A little preparation helps you get the most from your screening
Proper preparation helps ensure your health screening goes smoothly and that all tests are carried out accurately. Depending on your chosen programme, requirements may include fasting or specific guidelines for blood tests, ultrasound scans, cardiac assessments, or women's health examinations.
Please review the instructions provided by the Healthway Medical Screening team before your appointment, and contact us if you have any questions.
Not every health screening programme requires fasting.
If fasting is required, refrain from food and drinks for at least 8 hours before your appointment. Small amounts of plain water are permitted, but avoid coffee, tea, milk, juice, and soft drinks.
If fasting is not required, avoid heavy or oily meals and alcohol before your screening. Our team will confirm your specific requirements when you book your appointment.
Unless you have been given different instructions for a particular test or medical condition, drinking plain water before your appointment can help you stay hydrated.
Some investigations, such as certain ultrasound examinations, may also require you to drink water and maintain a full bladder before the scan. Please follow the specific instructions provided to you.
Certain lifestyle activities can temporarily affect measurements taken during your health screening.
Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking, and strenuous exercise before your appointment. For cardiovascular tests, avoid caffeine and smoking beforehand. Specific restrictions will be detailed in your preparation instructions.
Having the right information with you can help your doctor gain a better understanding of your health.
Please bring:
If this is your first screening with Healthway Medical, previous medical and screening records may be particularly useful when discussing changes in your health over time.
Continue taking your regular medication unless our team has advised otherwise. If you are on medication for diabetes, blood pressure or blood thinning and your programme requires fasting, contact us before your appointment so we can advise on timing.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and flat shoes, especially if your programme includes a treadmill test. Avoid jewellery and clothing with metal fastenings, as these may need to be removed for imaging.
Different investigations may require additional preparation. The following are general considerations; please follow the specific instructions provided for your screening programme.
Some blood tests may require fasting while others do not.
If fasting is required, avoid food and beverages other than plain water for the period advised by the screening team.
Use the sterile containers provided and follow the collection instructions. Early-morning urine samples are preferred, and stool samples should be brought in within the time advised.
Abdominal ultrasounds usually require fasting. Pelvic ultrasounds may require a full bladder, so drink the amount of water advised before your scan.
Wear comfortable clothing and sports shoes. Avoid caffeine, smoking and heavy meals for a few hours beforehand.
Avoid deodorant, powder or lotion on the chest and underarms on the day. If possible, schedule the mammogram outside the week before your period.
Schedule the test when you are not menstruating, and avoid intercourse, vaginal creams or douching for 48 hours beforehand.
Please arrive on time so your screening proceeds as scheduled. Our team will guide you through registration and your selected assessments, which may include baseline measurements, medical consultations, lab work, and diagnostic imaging.
Refreshments are available once your fasting tests are completed. Please inform our team if you feel unwell, are or may be pregnant, recently had a medical procedure, or have experienced recent changes in your health.
Every screening programme is different, and preparation instructions may vary according to the investigations you are undergoing.
If you are uncertain whether you need to fast, take your medication, bring a specimen or prepare for a particular test, please contact the Healthway Medical Screening team before your appointment.
Following the correct preparation instructions helps us provide you with a smoother screening experience and more meaningful results.
