Laboratory tests often require you to follow certain guidelines to ensure their accuracy. Your provider will let you know what to do before, during and after your test. General instructions for some common tests we offer include:

Blood Draws and Fasting

We provide blood draws for adults and children using venipuncture (through a vein, usually in your arm) and capillary collection (through a stick in a finger or child’s heel).

Your provider may order a blood test that requires fasting. This means you should:

• Not eat or drink anything except water for at least eight hours before the test
• Continue to take prescription medications unless your provider directs you otherwise
• Avoid smoking and exercise as much as possible before your test

If you have any concerns about fasting, talk to your physician.

Our highly trained staff works to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Providers can request additional accommodations for young patients or patients requiring unique care.

Depending on clinician need, patients may receive the application of a numbing cream or a provider can schedule an appointment for a port draw with one of our IV nurses.

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

Providers use a GTT to diagnose gestational diabetes. It shows us how your body processes blood sugar (glucose).

A GTT involves an initial blood test, after which you drink a sweet liquid. You will have several more blood tests over the next one to three hours. Special instructions include:

• Do not eat or drink anything except water for at least eight hours before the test. Your provider will let you know if you need to discontinue any medications.
• During the test, avoid eating, drinking (you may have a few small sips of water), smoking or chewing gum.
• Let lab personnel know if you feel ill or vomit.

24-Hour Urine Testing

A 24-hour urine test collects all the urine you produce over a 24-hour period to assess kidney function and other diseases. For this test:

• Your provider will let you know if you need to avoid certain foods or medications before or during the test.
• You will receive a container to collect and store your urine.
• Keep the container securely closed, upright and in a cool place, such as the refrigerator or a cooler with ice.
• Your provider will instruct you when to begin the 24-hour collection period. Label the container with your name and date of birth and the time you begin your collection and the time of your last collection.
• Return the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible. The container should be tightly closed and labeled with the patient’s name and date of birth.
• Be sure to check in with lab personnel before you leave the lab, as some 24-hour urine tests also require a blood draw.

We collect specimens based on tests ordered by your health care provider. Your provider may send your order directly to us or provide you with a paper order. If your provider has given you a copy of your lab order, please bring it with you. We also accept orders from providers outside UVM Health.

We send results to ordering providers 24 hours a day. Please check with your provider or MyChart for your results. If your health care provider is not within UVM Health, we will deliver results to the location specified on the order.