Exam Preparation

A rectal swab may be used instead of a stool sample and may be recommended whenever collecting a stool sample is difficult.

Where

The rectal swab is performed at home.

Results will be available online (if requested at the time of sample collection) from 4:30 PM, or can be collected at our reception desk from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

When

No appointment is required; every morning from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

How

• Insert the rectal swab 1–2 cm into the rectum and rotate it to collect fecal material.
• Make sure that visible material has been collected on the swab.
• Place the swab in the appropriate container and deliver it to the laboratory staff by 10:30 AM.

Where

The throat swab is performed at our laboratory. Results will be available online (if requested at the time of sample collection) from 4:30 PM, or can be collected at our reception desk from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

When

No appointment is required; every morning from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

How

After completing the registration and administrative procedures, patients proceed to the sample collection room, where our nursing staff will perform the throat swab, taking all necessary precautions.

When

Urine samples should be collected first thing in the morning. Results will be available online 48 hours later or can be collected at our reception desk from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Where

Biological samples should be collected at home or, in case of an emergency, at our laboratory.

How

1. Unless otherwise specified, it is recommended to collect the first urine sample of the morning.
2. Urine collection containers must be sterile.
3. For an accurate assessment of the results, any antibiotic or antimicrobial treatment should have been discontinued for at least one week.
4. Deliver the biological sample to the laboratory’s sample collection room within two hours.

When

The urine sample should be collected first thing in the morning. Results will be available online from 4:30 PM (if requested at the time of sample collection) or can be collected at our reception desk from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Where

Biological samples should be collected at home or, in case of an emergency, at our laboratory.

How

• Use a urine collection bag for infants, available at pharmacies.
• Wash the external genital area with soap and water.
• Apply the adhesive part of the collection bag around the genitals, avoiding the anal area.
• After the child has urinated, remove the bag and fold it over to seal the opening.
• If the child has a bowel movement, repeat the procedure described above.
• Deliver the sample to the laboratory staff by 10:30 AM.

When

The urine sample should be collected first thing in the morning. Results will be available online from 4:30 PM (if requested at the time of sample collection) or can be collected at our reception desk from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Where

Biological samples should be collected at home.

How

• Use a sterile container.
• Clamp the catheter for at least 1 hour.
• Remove the drainage bag.
• Remove the clamp.
• Collect the urine flowing from the catheter tubing directly into the sterile container, taking care not to allow the tubing to come into contact with the sides of the container.
• Do not collect the urine from the drainage bag and do not disconnect the catheter.
• Deliver the sample to the laboratory by 10:30 AM on the same day.

Collect the urine in a suitable container available from pharmacies.

• Start collecting urine in the morning by emptying your bladder and discarding the urine passed.

• Make a note of the time.

• Over the following 24 hours (morning, afternoon, evening and night), collect all urine passed using the appropriate plastic container.

• Keep the container tightly closed and stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.

• The collection should end the following morning at the same time it started and must include the urine passed at the end time (the time recorded at the beginning of the collection). Therefore, after 24 hours, the container should contain the entire volume of urine passed.

• During the collection period, keep the container(s) in a cool, dark place.

• Deliver all the collected urine to the Sample Collection Point within two hours of completing the collection.

It is used as an alternative to a stool sample and may be recommended for patients who have difficulty collecting stool samples.

When

In the morning, before coming to the laboratory.

Where

Biological samples can be collected at home or, in case of an emergency, at our laboratory.

How

1. Insert the swab approximately 1–2 cm deep and rotate it to collect fecal material, then place it into the appropriate transport medium.
2. Deliver the properly stored sample within two hours of collection, directly to the staff in the sample collection room.

When

In the morning, before coming to the laboratory.

Where

Biological samples can be collected at home or, in case of an emergency, at our laboratory.

How

• Gastrointestinal lesions can cause intermittent bleeding, so it is advisable to perform the test on 3 samples collected over three consecutive days. The samples can be delivered each day or all on the same day, keeping them refrigerated at 4°C. Remember to write the collection date on each container.
• Do not collect the sample if you are using rectal medications.
• Use a sterile stool collection container with an internal spoon (available from pharmacies).
• Have a bowel movement into a suitable container, such as a bedpan.
• Using the spoon attached to the container, collect several portions from the surface of the stool and from different areas (3 or 4) until approximately half of the container is filled.
• Deliver the stool sample to the laboratory by 10:30 AM. If multiple samples are being collected for testing, they can be stored at home in the refrigerator. Remember to write the collection date on each container.

N.B.
It is no longer necessary to follow a specific diet when testing for occult blood, as immunological methods are used.

Stool culture testing involves screening for Salmonella and Shigella.

When

In the morning, before coming to the laboratory.

Where

Biological samples can be collected at home or, in case of an emergency, at our laboratory.

How

• The sample should be collected during the acute phase of the infection.
• Obtain a sterile stool collection container with an internal spoon.
• Have a bowel movement into a sterilized container, such as a bedpan.
• Using the spoon attached to the container, collect several portions from the surface of the stool and from different areas (3 or 4) until approximately half of the container is filled.
• Avoid contaminating the sample with urine or water.
• It is always preferable to collect any mucous or bloody portions of the stool.
• Deliver the sample to the laboratory by 10:30 AM and hand it directly to the laboratory staff.
• Samples cannot be stored at home for several days, as bacteria may die or proliferate excessively.

When

In the morning, before coming to the laboratory.

Where

Biological samples can be collected at home or, in case of an emergency, at our laboratory.

How

Since some intestinal parasites are not shed every day, for accurate results it is advisable to perform the test on at least three consecutive stool samples.

The Breath Test is a diagnostic test performed by analysing samples of exhaled air. The lactose breath test is useful for diagnosing lactose intolerance.

THE LACTOSE BREATH TEST TAKES APPROXIMATELY 90 MINUTES

*To obtain reliable results, it is important to follow these instructions.

15 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST

Do not take antibiotics, as they may alter the levels of gases in the exhaled air.

7 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST

Stop taking the following medications at least 7 days before the test:

• Prokinetics: metoclopramide, levosulpiride, clebopride, domperidone, prucalopride
• Laxatives: macrogol, lactulose, magnesium compounds, bisacodyl, senna, sodium picosulfate, mineral oils, linaclotide

Please note: Medication should only be discontinued if clinically appropriate. Do not stop any medication if your doctor has advised you to continue treatment to avoid significant consequences. Never stop taking medication on your own initiative; always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment. If you are taking other medications not listed above (e.g. antihypertensive drugs), you may continue taking them as usual.

THE DAY BEFORE THE TEST

It is recommended to avoid fermentable foods, which may increase intestinal gas production. In particular, it is advisable to limit the intake of fibre and complex carbohydrates found in bread and pasta (especially wholegrain varieties) and their derivatives, potatoes and other tubers, legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils), and starchy vegetables (e.g. corn, peas). It is also advisable to avoid dairy products and milk derivatives (cream, béchamel sauce, custards, butter, etc.) and cheeses made from animal milk (cow, goat or sheep); alcoholic or carbonated beverages, sweets and chewing gum.

The following foods are allowed: low-fat yogurt, all soy-based foods, almond milk, rice milk, walnuts, almonds, avocado; light vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, courgettes, lettuce, rocket, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and olives; grilled chicken, eggs, baked salmon, strawberries, kiwi, olive oil and vinegar.

THE DAY OF THE TEST

The patient must have been fasting for at least 12 hours (only plain water is permitted).

Smoking is prohibited on the day of the test, as smoking may affect the results.

Brush your teeth thoroughly with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Initially rinse your mouth with a 0.05% chlorhexidine-based mouthwash diluted in water, followed by a second rinse with plain water. Avoid using alcohol-containing mouthwashes, as they may interfere with the accuracy of the test.

It is recommended to avoid physical exertion or strenuous exercise during the test, as hyperventilation may interfere with gas measurements.

Please note: If the preparation instructions have not been followed carefully, the healthcare staff reserve the right to decide whether or not to proceed with the test.

The breath test is a diagnostic test performed by analysing samples of exhaled air. It is a non-invasive test used to diagnose SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and to measure orocecal transit time.

THE LACTULOSE BREATH TEST TAKES APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS

*To obtain reliable results, it is important to follow these instructions

15 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST

Antibiotics must not be taken, as they may alter the levels of gases (H₂ and CH₄) in the exhaled air.

7 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST

Stop taking the following medications at least 7 days before the test:

• Prokinetics: metoclopramide, levosulpiride, clebopride, domperidone, prucalopride

• Laxatives: macrogol, lactulose, magnesium compounds, bisacodyl, senna, sodium picosulfate, mineral oils, linaclotide. Please note: Medications should only be discontinued if clinically appropriate. They should not be stopped if your doctor has advised you to continue treatment to avoid significant consequences. Never stop taking medication on your own (e.g. the contraceptive pill): always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment. If you are taking other medications not listed above (e.g. antihypertensive medications), you may continue taking them as usual.

THE DAY BEFORE THE TEST

On the day before the test, the patient must eat only the following:

• Breakfast: one glass of tea + 2 rusks
• Lunch: a small portion of boiled rice, seasoned with a little oil
• Dinner: a steak or boiled fish.

It is essential that NO fibre-rich foods (fruit, vegetables, pasta, bread) or carbonated beverages are consumed on the day before the test.

THE DAY OF THE TEST

On the day of the test, the patient must remain fasting and must NOT smoke, engage in physical activity or sleep during the test.

You may brush your teeth in the morning, but not immediately before the test. Approximately 15 minutes before the test, rinse the mouth with 0.05%-0.2% chlorhexidine.

The breath test is a diagnostic test performed by analysing samples of exhaled air. The urea breath test is useful for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infections.

The test involves collecting samples of exhaled air following the administration of a solution containing urea labelled with a carbon isotope. In the stomach, in the presence of H. pylori, the labelled urea is broken down into ammonia and carbon dioxide. If carbon dioxide is detected in the exhaled air, this confirms the presence of the bacterium.

THE UREA BREATH TEST TAKES APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES.

*To obtain reliable results, it is important to follow these instructions.

15 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST

Antibiotics must not be taken.

7 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST

Stop taking gastroprotective medications belonging to the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) family, such as: Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole.

THE DAY OF THE TEST

The patient must fast for at least 12 hours (no food or drink).

It is important not to smoke, as smoking may affect the test results.

Please note: During the test, no food may be consumed, smoking is not permitted, and physical activity must be avoided. Normal eating and physical activity may be resumed only after the test has been completed.