GTT and GCT Glucose Tolerance Test Guide

Comprehensive Guide to the Glucose Tolerance Tests (GTT & GCT)

Please read and follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate test results and avoid the need for repeat testing.
This test is performed to accurately evaluate blood glucose levels (especially during pregnancy) and is highly sensitive. Any changes in diet or physical activity may affect the results.

Step 1: Preparation Begins Three Days Before the Test

1. Ensure Adequate Carbohydrate Intake
During the three days before the test, your body should receive sufficient carbohydrates.
Include carbohydrate-containing foods such as bread, rice, dates, or raisins in your main meals and snacks. The goal is to maintain your body's exposure to a normal level of glucose.
2. Avoid Certain Substances
Stop consuming all tobacco products, coffee, and alcohol at least 36 hours before the test.
3. Consult Your Physician About Medications
If you are taking any medications or require insulin injections, consult your physician regarding whether they should be continued or discontinued on the day of the test.

Step 2: The Night Before and the Morning of the Test

Attention to this stage is critical for obtaining accurate results.
1. Fast for 12 Hours
•    Drinking water is allowed as needed.
•    Do not consume any food, beverages (including tea or fruit juice), or chewing gum.
2. Avoid Physical Activity
Refrain from any physical activity or exercise for 4 to 8 hours before arriving at the laboratory.
3. Arrive on Time
Because the procedure is lengthy, please arrive at the laboratory early and allow at least 3–4 hours for completion.
Blood collection begins between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Step 3: During the Test
Please observe the following instructions throughout the testing process:
1. Glucose Solution Intake
The glucose drink or glucose powder solution must be consumed within 5 minutes.
Immediately after finishing the drink, inform the laboratory staff so they can record the exact time and schedule the subsequent sample collections.
2. No Food or Exercise
Until all stages of the test have been completed:
•    Do not eat any food.
•    Water is permitted.
•    Do not engage in any physical activity or exercise.
3. If Vomiting Occurs
If you vomit after drinking the glucose solution, notify the laboratory staff immediately. The test may need to be repeated or managed according to laboratory protocol.
4. Monitor Symptoms
After consuming the glucose solution, you may experience:
•    Dizziness
•    Trembling
•    Sweating
•    Weakness
These symptoms are usually temporary. However, if they persist or become severe, inform the healthcare staff immediately.
5. Urine Samples
At certain stages of blood collection, you may also be asked to provide a urine sample for glucose testing.

Step 4: After Completing the Test
1. Return to Your Normal Diet
Once all stages of the test have been completed, you may immediately resume your regular diet and daily meals.

GCT Glucose Challenge Test Guide

This is a simple one-step screening test performed to ensure the health of both you and your baby by enabling early detection of gestational diabetes.

Important Instructions Before the Test

•    Fasting is not required: You may eat and drink normally before the test.
•    Maintain your usual physical activity: During the 3 days prior to the test, do not suddenly reduce your physical activity. Continue your normal daily routine and avoid any extreme dietary or lifestyle changes.

Test Procedure at the Laboratory

1.    Upon arrival, you will be given 50 grams of glucose (in syrup form) to drink.
2.    After drinking the glucose solution, you must remain at the laboratory and rest for approximately one hour.
o    Eating, drinking, exercising, and smoking are not permitted during this one-hour period.
3.    After one hour, a blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm.
 

After the Test

Once the blood sample has been collected, you may resume your normal daily activities.

Conditions for Sperm Sample

Proper Conditions for Sperm Sample Collection
Sperm testing is one of the first steps in detecting male fertility and provides a clear roadmap for sperm quality improvement. This guide will fully explain necessary conditions for sperm sample collection.

Necessary recommendations for sperm sample collection:
You should refrain from any sexual activity (including masturbation) for at least 2 days and no more than 7 days. It means sperm sample should be collected in 3-5 days after last ejaculation.
The semen specimen should be obtained by masturbation. Alternate methods like sex for sperm sampling are not recommended.
No saliva or other lubricant should be used for sperm sample collection. Your physician will offer a non-toxic lubricant. Do not collect the specimen in a condom as these contain spermicidal agents, which will alter the results of the analysis.
Proper specimen collection is the most important step. The specimen should be collected in ARTlab, otherwise it should be collected in a container provided by the ART lab with special label that has your first and last name. If the specimen was obtained outside of the lab: first, mix specimen well by inverting container several times with the lid securely tightened, then keep it upright in a plastic bag, and also keep specimen close to body temperature by transporting close to the body. Specially, it is so important in the cold weather. The specimen should not be placed in a purse, pocket, or briefcase. Finally, transfer specimen to the laboratory within half-hour.
You’ll need to refrain from taking any alcoholic drinking and drugs for at least 3 days before ejaculation. If you need use special drug, you should inform the doctor.
If you have been exposed to high heat or experienced a high fever, delay sperm sampling collection.
The sperm volume in the container is important for infertility diagnosis. If any semen is spilled, do not attempt to transfer it to the cup. Inform the lab personnel about the spill.
It is recommended to take container in your hands for a couple of minutes before sperm collecting
It is necessary to empty urine before sperm sampling collection. Be sure hands and penis are cleaned prior to collection. You should wash your penis just with water without any detergent. Avoid touching the inside of the cup.
Sperm do not have a long life outside of the body and at different temperatures. Delays in delivering semen and exposure to various temperatures will results in lower overall motile sperm count and poor semen cryopreservation. Please give it to the IVF lab Immediately after

Pap Smear

What is a Pap Smear Test?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and examined for abnormal growth. It may be mildly uncomfortable, but doesn’t usually cause any long-term pain.

Pap smear test conditions:

If you’ll be menstruating on the day of your Pap smear, your doctor may want to reschedule the test, since results could be less accurate.

Try to avoid having sexual intercourse, douching, the day before your test because these may interfere with your results.

You shouldn’t have vaginal cream or vaginal douche before taking sample.

Procedures for Pap smear test:

Pap smears can be a bit uncomfortable, but the test is very quick. During the procedure, you’ll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs spread and your feet resting in supports called stirrups. Your doctor will slowly insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. This device keeps the vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix. Your doctor will scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix. There are a few ways your doctor can take this sample:

• Some use a tool called a spatula.
• Some use a spatula and a brush.
• Others use a device called a cytobrush, which is a combination of spatula and brush.

Most women feel a slight push and irritation during the brief scraping. The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be tested for the presence of abnormal cells.

What are the care after Pap smear test?

After the test, you might feel mild discomfort from the scraping or a bit of cramping. You could also experience very light vaginal bleeding immediately following the test. Tell your doctor if discomfort or bleeding continues after the day of the test.

What do the results of a Pap smear mean?

There are two possible results from a Pap smear: normal or abnormal.

Normal Pap smear:

If your results are normal, that means that no abnormal cells were identified. Normal results are sometimes also referred to as negative. If your results are normal, you probably won’t need a Pap smear for another three years.

Abnormal Pap smear:

Abnormal Pap smear:

If the test results are abnormal, this doesn’t mean you have cancer. It simply means that there are abnormal cells on your cervix, some of which could be precancerous. There are several levels of abnormal cells:

• atypia
• mild
• moderate
• severe dysplasia
• carcinoma in situ
• Milder abnormal cells are more common than severe abnormalities. Depending on what the test results show, your doctor may recommend:

1- increasing the frequency of your Pap smears

2- getting a closer look at your cervical tissue with a procedure called colposcopy

During a colposcopy exam, your doctor will use light and magnification to see vaginal and cervical tissues more clearly. In some cases, they may also take a sample of your cervical tissue in a procedure called a biopsy.

• Pap tests are very accurate. Regular Pap screenings reduce cervical cancer rates and mortality by at least 80 percent. It can be uncomfortable, but the brief discomfort can help protect your health.

Prolactin Test

Prolactin Test Guide:

A prolactin (PRL) test measures the amount of prolactin in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, the pea-sized gland near the base of the brain that controls metabolism, growth, and sexual development. Small amounts of this hormone is found in both males and non-pregnant females. Prolactin stimulates lactation (milk production) in females during pregnancy and maintain milk supply during breastfeeding.

Prolactin is important for both male and female reproductive health. It is ordered for patients with a suspected pituitary tumor; investigation of female and male infertility, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), galactorrhoea (breast milk production, not during pregnancy), low testosterone in men, and/or visual disturbances and headaches.

Normally, there is no special test preparation, but a blood prolactin test is usually done about 3 to 4 hours after awakening in the morning, sometime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

In some special conditions, patients are asked to not eat and drink only water for 9 to 12 hours before testing.

It is recommended to relax and rest the night before test. Stress from illness, trauma, work and personal problems, physical activities and even the fear of having the blood test done can cause moderate increases in prolactin.

Last but not least, please inform your doctor of any medications you take in advance.

Guide to 24 houre

Guide to 24-Hour Urine Collection:
You should collect every drop of urine during each 24-hour period. It does not matter how much or little urine is passed each time, as long as every drop is collected.

Begin the urine collection in the morning after you wake up, after you have emptied your bladder for the first time.
Urinate (empty the bladder) for the first time and flush it down the toilet. Note the exact time (6:15 AM). You will begin the urine collection at this time.
Collect every drop of urine during the day and night in an empty collection bottle. Store the bottle at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
If you need to have a bowel movement, any urine passed with the bowel movement should be collected. Try not to include feces with the urine collection. If feces do get mixed in, do not try to remove the feces from the urine collection bottle.
Finish by collecting the first urine passed the next morning, adding it to the collection bottle. This should be within ten minutes before or after the time of the first morning void on the first day (which was flushed).
If you need to urinate one hour before the final collection time, drink a full glass of water so that you can void again at the appropriate time. If you have to urinate 20 minutes before, try to hold the urine until the proper time.
Please note the exact time of the final collection, even if it is not the same time as when collection began on day 1.

Urinalysis

Urine Sample Collection Instructions for Urine Culture and Urinalysis – For Men

Accurate and reliable test results depend on proper sample collection. Please follow the instructions below when providing your urine sample:

The best sample for urine testing is the first morning urine, which has been retained in the bladder for at least eight hours, ensuring it is concentrated.

** In emergency situations and at the discretion of the treating physician, a urine sample collected at any time of the day may be used for testing.

*** Make sure that the urine sample container is labeled with your identification information.

Avoid drinking excessive amounts of water or other fluids before the test.

For urine culture, refrain from taking antibiotics for at least five days prior to sample collection.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a disposable tissue.

Wash the tip of the penis with water and dry it completely.

Open the urine container carefully, making sure your hands do not touch the inside of the container or its lid.

Begin urinating and discard the initial portion of urine outside the container.

Without stopping the flow of urine and without letting the penis touch the inside of the container, collect the midstream urine (about half full) in the container.

Close the container immediately and securely, and deliver it to the laboratory.

If the urine sample is collected at home, it must be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible, following safety and hygiene protocols.
In case of delays in transportation (especially during warm seasons), store the sample in a cool place for no more than 2 to 3 hours.
 

---

Urine Sample Collection Instructions for Urine Culture and Urinalysis – For Women
Accurate and reliable test results depend on proper sample collection. Please follow the instructions below when providing your urine sample:

The best sample for urine testing is the first morning urine, which has been retained in the bladder for at least eight hours, ensuring it is concentrated.

** In emergency situations and at the discretion of the treating physician, a urine sample collected at any time of the day may be used for testing.

*** Make sure that the urine sample container is labeled with your identification information.

Avoid drinking excessive amounts of water or other fluids before the test.

For urine culture, refrain from taking antibiotics for at least five days prior to sample collection.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a disposable tissue.

Wash the genital and urinary area with soap and water.
Then rinse from front to back carefully, ensuring no soap or water remains, and dry the area completely.

Open the urine container carefully.
(Make sure your hands do not touch the inside of the container or its lid.)

Begin urinating and discard the initial portion of urine outside the container.

Without touching the inside of the container with the genital area, collect the midstream urine (about half full) in the container without interrupting the urine flow.

Close the container immediately and securely, and deliver it to the laboratory.

If the urine sample is collected at home, it must be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible, following safety and hygiene protocols.
In case of delays in transportation (especially during warm seasons), store the sample in a cool place for no more than 2 to 3 hours.

General Guide to Tests Requiring Fasting

General Guide to Tests Requiring Fasting:
Fasting means not eating and only drinking sips of water. Any intake of food causes a visible change of blood composition. When every organ of our body is working efficiently, these variations settle down after allotted time. Therefore, to understand exact functioning of our body parts, fasting of 10-12 hours is essential. It ensures that the composition has no external influence and depicts exactly the true functions of organs.
Important tips:
    A fasting blood test is usually done in the morning after you have fasted for 8 to 16 hours.
    You can't eat or suck on lollies and chewing gum.
    During the fast before the laboratory test, you can’t drink a lot of water or any drinks with energy, such as juices or alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and don’t smoke cigarettes. You should avoid them 10 to 12 hours before taking lipid panel blood test and have 8 hours fasting before FBS test.
    You should avoid sporting 12 hours before taking the sample.
    You can have a glass of water without a worry, but bigger amounts of liquids can affect the results. For example, it can dilute blood and urine.
    You should take diet dinner in the last night.
    Do not eat salicylates drugs such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, indomethacine, and sodium diclofenate), iron tablets (such as hematinic and fafol capsules), antacids, calcined drugs, iodized compounds, thiazid diuretics, respine and vitamin C.
    You should consult with your doctor about drug use before taking sample. 
    Fasting for babies is 4 hours after last breastfeeding. 
    For occult blood in the stool, you should avoid eating some food such as red meat, white meat (chicken and poultry), fish, turnips, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges, bananas, grapes, cantaloupe or cantaloupe, melons, legumes, pistachios, peanuts, raisins, and corn.

Important points of emergency tests

Important points of emergency tests:
If you need to urgent tests, Royan Lab will give your result test 3 hours after sample taking.
Sperm analysis tests will be provided 3 hours after sample taking.
If your result tests need to repetition, we will give you with a delay. Also, we will inform you by phone call or SMS.
If for any reason the laboratory cannot prepare a test as an emergency, the patients will be informed during the admission.
If we couldn’t give your result test as an urgent, we will inform you.