Helpful Tips
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HELPFUL TIPS
Insulin
This test measures the amount of insulin in blood. Insulin is a hormone that helps move blood sugar (glucose) from the blood stream into cells.
This test requires at-least 08 hours of fasting.
Lipid Profile
Lipid Profile also known as Complete Cholesterol Test or Lipid Panel, measures the amount of Serum Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL and HDL. Electrophoretic fractionation may determine the level of Chylomicrons and other components.
In most cases this test requires 10 – 12 hours of fasting.
24 – hour urine test
Whether the test required here is a 24 – hour urine Creatinine clearance, protein, micro(albumin), etc., this procedure involves a 24 – hour urine collection in a special container over a full 24 hour period.
Empty your bladder into the toilet when you get up in the morning and collect all the next urine you void into the special collection container over the period of 24 hours. Keep this container cool until returned the Laboratory.
To the best extent possible, avoid consuming foods/ beverages containing alcohol, coffee, vitamins, salt and vanilla for atleast 24 hours before you start collecting the 24 – hour urine and during the entire collection period.
Semen analysis
A semen analysis test analyzes the health and viability of a man’s semen including volume, sperm count, sperm concentration, motility, morphology and microbiological abnormalities – all important for testing for male factor infertility.
Avoid ejaculation for 24 to 72 hours before the test and avoid alcohol, caffeine, cocaine and marijuana 2 – 5 days before the test. Also, refrain from taking any form of herbal medications for example St. John’s wort or Echinacea during this time of abstinence.
Do not use any lubricant including saliva when collecting the specimen and do not collect it in a condom as this contains spermicidal agents which may alter results of the analysis.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
After establishing the fasting glucose level of the patient, 50g or 75g or 100g of glucose is administered orally for a 1 – hour, 2 hours, 3 hours tolerance tests respectively. Glucose levels are then monitored at intervals of 30 minutes or 1 hour for 2 or 3 hours.
The 1 hour glucose tolerance test is also known as the Glucose Challenge Test, usually done during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy).
The 1 hour glucose tolerance test is also known as the Glucose Challenge Test, usually done during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy).
Cortisol
This test measures the level of Cortisol in your blood. Urine or saliva can also be used as alternative specimens. Too high or low levels indicate a disorder with one’s adrenal glands.
Cortisol levels change throughout the day and as such, timing of this test is very important.
For Morning Cortisol (Am):
Cortisol levels are at their peak in the morning hours. Preferred time for morning Cortisol test is around 11am.
For Evening Cortisol (Pm):
Cortisol levels are much lower during this time. It is advisable to take this evening Cortisol test at around 4pm.
Avoid strenuous physical activity the day before a Cortisol test. You may also be asked to lie down and relax for 30 minutes before the blood test. No need of fasting prior to the test.
Thyroid Function Test (TFT)
This test checks the functioning of the Thyroid and consists of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Other tests include various antibodies related to thyroid tissue.
You do not need any special preparations for TFT but if your Doctor has ordered for other blood tests that require fasting then conduct the test with the same fasting sample.
Drug Toxicology
A toxicology test, also known as drug test or “Tox Screen” looks for traces of drugs in your blood and urine although hair, sweat or saliva can also be used. Such drugs may include Amphetamine, Barbiturates, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Opiates, Phencyclidine (PCP), Methadone, THC, Benzodiazepine, among others.
Avoid medicines containing a component of any of the drugs above prior to testing, as this may interfere with the results.
Blood culture and all other microbiological/ fungal cultures
It is advisable that all culture specimens are collected before any antibiotics or antifungals are administered as these may interfere with the growth of any microbes/ fungi in the culture.
For a urine culture, a midstream specimen is preferred, meaning a patient voids the first lot of urine into the toilet and collects the middle urine into a sterile container (enough sample as instructed by the Medical Personnel).
Valproic Acid (Valproate)
Valproic acid test measures the amount of Valproic Acid (an anti – convulsant medicine) in a blood sample.
Often, the recommended time for sample collection is just before the next dose received, when the drug level is at its trough level.
Tacrolimus test
This test measures the amount of the drug in the blood to determine whether the concentration has reached a therapeutic level and is below the toxic level.
For Tacrolimus trough-level monitoring, blood should be drawn 12 hours after the last dose (i.e., immediately before the next dose).
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We look forward to serving you best and partner with you for a lasting 'health' relationship.
DRIVE-THROUGH COVID-19 TESTING WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
JHSL offers drive through COVID-19 testing, for those who qualify, at our central lab, located at Grace Musoke Road, Ring Close, Bukoto Kampala City.
We are open 24/7 and will always give you the best laboratory services irrespective of your time of visit.
JHSL NOW OFFERS QUESTDIRECT™ IN UGANDA
JHSL is proud to offer QuestDirect where you can purchase your own lab tests without a doctor’s visit. The menu includes testing for:
- COVID-19 PCR
- COVID-19 antigen
- Allergy panel
- General health and wellness
- Cancer screening
- Digestive health
- Drug screens
- Heart health
- Infectious disease and immunology
- Sexually-transmitted diseases
PATIENT'S FAQ'S
Why lab services?
Lab test results may offer the first clues to a major disease or provide information that confirms you are healthy. To run a lab test, a patient sample is needed. The sample may be blood, urine, or cells or tissue; it's different for each test. Once your sample is taken, trained technologists and specialists in our lab analyze it. Then, we send the test result to your doctor to help him or her make informed treatment decisions.
Why is testing Important?
Your test results can help establish your "baseline" for future monitoring and give you general information to help you better manage your health.
Here are a few of the many reasons lab testing is recommended:
Staying healthy: Tests often help expose risk factors - important information that can help you and your doctor target lifestyle changes to keep you well.
Early detection: Changes in your health may only become noticeable over time.
Testing can help you identify these potential health conditions early. In general, the earlier a developing condition is detected, the greater the likelihood that your doctor can treat it.
Family history: If you have certain concerns due to your family history, lab tests can help monitor those conditions.
Peace of mind: If you've made lifestyle changes to improve your health, testing can show how successful your efforts have been.
How can i prepare before going for my first test ?
When preparing for a lab test, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. In addition to following that guidance, it is important to:
Continue to take any medication as prescribed
Wear sleeves that roll up easily if you are taking a blood test
Be prepared to provide a urine sample
Fast (if you are having a blood test), which means that you should not consume anything but water, plain tea without milk or sugar, or black coffee
Drink plenty of water