How to prepare for your test
Three things apply to every blood test we run.
- Drink plenty of water the day before and on the day
- Limit alcohol the day before and on the day
- Limit caffeine the day before and on the day
Some tests need more than this. Check yours below.
Check what your test needs
Step one
What are you testing?
Which package?
Do I need to fast?
Fasting means 8 to 12 hours with nothing but water. It is needed when your panel measures cholesterol, glucose or insulin, because eating changes those numbers directly.
Fasting needed
- Cholesterol and lipid panels
- Glucose tests
- Insulin tests
- Any package containing them
In practice: most wellness panels, the ODx tiers, men's and women's foundation panels, and the metabolic, weight loss, GLP-1, gout, PCOS, athlete and runner panels.
No fasting needed
- All STI and PCR tests
- HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B antibody tests
- Hormone-only panels
- Thyroid alone
- Vitamins and allergy panels
- Coeliac panels
- Drug screens
- Paternity DNA
See every package that needs fasting
- Advanced Bodybuilding Hormone Panel
- Anti-Ageing Health Package
- Athlete Performance Blood Panel
- Bodybuilding Health Blood Test
- Cardio-Plus Screen
- Comprehensive Men's Health Add-On
- Comprehensive Menopause Package
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Comprehensive Weight Loss Panel
- Comprehensive Women's Health Add-On
- Diabetes Screening
- Functional Gout Panel (Essential)
- Functional Gout Testing Panel
- Functional Health Analysis
- GLP-1 Monitoring Panel
- GLP-1 Start Smart Panel
- Lipogram Panel
- Men's Annual Foundation
- Men's Hormonal Vitality and Performance
- Mental Health and Mood Panel
- Metabolic Health Panel
- ODx Max Package
- ODx Ultimate Package
- ODx Vital Package
- PCOS Metabolic Panel
- Runner's Performance and Recovery
- Stress and Cortisol Panel (Comprehensive)
- Stress and Cortisol Panel (Essential)
- Vegetarian and Vegan Panel
- Women's Annual Foundation
Do I need a morning slot?
Any panel including cortisol must be drawn before 10am. Cortisol changes through the day, and the laboratory's reference ranges assume a morning sample.
These panels contain cortisol:
- Anti-Ageing Health Package
- Functional Health Analysis
- GLP-1 Start Smart Panel
- Mental Health and Mood Panel
- Nutritional Status Follow-Up
- ODx Max Package
- PCOS Metabolic Panel
- Stress and Cortisol Panel (Comprehensive)
- Stress and Cortisol Panel (Essential)
Testosterone and prolactin also read best in the morning, so a morning slot helps where those are included.
Hormone testing and your cycle
For reference, these are the standard windows on a 28-day cycle. Day 1 is the first day of proper bleeding.
| Markers | When |
|---|---|
| FSH, LH, oestradiol, SHBG, prolactin | Day 2 to 5 |
| Progesterone | Around day 21 |
| AMH, TSH, Free T3, Free T4, ferritin, iron, testosterone, DHEA | Any day |
Day 3 is the usual choice inside the day 2 to 5 window.
Two specifics
Female Hormone Package and Femmflo: day 2 to 5.
Complete Women's Fertility Panel: this one contains markers read at opposite ends of the cycle, so there is no single best day. The team will set it with you.
Can I test during my period?
Yes. A period does not affect sexual health PCR results on any panel, confirmed with the laboratory. The same goes for a urine sample.
The only question is whether you are comfortable doing the swab, and that is entirely your call.
Home test kits
No fasting, no timing, no morning slot. Home kits are all PCR tests, so the preparation is the same as any swab test: water, and go easy on alcohol and caffeine.
Everything you need is in the box. Collect the sample at home following the instructions, seal it in the packaging provided, then book a free courier pickup rather than posting it, either by WhatsApp or using the link in the kit. There is no Post Office trip.
What to expect on the day
- About 15 minutes for a typical blood draw, from walking in to walking out
- A glucose tolerance test takes about two hours, because of the timed draws. Worth knowing before you plan your morning
- An HIV rapid test: allow about half an hour if you want to leave with the result
- What to bring: nothing is required. The date of your last period helps for hormone testing, and your medical aid card if you want a tax invoice with the codes
- Quietest mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Branches are busiest first thing and over lunch
Common questions
Do I need to fast for my blood test?
Only if your panel measures cholesterol, glucose or insulin, because eating changes those numbers directly. Fasting means 8 to 12 hours with nothing but water. In practice that covers most wellness panels, the ODx tiers, the men's and women's foundation panels, and the metabolic, weight loss, GLP-1, gout, PCOS, athlete and runner panels. You do not need to fast for any STI or PCR test, HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B antibody tests, hormone-only panels, thyroid alone, vitamins, allergy panels, coeliac panels, drug screens or paternity DNA.
Can I drink water while fasting?
Yes, and you should. Fasting means no food and no drinks other than water. Staying hydrated makes the draw easier and quicker, and dehydration can shift some results. Drink water the day before and on the morning of your test.
Why do some tests need a morning slot?
Cortisol changes through the day, and the laboratory's reference ranges assume a morning sample, so any panel containing cortisol must be drawn before 10am. Testosterone and prolactin also read best in the morning, so a morning slot helps where those are included.
Can I have a blood test while on my period?
Yes. A period does not affect sexual health PCR results on any panel, including the Extra Large, and the same applies to a urine sample. This was confirmed with the laboratory in August 2026. The only question is whether you are comfortable doing the swab, and that is entirely your call.
What day of my cycle should I test hormones?
You do not need to work it out yourself. Bring the date of your last period and the team will sort out the timing at the branch. As a general guide on a 28-day cycle, FSH, LH, oestradiol, SHBG and prolactin are usually read on day 2 to 5, progesterone around day 21, and AMH, thyroid markers, ferritin, iron, testosterone and DHEA on any day. If your periods are irregular or absent, or you are on contraception or hormone therapy, message us and the team will guide you.
How long does a blood test take?
About 15 minutes for a typical blood draw, from walking in to walking out, which covers reception and the draw itself. Two exceptions: a glucose tolerance test takes about two hours because of the timed draws, and an HIV rapid test needs about half an hour if you want to leave with the result. Branches are busiest first thing and over lunch.
Do I need to prepare for a home test kit?
No fasting, no timing and no morning slot. Home kits are all PCR tests on a swab, urine or stool sample. Collect the sample as the instructions describe, seal it in the packaging provided, and book a free courier pickup rather than posting it.
What should I bring with me?
Nothing is required. Two things help if they apply: the date of your last period for hormone testing, and your medical aid card if you want a tax invoice with the relevant codes on it.
Do I need to fast for an STI or PCR test?
No. No STI test, PCR panel, HPV, BV, UTI or gut test requires fasting, and none needs a morning slot. Drink water, go easy on alcohol and caffeine, and come in whenever suits you.
Ready when you are
Walk into any branch Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:00. No appointment needed, though booking guarantees your slot.
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