For the majority of tests there is no special preparation required. Your health care professional will inform you of any specific requirements for your test, for example if you need to fast prior to the test.
It is helpful to be hydrated when you present to the collection centre for your blood test, preferably by drinking water, unless advised otherwise by your health care professional.
Read more in our What you need to know before your blood test brochure.
Identification
- It is our responsibility to get the right specimens from the right patient, to get the right results to the right doctor, 100% of the time.
- To ensure we have the right patient you will be asked to positively identify yourself by stating your full name and DOB, in addition to this you will be asked to spell your first and last names to us, prior to any sample collection. This process must be completed every time you have samples collected, regardless of how well you are known to us or how frequently you visit.
- This vital step is in place to protect your health and ensure the accuracy of your results.
- If there is anything that may prevent you from being able to state this information clearly for us, we recommend you bring suitable identification (e.g. drivers licence or passport) or a support person who can assist with this positive patient identification.
Blood test information for patients:
Fact sheets for patients:
Patient test instructions are available here:
Please note: For all tests below marked with * specimen collection is not performed by Awanui Labs. Collection should be performed by GP/nurse or may be a self-collect. Our collection rooms are not suitable for assisted collects.
- 24-hour urine for HIAA
- 24-hour urine collection (in acid)
- 24-hour urine collection in a plain container
- Anal swab collection for ESBL, CPE, CPO, FREC and/or VRE screening*
- Axilla and groin collection for Candida auris and/or carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter (CRAB)* screening*
- Cervical screening HPV self collect instructions*
- Collection & transportation of faecal elastase, H.pylori antigen, Clostridium difficile & faecal calprotectin
- Expired repeat request forms
- Faeces collections – culture and microscopy
- Faecal occult blood tests
- Fasting blood tests
- Glucose challenge gestational diabetes
- Glucose tolerance 2-hour test
- HPV swab instructions*
- Mycology – hair, skin and nail collects
- Nasal and groin swab collection for MRSA screening*
- Patient collection, storage & transportation for reducing substance samples
- Pinworm (threadworm) specimen collection
- Semen for fertility
- Semen for post vasectomy
- Skin sensitivity test
- Sputum specimens
- Timed urinary micro-albumin tests
- Urine specimen for culture
- Urine specimen for creatinine clearance and cytology
- Urine collection for Chlamydia or TB testing
- Urine for culture in pregnancy
- Vaginal self collect specimen*
Specimen instructions in other languages
If you have any questions regarding these Patient Test Instructions, please Contact Us or call Awanui Labs on 09 5747399.