Frequently asked questions

Analize de laborator

For blood sample collection: You should not eat for 12–14 hours before sample collection; however, drinking water is allowed. Alcohol consumption should be avoided for 72 hours before the test.
Another factor that may negatively affect test results is medication use. The physician who recommends the tests will determine whether the treatment should be temporarily discontinued or continued.
For throat swab collection: Sample collection should be performed before brushing your teeth and before consuming any food or liquids.
For urine sample collection: Urine collection should be performed in the morning, during the first urination of the day, after thorough hygiene. A midstream urine sample should be collected.
For collection of genital tract secretions: For these tests, it is recommended to observe sexual abstinence for 3 days beforehand, avoid vaginal douching, and discontinue intravaginal treatments.

Each type of test has a specific turnaround time:
Microbiology tests – 5 working days.
Cytology tests – 10 working days
Immunology – endocrine and infectious markers: 10–15 working days
Routine tests – biochemistry and hematology: up to 48 hours

According to our institution's policy and the regulations of ISO 9001:2008 standards, analysis results can only be picked up at the center's headquarters and only by the person to whom the results in question belong.

In the lobby of our institution there are 8 payment booths for the payment of investigations requested by the patient. Currently there is only one payment method, using only the national currency.

Modern laboratory medical equipment allows many tests to be performed using only a small amount of blood.
Because only a small amount of blood is collected, you should not experience any side effects after the blood draw.

If you present a referral form (Form 027/e) issued by your family physician or a specialist physician at our institution’s reception desk, you may benefit from a range of laboratory tests covered by the National Health Insurance Company, within the limits of the services contracted between the National Health Insurance Company and our institution. This list of covered investigations is updated annually and can be accessed in the section: “Fees / NHIC-Covered Services.” If no referral is provided, the cost of the tests must be covered by the patient.

The busiest period is in the morning (before 9:00 a.m.), when most patients come for biological sample collection. If the tests prescribed by your physician do not require collection at a specific time and do not require fasting, we recommend coming later in the morning or in the afternoon. During these hours, the laboratory is less crowded and your waiting time will be shorter.

Under no circumstances. The needle used for collection is sterile. Each needle is individually wrapped and used only once. Immediately after use, the needle is placed in a special container for infections, followed by the neutralization procedure for medical waste.
When your blood is drawn, no substance enters your body. The sample is collected in a test tube.
It is a safe procedure, which does not pose any risk. Your safety is very important to us. We follow strict procedures and take all precautions to protect you.

To ensure proper identification, we need to verify each patient’s name, age, personal identification number, and referring physician. This information is requested only once during your first visit to the institution’s registration desk. For convenience, please have your identity document with you, as it will be used by the medical registrar to enter your information or quickly locate your record in our system.
We need to know your age because certain test results may vary depending on the patient’s age and sex. If your physician has recommended specialized tests, we may ask for additional information, such as when you last ate, what medications you are taking, or the date of your last menstrual period. This information is necessary to provide accurate and meaningful test results.

Yes. All medical information about you is confidential. Test results are provided only to the patient personally upon presentation of the referral form and the fiscal receipt (if payment was made in cash) received during registration at the institution’s cashier’s office or reception desk. The laboratory does not provide test results by telephone.

Laboratory tests generally require blood or urine samples. In most cases, a small amount of blood will be collected, or you may be asked to provide a urine sample. In certain situations, you may be required to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before sample collection.

Yes. We will do everything possible to ensure your comfort and will explain in advance what to expect during the procedure. Modern blood collection procedures are quick and virtually painless.

Yes. Our staff are highly trained, but you know your own body best. Therefore, we encourage you to let us know if you have experienced any difficulties or adverse reactions during sample collection in the past. We will do our best to make the procedure as easy and comfortable as possible.

We adhere to very strict rules regarding laboratory waste, the environment, and the safety of its transportation and disposal. All waste is packaged, collected, and transported in accordance with current sanitary regulations.

Our medical registrars enter your information into the Integrated Medical Information System. The system then generates a unique identification number (ID) for each patient. This unique ID accompanies your biological samples throughout the entire laboratory testing and examination process until their disposal. Thanks to this identifier, laboratory personnel can accurately identify any sample at any stage of processing.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

The MRI examination can be explained very simply: the patient is placed inside a magnetic field, and radio waves are directed toward the body. After the radio wave exposure stops, the body emits signals that are detected by the scanner and used to reconstruct detailed images of internal organs and tissues.

No, the examination itself is not painful. During the procedure, the patient needs to remain still. In some cases, a contrast agent may be administered, which can cause mild and temporary discomfort at the time of injection.

Our institution offers a wide range of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Depending on the type of study prescribed, the procedure may take between 15 and 45 minutes. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the examination, please consult the MRI technologist before the procedure.

The metal contained in most dental fillings is not affected by the magnetic field of the MRI scanner. However, these fillings may cause image artifacts, particularly when examining areas such as the face, head, or neck.

Patients with orthodontic braces can undergo an MRI examination. However, when imaging the head or neck, braces are likely to affect image quality and may cause imaging artifacts.

The part of the body being examined is positioned in the center of the MRI table. For examinations of the head, neck, or the whole body, the patient must be positioned inside the MRI magnet.

The noise produced during an MRI examination comes from the gradient coils. Vibrations of these coils generate acoustic waves as a result of the interaction between the magnetic field created by the electrical current flowing through the coils and the scanner’s main magnetic field, in a manner similar to how a loudspeaker works.

Yes, in most cases a referral is required, as the specialist physician specifies the area to be examined and may provide additional information regarding the patient's condition or diagnosis.
It is a safe procedure, which does not pose any risk. Your safety is very important to us. We follow strict procedures and take all precautions to protect you.

After the technician has positioned you on the table, the patient is asked to remain still. During some examinations, such as those of the chest or abdomen, you will be asked to hold your breath for a short time, for example, 10-20 seconds. This eliminates image blurring caused by motion artifacts.

You cannot speak during the scanning process. Once the noise has stopped, the operator will be able to communicate with you.

Certainly. All individuals entering the MRI room are screened for the presence of metal objects. If it is confirmed that the accompanying person has no metal objects on or inside their body, they may accompany the patient and remain in the room during the examination.

Some MRI examinations require the administration of a contrast agent specifically designed for MRI studies. If recommended, the contrast agent will be administered to the patient during the examination. It helps enhance the visualization and differentiation of certain organs, blood vessels, and tissues on the images obtained. The contrast agent highlights anatomical structures, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis of potential diseases or lesions.

If required, an intravenous catheter will be inserted into a vein in your arm. The contrast agent will then be administered through it. During the injection, you may experience a mild cooling sensation in your arm.

As a general rule, patients are advised to wait 24 hours after the administration of a contrast agent before resuming breastfeeding. An alternative option is to express and store breast milk before the MRI examination for use during the 24-hour period following contrast administration. It is always important to follow the advice of your physician and MRI technologist, particularly if specific recommendations apply to your situation.

It is difficult to answer this question with a simple “yes” or “no.” MRI is generally considered a safe imaging method; however, there is still no conclusive evidence regarding its complete safety for both pregnant women and the fetus. Therefore, the decision to perform an MRI during pregnancy should be made on an individual basis by the physician, taking into account the expected benefits and potential risks.
Although there are no specific medical contraindications, MRI examinations are generally not performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (the first trimester). As a rule, physicians recommend MRI during pregnancy only in urgent situations. Depending on the suspected diagnosis, alternative investigations, such as ultrasound, may be recommended for the evaluation of certain conditions.
If there are specific indications for an MRI examination, your physician may consult with a radiologist to determine the most appropriate diagnostic method before the procedure is performed. For more information on this matter, we recommend consulting your physician.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography (CT) allows physicians to view detailed images of the inside of the body, including organs and tissues, from various angles. This examination provides accurate and rapid diagnostic information, often eliminating the need for more expensive or invasive procedures. In addition, preoperative CT imaging helps improve surgical planning and preparation.

It is a rapid imaging investigation through which the radiologist can study internal organs.

Computed tomography has revolutionized modern medicine over the past decades. The advanced technology used in this type of examination enables highly accurate visualization of bones, internal organs, and blood vessels. The information obtained through CT scanning helps the treating physician determine the most appropriate treatment based on the findings and the nature of the condition.

Computed tomography combines X-ray technology with advanced computer processing to recreate detailed images of internal organs.

The CT scan is quick, comfortable, and painless. You will lie on your back, as still as possible, on a table that will move in and out of the scanner.

Before the examination, you will be asked a few questions about your medical history. Inform the radiologist if you have ever had allergies or if you are pregnant.

Depending on your condition, the radiologist may, in certain cases, require the use of a contrast agent to obtain a more detailed visualization of specific structures or abnormalities. The decision to administer contrast is made by the radiologist after reviewing the preliminary images acquired without contrast enhancement.

For example, examinations intended to visualize blood vessels require intravenous administration of a contrast agent, allowing the vessels to be clearly distinguished from the surrounding tissues and providing more detailed diagnostic images.

In contrast, the administration of contrast material is not necessary to detect renal lithiasis (“kidney stones”).

Computed tomography is a painless, fast, non-invasive, and highly accurate diagnostic method. It enables simultaneous visualization of bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels. Due to its speed, CT is particularly valuable in emergency situations, as it can rapidly detect internal injuries and trauma, which can be life-saving, especially in cases of severe or complex injuries.
It is less sensitive to patient movements than MRI, so it can also be used in agitated patients.
It can also be performed in the presence of implantable devices that are prohibited in MRI (e.g. pacemaker).

There are common risks and risks specific to you, which cannot be listed here (they depend on your health status). That's why it's important to ask the radiologist if you have any particular health problems.

Regarding irradiation:
Every person is exposed to natural background radiation throughout their lifetime. All X-ray and CT examinations involve an additional dose of radiation beyond this natural exposure. During CT scanning, radiation doses are carefully controlled to ensure that the minimum amount necessary is used while still providing images of sufficient quality for accurate diagnosis. However, any exposure to X-rays, when combined with previous exposures and natural background radiation, may slightly increase the overall lifetime risk of developing cancer.
The potential risk depends on the patient’s age and the total radiation dose received. Estimates of this increased risk are based on studies involving radiation doses much higher than those used in diagnostic imaging. The risk associated with a single examination is very small; however, it may increase with repeated scans over time. The medical team carefully weighs these risks against the benefits of the information that can be obtained, as well as the risks associated with not performing the examination. Women should inform their physician if they suspect they may be pregnant. CT examinations are generally not recommended during pregnancy in order to protect the fetus from radiation exposure, unless the risks of not performing the examination are significant and the required information cannot be obtained through non-ionizing imaging methods such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Because children are more sensitive to radiation exposure, CT examinations should only be performed after a careful assessment of the potential benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding women are advised to suspend breastfeeding for 24 hours if an intravenous contrast agent is administered.

Yes. Like conventional X-rays, CT scanning uses X-ray radiation. However, CT imaging relies on highly sophisticated mathematical processing and powerful computer systems to generate detailed images. Although X-rays are used during the examination, no radiation remains in your body once the scan has been completed.

The duration of the examination depends on the area being scanned and your medical condition. Most CT examinations take only a few minutes. However, for abdominal CT scans, you will be asked to arrive at the radiology department 60 minutes before the examination, and for abdomen and pelvis CT scans, 90 minutes before the scheduled procedure.

On the day of the exam you must present:

  • Referral from the attending physician;
  • A written list of the medications you routinely take;
  • The file with previous examinations (radiographs, ultrasounds, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging);
  • All blood tests (especially those that investigate kidney function: urea, creatinine).

In most cases, no special preparation is required. However, depending on the type of examination, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for approximately 4 hours before the procedure.

If you have type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent) and are taking metformin-containing medications (such as Siofor), it is recommended to stop taking them 48 hours before the examination if the procedure requires the administration of a contrast agent. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please consult your radiologist.

A contrast agent is an iodine-based pharmaceutical substance that allows certain tissues and structures to be visualized much more clearly by enhancing image contrast. It may be administered orally or intravenously. Neither oral nor intravenous contrast agents are radioactive.

Elimination from the body will occur naturally within a few hours of administration, mostly through urine.

If the examination requires the administration of a contrast agent, you should inform the medical staff if you have an allergy to iodine or to any other substances (such as dust, pollen, detergents, or medications), or if you have a medical condition that affects kidney function.

There are common risks and risks specific to you, which cannot be listed here (they depend on your health status). That's why it's important to ask the radiologist if you have any particular health problems.

Regarding the contrast agent:
Reactions to contrast agents are uncommon, which is why it is important to answer questions honestly regarding allergies and kidney function. The radiologist will determine whether the examination can be safely performed with contrast. If contrast administration is not recommended, you may be referred for an alternative imaging examination that can provide similar diagnostic information without contrast, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound.
Minor reactions to contrast agents may occur in approximately 1% of patients and can include nausea, vomiting, headache, or hives. These reactions usually resolve quickly after the contrast agent has been administered. In much rarer cases (approximately 0.01%, or 1 in 10,000 patients), severe anaphylactoid reactions may occur. These can include an increased or decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, an asthma attack, or circulatory collapse. Such severe reactions require immediate medical intervention, and the medical team is trained to manage these situations promptly and effectively.
Adverse reactions to contrast agents generally cannot be predicted before administration, except in cases where the patient has previously undergone a similar examination and experienced a reaction to the contrast agent. Allergic reactions usually develop within the first 10 minutes after injection. In rare cases, inflammation or irritation may occur at the injection site. These symptoms typically improve with the application of cold compresses or ice.

The basic principle of radiography is based on the different absorption of X-rays by tissues, depending on their density. Different parts of the body appear in varying shades of gray according to the degree of X-ray absorption. During a radiographic examination, a small amount of X-ray radiation is directed through the body. The radiation passes through the tissues and is detected by a special photographic or electronic detector positioned behind the patient. This process creates an image, or “shadow,” of the internal structures of the body, known as a radiograph (X-ray image).

During a CT examination, multiple X-ray beams and detectors rotate around the patient, measuring the amount of radiation absorbed by the body from different angles while the patient slowly and steadily moves through the scanner. A computer then reconstructs this large volume of data into thin cross-sectional images of the body, similar to slices of bread. These images are displayed on a screen and can be further processed after the examination has been completed. This post-processing capability allows images to be viewed in any plane and enables certain structures, such as bone, to be digitally removed when they interfere with visualization. CT technology also makes it possible to generate three-dimensional images of organs and anatomical structures, which are particularly useful for surgical planning and more accurate diagnosis.

CT is a painless examination. During the procedure, you will lie on the examination table, which moves slowly back and forth through the scanner’s circular opening (gantry), where the imaging takes place. You will hear a moderate level of noise produced by the scanner during operation. It is important to remain still throughout the examination, as movement can reduce image quality and may require the scan to be repeated, resulting in additional radiation exposure. Depending on the type of examination, you may also be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds. In certain cases, a contrast agent may be required to obtain more detailed images. The contrast may be administered orally (as a liquid to drink before the scan) or intravenously (through an injection into a vein).

During the examination, you will be alone in the scanning room. However, the operator and radiologist will continuously monitor you through a viewing window from the control room throughout the procedure. You will remain in contact with the medical staff through an intercom system and will be able to communicate with them at any time. If necessary, you may request that the examination be stopped immediately in the event of an emergency or significant discomfort.

You will receive the interpretation of the exploration, along with the CD with the digital images, from the results release office in the Radiology and Computed Tomography department.

Your treating doctors will communicate the results to you or discuss them with you at the time of your appointment.

Computed tomography is extremely useful for studying any organ and tissue of the human body.

Computed tomography can diagnose with great speed and accuracy:

  • trauma to the liver, spleen, kidneys or other internal organs,
  • bone diseases,
  • vascular diseases,
  • vascular diseases,

One of the strengths of CT is the staging of various forms of lung, liver, pancreatic, renal, lymph node (lymphoma) cancer.

CT has very important implications regarding the choice of optimal treatment (surgical, radio or chemotherapy).

Once the operator has positioned you on the examination table, you will be asked to remain still throughout the procedure. During certain examinations, such as those of the chest or abdomen, you may be instructed to hold your breath for a few seconds. This helps prevent image blurring and motion artifacts, ensuring better image quality.

Benefits of a CT examination:

  • CT provides excellent anatomical detail of organs and tissues;
  • CT is painless, non-invasive;
  • CT is fast and, in case of trauma, can save the patient's life through diagnostic accuracy;
  • CT determines in many situations whether or not subsequent surgical treatment is needed;
  • CT is very useful in guiding interventional procedures or radiotherapy.


Risks for a CT examination:

  • There is a minimal risk of radiation, but the accuracy of the diagnosis far outweighs the risk of radiation;
  • CT examination should be avoided in pregnant women;
  • Women who are breastfeeding and have had a contrast CT scan can breastfeed again 24 hours after the examination;
  • There is a risk of allergy to iodinated contrast media, and therefore all radiology clinics must be equipped with equipment and medications for the treatment of this type of allergy.