Preparation guide
A little preparation goes a long way.
Preparing properly helps make your results as accurate as possible – your visit runs more smoothly too. This guide covers the essentials, so you arrive ready and know exactly what to expect.
Before anything else
Your personalised instructions come first. After you book, we send a preparation PDF specific to your assessment, along with your appointment details, well before your visit. Please read it carefully, even if you have read this page – where your PDF or medical team differ from this general guide, always follow them.
Why preparation matters
Good preparation makes for better results.
Accurate results depend on getting a few things right beforehand. Fasting, for example, gives a true reading of your blood sugar and cholesterol as well as clear imaging of your organs. Small steps like these make a real difference to what your physician can tell you.
Preparation also means a calmer, smoother day. When you arrive ready, with everything you need, your visit runs on time – you can focus on the assessment itself rather than the logistics.
Fasting
Most assessments require fasting.
Typically, you should not eat for 8 to 12 hours before your appointment. Water is usually allowed – staying hydrated makes blood tests easier and can help with ultrasound imaging.
Avoid gum, mints, sweets and flavoured drinks, which can affect your blood sugar. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand and avoid smoking before your visit. Your personalised instructions confirm the exact fasting window for your assessment.
What to bring
Have these ready for the day.
- Passport or photo ID
- Your booking confirmation
- A list of your current medications with doses
- Any previous results, scans or reports
- Your insurance details, if you have them
- Glasses, if you wear them
Wear comfortable, loose clothing with sleeves that roll up easily.
Medications
Keep taking what you need.
Unless your instructions say otherwise, continue essential medications and take them with a small sip of water.
If you take diabetes medication, blood thinners or medication that must be taken with food, tell us in advance – the timing may need adjusting.
Never stop prescribed medication without medical advice. Your PDF and medical team give the final word.
The day before & the morning of
A simple run-up to your appointment – five small steps across the day before and the morning of, so you arrive relaxed with nothing left to think about.
Get a good night's sleep
Rest well so you feel calm and comfortable on the day.
Eat a light meal the evening before
Keep it light, then begin fasting as your instructions advise.
Avoid alcohol & strenuous exercise
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand and avoid strenuous exercise, as it can affect some results.
Skip caffeine & nicotine on the morning
Both can affect your blood pressure and heart readings, so leave them until after your visit.
Arrive in good time
Give yourself a comfortable margin so you arrive relaxed and ready for your appointment.
Notes for specific assessments
Some assessments need a little extra.
Your personalised PDF gives the precise steps, but here is what to expect.
Plan for sedation
Included in the Digestive, Gold and Platinum assessments. Expect dietary restrictions in the days before – with sedation involved, arrange for someone to accompany you home.
Arrive fasted, stay hydrated
Abdominal ultrasound needs fasting so the organs image clearly. For some pelvic scans, you may be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
Timing matters
Where possible, arrange breast and gynaecological screening outside your period. Tell your medical team if there is any chance you are pregnant – some imaging may be adjusted.
Leave the metal at home
You may be asked to remove jewellery and metal items. Where you can, wear clothing without metal fasteners.
Skip the caffeine
Avoid caffeine and nicotine beforehand, as both can affect your readings on the day.
Common preparation questions
Asked before. Answered clearly.
Usually yes. Plain water is fine and helps. Check your instructions to be sure.
Usually yes, with a small sip of water. See the guidance above and follow your instructions.
Tell us in advance so we can guide the timing safely. Never skip essential medication without advice.
For women's screening it can help to avoid your period. Contact us and we will advise.
Avoid strenuous exercise in the 24 hours before, as it can affect some results.
Your personalised PDF, sent well before your visit, gives precise instructions – our English-speaking team is happy to help too.
Know your health.
Own your future.
World-class health assessments in Shanghai, guided in English from booking to results.