. There is no universal same-day promise for every test.
How do I get my report?
Use Reports & Patient Support for access guidance. Confirm the delivery method with the centre. A verified patient portal has not yet been connected to this website.
What does an abnormal result mean?
A result outside the reference range does not by itself establish a diagnosis. Your clinician needs your history, symptoms and other findings. Do not change treatment based only on a report or website description.
Where can I raise a billing or service concern?
Contact the centre with your booking reference. If further review is needed, follow Grievance Redressal.