Test Preparation Instructions

Medication Avoidance

Certain medications can interfere with lymphocyte reaction and must be avoided prior to the LRA blood draw. If the medication is not listed below in the test preparation booklet, please contact EAB Client Services for the appropriate avoidance time prior to the blood draw.

2 Week Avoidance required for steroid or cortisone IV/injections and immunosuppressants.

4 Day Avoidance required for:

• Oral and topical steroids, including cortisone
• TNF inhibitors such as Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab)

2 Day Avoidance required for:

• Antihistamines
• Aspirin (acetyl-salicylate) containing compounds such as

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.

Theophylline (aminophylline) may, on rare occasions, interfere with the tests due its mild antihistamine activity and should be avoided for 48 hours.

Evening Before (or 12+ hours prior to) blood draw:

Take a shower or bath using only simple soap/shampoo, no added fragrance, deodorant, moisturizer, conditioner, beauty products.

During the 12 hours before the LRA blood draw:

Do NOT eat or drink anything except spring or distilled water.

Do NOT take vitamins, medications or supplements (except those listed below).

Do NOT use any deodorant, body lotions, creams, saline solution, scented hand soap, lip balm, hair products, makeup, or other beauty products.

Do NOT use toothpaste. Rinse your mouth with water only.

Do NOT smoke or expose yourself to 2nd hand smoke.

DO:

Drink plenty of spring or distilled water. Staying well hydrated is important for a good blood draw.

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
• Anticonvulsants
• Coumadin (blood thinners)

The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), when completed by patient and submitted along with LRA blood sample, will be interpreted and incorporated into LRA test results booklet. Practitioners may choose to have generic supplements (no brand name) or PERQUE brand supplements recommended.

Fasting and all additional test preparation instructions must be followed in order to guarantee accuracy. If instructions are not followed, blood cannot be processed and test results will not be accurate.