Why One Should Get Tested: 
- It helps doctors to evaluate and confirm the diagnosis of a disease 
- It can validate or negate the suspicion of pregnancy 
- It can give you a fair idea of your control over certain diseases like diabetes 
- A sample of blood can also prove or disprove the presence of many diseases, such as HIV, diabetes and prostate cancer to name a few. The early detection of these and other diseases is only possible through routine blood tests. The sooner they are detected, the sooner an effective treatment for them can be implemented. 

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How to Prepare for tests: 
- Please confirm your test requires you to be on an empty stomach. If so, please remain in a fasting state for 12 - 14 hours prior to your blood test (Not even tea or coffee is permitted. Only plain water) 
- You are advised to not ingest alcohol, tobacco, and smoke for at least a day before giving your blood sample. 
- You are also advised to not ingest any medication on the day of your test. Please carry your regular medication when you come for your check-up e.g. for blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

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During the tests: 
- The amount of blood drawn at the time of collection for laboratory testing depends on the tests that are ordered. Usually, the amount collected is very small (around 3-6 teaspoons) 
- Some patients become anxious when they have their blood drawn. Patients should tell the technician who is drawing the blood if they feel faint or sick. Slow deep breaths prior to the needle stick may help to alleviate anxiety. 
- After a blood draw, the phlebotomist makes sure that all signs of bleeding have stopped. A bandage is applied to the arm for a minimum of 15 minutes. 

Duration:
Approximately 10 minutes.