Patient Guide

How to Prepare for Your Lab Appointment

Getting accurate lab results starts with a little preparation. These are general guidelines—your provider may give you specific instructions based on your situation.

All Patients

General Preparation

Follow these steps to ensure accurate results.

🍽️ Fasting

  • No food for 10–12 hours before your draw
  • Water is fine (and encouraged)
  • Black coffee or tea is okay (no creamer or sugar)

💧 Hydration

  • Drink plenty of water 1–2 hours before your draw
  • Makes your veins easier to find
  • Avoid alcohol the night before

🚫 Avoid

  • Heavy or fatty meals the night before
  • NSAIDs (Advil, ibuprofen) for 48 hours before
  • Alcohol the night before
Men's Guidelines

For Men

Additional considerations for accurate hormone testing.

💉 Testosterone Injections

  • Hold injections for 3 days before your labs
  • Schedule your draw for the morning of your injection day, before dosing
  • Resume after your lab

🔬 PSA Testing

  • Avoid heavy workouts for 24 hours before
  • Avoid sexual activity for 24 hours before
Women's Guidelines

For Women

Timing matters for accurate hormone results.

💊 Hormone Medications

  • Estrogen & progesterone: Continue as normal
  • Testosterone injections: Hold for 3 days before labs

📅 Timing

  • Cortisol, testosterone, or prolactin: Schedule between 7:30–9:30 AM
  • If cycling: Schedule on Day 3 of your period
  • Not cycling/postmenopausal: Follow fasting and hydration steps

If your cycle doesn't line up with your appointment: Don't cancel online. Text or call us at (949) 997-3988 and we'll help you figure out what to do.

Quick Reference

Medications Guide

What to continue, skip, or stop before your labs.

NSAIDs (Advil, ibuprofen)
⛔ Stop 48 hours before
Testosterone Injections
⛔ Hold 3 days before
Estrogen & Progesterone
✅ Continue as normal

When in doubt, ask us. Text or call before your appointment if you're unsure about any medication.

Day Of

Before You Leave

Run through this checklist the morning of your appointment.

✓ Day-Of Checklist

☐Arrive 5–10 minutes early to check in
☐Bring a valid ID (driver's license, passport)
☐Fasted 10–12 hours (water/black coffee okay)
☐Hydrated in the 1–2 hours before
☐Skipped thyroid meds this morning
☐Wearing a shirt with sleeves that roll up
☐Packed a snack for after your draw

Questions?

If anything is unclear or you're unsure how to prepare, just ask. We're happy to help.

(949) 997-3988

Text or call anytime

Ready to Book?

If you found this page but haven't scheduled yet, start with a Range Assessment. Labs, symptoms review, and a written plan in under a week.

Start with a Range Assessment

Already a patient? Call or text (949) 997-3988 to schedule.

1901 Westcliff Dr Suite 10, Newport Beach, CA

Upstairs from Range Sports Therapy