Preparation depends on the type of pathology test you are having — but there are a number of simple, general steps that will help ensure everything goes smoothly:
General advice for most blood tests
- Stay well-hydrated. Drink plenty of plain water in the hours (and even the day) before your test — unless your doctor has explicitly told you otherwise. Proper hydration helps keep your veins more “plump,” which makes drawing blood easier and tends to be more comfortable.
- Check whether you need to fast. Some blood tests require you to fast beforehand (i.e., avoid food — and usually drinks except water — for a set period). Common tests that often need fasting include lipid panels (cholesterol/triglycerides), glucose/diabetes tests, and certain metabolic panels.
- Follow your doctor’s or lab’s instructions carefully. If fasting is required, typical guidance is to avoid food and drinks (other than plain water) for about 8–12 hours before the test.
- Avoid certain drinks before the test. Unless you have been told otherwise, try to avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, or any beverage that might contain sugar or affect hydration. These can dehydrate you slightly or impact test results.
- Wear suitable clothing. A short-sleeved or easily rolled-up sleeve makes it easier for the phlebotomist to access your arm. Comfortable clothing can also reduce anxiety.
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat wisely. Being rested makes veins easier to access. If you are not fasting, a light, healthy meal 1–2 hours before the test can help prevent lightheadedness.
- Bring any required documents. If a pathology request form, referral, or other paperwork was provided, bring it along. This helps avoid delays or confusion.
Extra tips when the test is for a child
If your child is having the test, you can do a few additional things to help make the experience easier and less stressful:
- Explain the process simply and honestly. Use age-appropriate language. For example: “The doctor needs a tiny bit of your blood to check you’re healthy.” Avoid exaggerated assurances (like “it won’t hurt at all”), because being truthful helps build trust.
- Bring comfort / distraction items. A favourite toy, book, blanket, stuffed animal, or even a tablet (if allowed) can help distract and calm a child before and during the blood draw.
- Use calming techniques. Simple breathing exercises, counting, or having them squeeze a soft toy can help reduce stress and make the procedure feel shorter.
- Consider skin numbing options. If available and appropriate, ask whether a topical numbing cream (often applied 20–40 minutes before the test) can be used to reduce pain in sensitive children.
- Stay with them (if allowed). For younger children, being on a parent’s lap or holding hands can make them feel safer.
- Plan something nice afterwards. A small reward — a favourite snack, a treat, or doing something they enjoy — can help them associate the experience with something positive, and build resilience for future tests.
What to do if you’re unsure
If you’re not sure whether your test requires fasting, or whether there are special instructions (e.g., about medications, timing, or hydration) — call your GP or the pathology lab ahead of time. The request form or pre-test instructions should detail whether fasting is required, how long, and whether you can drink water or need to avoid other items.
Even with fasting tests, plain water is almost always OK (and usually encouraged) — unlike tea, coffee, juice, or soft drinks, which may interfere with results.
Specific tests
Additional pre-test preparation details for specific tests can be found in our Preparing for your test section.
