Dietary Guidelines for Laboratory Tests

If you have FASTING tests ordered, please use the following guidelines to insure accurate results that will be useful and correctly interpreted by your health care provider:

• Fasting Glucose - Fast for 8 hours prior to the test. This means no food but small amounts of water may be consumed during the 8 hours.
• Lipid Profile (Lipid Panel) - Fast for 12-14 hours prior to the test. No food can be consumed but small amounts of water are allowed during the 12-14 hours.
• Glucose Tolerance Test - Fast for 8 hours prior to the test, with small amounts of water allowed during this time. During the test period, you will not be permitted to smoke, chew gum or eat. Small amounts of water will be allowed. A 3-hour glucose tolerance test will require 4 or more hours of your time.
• Postprandial Tests - No fasting required. Consume a complete meal in 15-20 minutes then be available to have your blood drawn at the time indicated. Please allow time for the registration procedure.
• 50g Glucose Challenge - No fasting required. Your blood will be drawn 1 hour after you consume a drink provided by the laboratory or your health care provider.

If you need further information, feel free to call Barbara Devoy, Laboratory Manager, at (603) 543-5628.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM- 9:30 PM

Saturday, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Closed during holidays.

Monday through Friday after hours laboratory tests are available. Access Lab services through the hospital's Emergency Department Admitting office. You will be seen by a Laboratory Technician and registered as an outpatient for services, even though you enter through the Emergency Room.