Patient Test Preparation

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS for LRA (LRA by ELISA/ACT™) Tests.  Download Patient Test Prep Booklet

IMPORTANT: Speak to your doctor before stopping any medication he/she has prescribed.

4 Days Before Blood Draw

  •  Stop taking steroids and cortisone pills and creams. NOTE: you must wait 2 weeks after a cortisone injection before having the LRA tests. Ask your doctor for the steroid bridge to assist with the 4 day avoidance of steroids.
  • Stop taking Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab), and other TNF inhibitors.
    Note: Theophylline (aminophylline) may, on rare occasions, interfere with the tests due its mild antihistamine activity and should be avoided for 48 hours.

 

2 Days Before Blood Draw

  • Stop taking all over-the-counter antihistamines, antihistamine-containing prescriptions
  • Stop taking aspirin (acetyl- salicylate) and aspirin-containing compounds such as
    • Alka Seltzer
    • Ecotrin
    • Fiogesic
    • Percodan
    • Anacin
    • Arthritis Pain Formula
    • Encaprin
    • Midol
    • Bayer
    • Equagesic
    • Bufferin
    • Excedrin
    • Vanquish
    • Talwin Compound
    • Sleeping Aids
    • Synlagos-DC
    • MonoGesic
    • Triacimicin

NOTE: Some shampoos, lotions, creams, etc. contain salicylic acid. While these should not interfere with the test, they should be avoided if possible during the 48-hours period prior to the test.

During the 12 Hours Before Blood Draw:

DO NOT :
  • Eat or drink anything except spring or distilled water.
  • Take vitamins or medications (except those listed to the right).
  • Use any deodorant, body lotions, creams, saline solution, scented hand soap, lip balm, hair products, makeup, or other beauty products.
  • Smoke or expose yourself to 2nd hand smoke.
DO :
  • Drink plenty of spring or distilled water.
  • Shower with non-fragrant, simple soap.
  • Complete the Health Assessment Questionnaire
  • Take any of the medications listed below if required.
    • Birth Control Pills/estrogens
    • Insulin or other hormones (such as thyroid)
    • Heart medications, EXCEPT quinidine.
    • Zovirax (acyclovir)
    • Blood pressure medications or water pills
    • Anticonvulsants
    • Coumadin (blood thinners)
    • Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, and other NSAIDS – NOT ASPIRIN

 

Day of Blood Draw:

DO NOT :
  • Do NOT Shower or use any beauty products or toiletries.
  • Do NOT Eat breakfast.
  • Do NOT Take any medications or supplements.
DO :
  • Rinse your mouth with spring or distilled water.
  • Drink plenty of spring or distilled water.

NOTE: If instructions are not followed, blood sample cannot be processed.