World Day of the Sick is an awareness day worldwide since 1992, at the initiative of Pope John Paul II. By commemorating and designating the day, the Roman Catholic Church wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to all those who work in the health sector and who dedicate their lives to caring for the sick.
The importance of prevention cannot be neglected on this day. It should be emphasized that various screening tests and regular general laboratory tests at least once a year can help us to be aware of our current health status.
It’s important to raise awareness that regular screening can be an important step for all of us to maintain a long, active and healthy life. Targeted laboratory tests can help to detect and treat potential health problems in time.
We have gathered some useful information on basic laboratory tests for prevention.
When should you get a laboratory test?
In general, everyone should have at least one laboratory test every year to get an insight to their health. It is worthwhile to follow-up changes in laboratory values from year to year so that changes in the body can be recognized.
Due to the age of patients and the increasing risk factors over time, it is worth including more preventive screening tests after the age of 45. For men, these include PSA screening to prevent death from prostate cancer and regular screening for colorectal cancer. In addition to the latter, cervical and breast cancer screening is particularly important for women. Additional tests may include testing for relevant tumor markers as part of the screening process.
It is, of course, appropriate to have laboratory diagnostic tests carried out as soon as possible on doctor’s orders or when certain symptoms appear, so that the cause of the deterioration can be identified as soon as possible.
How to prepare for laboratory tests?
Blood and urine tests are carried out for general laboratory tests. The ideal time for blood sampling is between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning, as most tests require an empty stomach. This means that patients should not eat solid food, drink carbonated water or drink soft drinks for 12 hours before the blood test. However, it is recommended to drink unsweetened, non-carbonated water. Samples for laboratory tests are taken by venous blood sampling, in most cases from the elbow vein. For urine samples, it is recommended that the first urine sample of the day is either collected on the spot or brought from home in a suitable urine collection container, which can be purchased from a pharmacy.
What do general laboratory packages test?
General Health Screening Package: Our General health screening package with 63 tests gives an overview of the body’s function and metabolism, including: the condition of the hematopoietic system, the basic functions of the liver and kidneys as well as carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolisms. This package also includes general urine and sediment test. This laboratory test is performed on an empty stomach.
Extended Health Screening Package: This package gives an overview of the body’s function, including: the condition of the hematopoietic system, the carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolisms, the basic functions of the liver and kidneys as well as the potential inflammation in the body. Extended Health Screening Package also includes general urine and sediment test. This laboratory test is performed on an empty stomach.
Extended PLUS Health Screening Package is an extended version of our Extended Health Screening Package, which gives a more complex insight into the body’s health.
Book an appointment for one of our health screening packages conveniently online, by email or by phone (+36 20 357 8281). Get your annual recommended lab test in a comfortable environment, without queuing.
Our services are available at two blood collection locations in Szeged. Choose the location and time that suits you best:
- 78, József Attila Avenue, Szeged, H-6723
- 6-10, Jobb fasor, Szeged, H-6726