How to Prepare for Your Check-Up: A Practical Guide
The 48 hours before
Preparation is simpler than most people expect, but a few rules genuinely affect result accuracy. Alcohol can distort liver enzymes for a day or more; a heavy late dinner or an intense workout can shift blood sugar, muscle enzymes and even some hormone values. Keep the final 24 hours ordinary: normal meals, no alcohol, no unusual exertion.
- Stop eating 10–12 hours before your morning appointment — an early, light dinner the night before is ideal
- Drink water freely; good hydration actually makes the blood draw easier
- Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours and intense exercise the day before
- If you smoke, avoid smoking on the morning of the check-up
Medications: ask, don't guess
Never stop a prescribed medication on your own for a check-up. Blood pressure, heart and thyroid medications are usually taken as normal with a small sip of water; diabetes medication often needs adjusting because of fasting. Tell your coordinator what you take when booking, and you will receive exact instructions for your case.
What to bring and wear
Bring your passport, any previous lab results, imaging reports or discharge summaries (photos on your phone are fine), and a list of current medications with doses. Prior results are genuinely valuable — they let the physician compare trends rather than judge a single snapshot.
Wear comfortable, loose, two-piece clothing and easy shoes: you will change for imaging and possibly walk a treadmill for stress testing. Leave jewellery at the hotel; metal interferes with X-ray imaging.
Notes for women and for travellers
For women: gynecological examinations and urine tests are best scheduled outside menstruation days — mention your dates when booking and the program is arranged accordingly. If there is any possibility of pregnancy, say so before any X-ray imaging.
For international patients: schedule the check-up for the morning after arrival rather than the same day as a long flight — dehydration and disrupted sleep can nudge several values. Your airport transfer and hospital timing are coordinated for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink water while fasting before the check-up?
Yes — water is allowed and encouraged. The fasting rule applies to food and to drinks containing sugar, milk or caffeine.
Should I stop my regular medications before the check-up?
No — never on your own. Most medications are taken as usual; a few (notably diabetes medication) need adjustment. Confirm your list with the coordinator in advance.
Can I have a check-up during my period?
Most of the program can proceed, but urine tests and gynecological examinations are best scheduled outside menstruation. Mention your dates when booking.
What happens if I ate by mistake before the fasting tests?
Tell the team on arrival. The schedule is usually re-sequenced — non-fasting examinations first, blood draw later in the morning — so the day is rarely lost.
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Program contents and prices reflect the current tariff and may be updated. · Last updated: September 28, 2026 · Anadolu Medical Center — International Check-Up Team