Important information for patients

The interpretation of test results and diagnosis can only be made by the attending physician in conjunction with the data of anamnesis, clinical examination and other methods of examination.

It should be remembered that different laboratories may use different analysers and test methods with corresponding units of measurement and normal values. It is therefore advisable to carry out tests in the same laboratory at the same time of day in order to assess your results correctly. Comparison of the results of such tests is more correct.

Indicators of normal values depend on age, sex, nationality, race and individual characteristics of a person.

OLYMP CDL recommended complex tests - Profiles, are designed for convenience in diagnosis, but they cannot replace individual recommendations of the doctor.

Remember that deviation of indicators from normal values is a reason to consult a doctor, since the result of the laboratory test is not a sufficient basis for diagnosis.

The key to a correct diagnosis is to follow just a few simple rules to prepare for the tests. Treat yourself with due attention and care:

• Most blood tests are taken in the morning hours on an empty stomach (last meal of the day before at least 20 hours, only water is allowed in the morning)

• Avoid factors affecting the result of the test: physical exertion (running, climbing stairs, etc.); emotional excitement. Before the procedure you should rest for 10-15 minutes and calm down.

• Blood should not be taken after X-rays, massage, reflexology, rectal examination or physiotherapy procedures.

• It should be taken into account that many medications significantly affect haematological parameters and the blood coagulation system.

• During the use of antibacterial drugs, the result of tests for infectious diseases will be uninformative.

The diagnosis of infections (hepatitis, STD) depends on the period of infection and the state of the immune system. Therefore, a negative result does not completely exclude the presence of infection. In doubtful cases, it is necessary to repeat the test after 4 - 5 days or resort to PCR diagnostics.

Blood tests for the presence of antibodies to infectious agents of classes IgG, IgM, IgA should be carried out not earlier than 10 - 14 days from the moment of infection, because the production of antibodies by the immune system and the appearance of their diagnostic titre begins approximately in this period of time.

For early diagnosis of cancer, oncomarkers should be determined in combination with other methods of clinical examination, as none of these tests has 100% specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, this diagnostic method as an independent method is more recommended when assessing the dynamics of the disease in the case of already established tumor diagnosis.

Remember that when taking blood for tests, the skin and vessel walls are punctured, which can cause pain and a small haematoma (if the puncture area is not pressed with an alcohol wipe for 3-5 minutes).

When taking material from the urogenital tract, there may be pain along the urethra, which increases with urination.