Preparing for a Test

Some healthcare providers collect samples for laboratory tests in their offices, but others do not. If your practitioner provided you with an order (a prescription or test requisition form) for a test, you will need to visit one of our Patient Service Centers to have your sample collected. Learn how to find the Sonora Quest Laboratories location that is the most convenient for you and the other steps necessary to prepare for a test and make your visit as short as possible.

Finding a Patient Location Is Easy

Simply use our Locations & Scheduling page to find a location convenient for you. With 70 patient locations statewide, it will be easy to find one that is convenient for you—whether it is close to home, work or your doctor’s office. You will see multiple locations, along with their hours, contact information and maps. Enter your starting address and you will get printable directions.

Make an Appointment—or Not

Appointments are encouraged, but are not mandatory*. Use our Locations & Scheduling page to make an appointment. You can save your favorite location to save time the next time you need to schedule an appointment. If you prefer not to make an appointment, please be aware that our locations are usually busiest in the early morning when patients who have to fast before testing often choose to arrive. You may prefer to come later in the day, when your wait is likely to be shorter.

Prior to Your Visit

View a list of items that you should remember to bring with you when you visit one of our Patient Service Centers, as well as things to do to help you prepare for your visit.

*Appointments are required at several of our Patients Service Centers. To check if the location you wish to visit serves patients by appointment only, please visit our Find a Location page.

Medical tests can be scary for children (and adults too), but you can help calm your child. First calm yourself, and then prepare him/her with this six-point plan.

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Explain what the test involves and who will be doing it. Prepare your child for the “ouch.” Instead of promising it won’t hurt, say that it will be over quickly. Afterward, offer praise—and comfort, if necessary.

2. Anticipate and Inform

Schedule the test at a time when your child is unlikely to be tired or hungry. Ask ahead of time whether the test involves a finger prick or a blood draw—and then share that information with your child. 

3. Stage a Dress Rehearsal

Practice at home beforehand. Before a blood draw you could say, "Show me how you stay still. Now show me how you wiggle. Now be still again." "Blowing the feeling away" by counting to three and then exhaling also helps a child feel in control of his/her body—and helps keep veins full and loose, making it easier to draw blood. 

4. Offer a Distraction

During a blood draw, help get your youngster’s mind off the procedure by occupying him/her with a book, a special toy, or by singing a favorite song. 

5. Be There with Your Child—or Not

Stay with your child during a blood draw. On the other hand, providing a urine specimen with a parent in the room may seem an invasion of privacy. Depending upon age and whether you’ve comfortably guided him/her through the process, an older child may prefer to be alone. 

6. Drink Up—and Turn on the Tap

Providing a urine sample is definitely easier with a full bladder. Encourage your child to have a beverage before the office visit. The sound of running water can also help him/her urinate. Drinking water before a blood draw will also help make that process easier.

With these tips, you should be able to make a necessary procedure a comfortable one and feel confident that you’re doing everything to ensure that your child’s health is being carefully monitored.

When your healthcare provider orders certain tests, you may be told to fast for several hours before the test or overnight. Here’s what you need to know to comply with your doctor’s instructions.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting is when you consume no food or drinks, with the exception of water, for a set period of time. It’s important to drink plenty of water, not just because you’re not eating, but because it’s easier to draw blood from your veins when you’re well hydrated.

Why Fasting Is Necessary?

The nutrients in the food and beverages you consume are absorbed into your blood stream and could impact factors measured by certain tests. Tests to determine your lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL) usually require fasting. You also will be told to fast before glucose testing. Other tests may also require fasting. If you don’t fast, or fast for a shorter time than prescribed, your tests could give inaccurate results, meaning you’ll likely have to repeat the test. If you think fasting is going to be a problem for you, please discuss it with your healthcare provider.

How Long Must I Fast?

Generally, before a lipid or a glucose tolerance test, you’ll be told to fast for eight hours. However, your healthcare provider may advise you differently. Always follow his/her instructions to the letter.

Continue to Take Medications

Be sure to take your usual medications unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider. If you’re taking vitamin/mineral supplements, ask whether you should continue to take those as well.

Breaking Your Fast

As soon as you’ve had your blood drawn, you’ll probably want to eat and drink something. It’s a good idea to bring along a snack so you can do so as soon as possible. Schedule your blood test for the early morning to minimize the length of time you’ll have to go without food.