Alverno Laboratories
Test Information & Preparation

1. Obtain the collection cup from the laboratory. Ensure your name and DOB are correct on the container.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
3. If provided, open the antimicrobial towelette and wipe the external genital area.
4. Open the collection cup without touching the inside of the cup or lid.
5. Collect the sample by beginning to void into the toilet. While voiding, move the container into the stream of urine to collect the sample. Fill the cup approximately one half full. Finish urinating into the toilet.
6. Close the container tightly and bring to the laboratory immediately. If transport is delayed, please refrigerate sample, and deliver to laboratory within 2 hours.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE ASK THE TECHNICIAN OR NURSE BEFORE COLLECTING THE SAMPLE.

1. Obtain the special pinworm kit from the laboratory. The kit contains a plastic paddle with a sticky surface on one side.
2. Collect the specimen in the morning before arising, bathing, or having a bowel movement.
3. To collect the specimen:
   • Remove the cap from the plastic tube.
   • Remove the paddle from the tube and note the side marked “Sticky Side”. For accurate results, DO NOT touch the sticky side of the paddle with your fingers.
   • Press the sticky side of the paddle against the area around the anus and then remove carefully.
   • Replace the paddle inside the plastic tube and put the cap back on.

LABELING THE SPECIMEN

Print the patient’s full name and the date and time the specimen was collected on the container.

STORAGE OF SPECIMEN/DELIVERY TO LAB

Return the tube containing the paddle to the laboratory. The tube does not need to be stored in the refrigerator.

If you have any questions about these instructions, please call the Client Service department at 219-989-3700 or 800-937-5521.

MEDICATION: You must tell your doctor if you are currently taking any medications before proceeding with the GTT as some may interfere with test results

EXERCISE: Do not exercise for 12 hours before the GTT

DIET: For three days prior to the test, the recommended dietary intake of carbohydrate per day is 150 grams. Your doctor will advise you on a special dietary plan prior to the GTT.

COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN

1. Call the laboratory to schedule the date of your test.
2. You must be fasting the morning of the test. Abstain from eating or drinking anything except water for 8 – 10 hours prior to the start of the test. Check with your doctor regarding any medications and if you should take them prior to the test.
3. When you arrive at the laboratory for the test, you will have a blood specimen collected. The lab may check the glucose level of this specimen before continuing on with the test.
4. When the results of the baseline testing are complete, you will be given a liquid called “glucola” to drink. You must drink the entire amount given to you within 5 minutes.
5. After you drink the glucola, you will have blood specimens collected at specified intervals. The most common intervals are at one, two, and three hours post glucose (glucola) dose.
6. During the test, you must refrain from eating or drinking anything except water. You will not be able to leave the building during the test.

If you have any questions about these instructions, please call the Client Service department at 219-989-3700 or 800-937-5521.

1. Foods to EAT:
   • Well-cooked pork and fish, cooked fruits and vegetables, high fiber foods (whole wheat bread, bran cereal, popcorn).
2. Foods, vitamins, and drugs to AVOID:
   • Red meat (beef, lamb) including processed meats and liver, any raw fruits and vegetables (especially melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish), Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg per day, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (avoid 7 days prior to and during the test period).
3. Modifications which can be made ONLY if the patient cannot follow the above diet:
   • Moderate amounts of these raw fruits and vegetables:
     • Apples
     • Lettuce
     • Plums
     • Apricots
     • Oranges
     • Raisins
     • Bananas
     • Peaches
     • Raspberries
     • Celery
     • Pears
     • Strawberries
     • Tomatoes
   • Moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages.

LABELING THE SPECIMEN

Using a ballpoint pen, print the patient’s full name, age, and address on the front of each slide. After each collection, fill in the date on the front of the slide.

COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS

1. Do not collect samples during, or until three days after your menstrual period, while you have bleeding hemorrhoids, or while blood is in your urine.
2. Protect the slides from heat, light, and volatile chemicals (e.g. Iodine or bleach).
3. Keep the cover of the slides closed when not in use.
4. Follow the special diet instructions for at least 48 hours before collecting the first stool sample.
5. Just before a bowel movement, flush the toilet and wait for the bowl to refill. Unfold the flushable collection tissue and float it on the surface of the water. Allow the edges to stick to the sides of the bowl. Let the stool fall onto the tissue. (NOTE: Do not be concerned if some water collects in the tissue.)
6. Each card contains three (3) sections or slides. Each section contains two (2) windows for sample application.
   • Open the front of Slide 1
   • Use one stick to collect a small sample from the collection tissue.
   • Apply sample inside Box A. The specimen should be spread out inside each box. Do not leave the specimen in a thick clump on the slide.
   • Collect second sample from a different part of stool with same stick.
   • Apply sample inside Box B. The specimen should be spread out inside each box. Do not leave the specimen in a thick clump on the slide.
7. Flush collection tissue; discard stick in a waste container. DO NOT FLUSH THE STICK.
8. Close the cover flap of each box. Fill in the date on the front of the slide. Store slide in the paper envelope (not the return envelope), to allow completed slide to air-dry overnight.
9. Repeat steps 6 – 9 for your next 2 bowel movements, using Slides 2 and 3. After the last completed slide has air-dried overnight, remove all slides from the paper envelope and place all slides in the mailing pouch provided. Seal pouch carefully and mail.

STORAGE OF SPECIMEN/DELIVERY TO LAB

Each kit envelope is pre-labeled with the laboratory address and postage. The envelope can be mailed or hand-delivered to the laboratory.

If you have any questions about these instructions, please call the Client Service department at 219-989-3700 or 800-937-5521.