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FAQs

Here are our most frequently asked questions. Please click on the questions below for the answers.

Q: Can someone recommend which tests I need?

Q: Do I have to fast prior to the blood test?

A: Yes, do not eat or drink anything except plain water for a minimum of 8 hours before your test.

Q: Can I take my normal medications?

A: In most cases, you can continue to take your normal medications as scheduled. If you are unsure, please consult our team.

Q: How soon will the test results be ready?

A: Many of our test results are ready within 24-48 hours upon receipt of the samples, except certain complicated tests which may require slightly longer time. Please consult our team for further information.

Q: Can you help me with the interpretation of my medical test results?

A: Yes, we will discuss our findings with you, as well as necessary clinical follow-up.

Q: How can I pay for my tests?

A: We accept cash payments only.

Q: What are your opening hours?

A: Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm

Saturday: 8.30am - 3.00pm

We are closed on Sundays and selected public holidays.

CAREERS

At Biomedical Laboratory, everyone is focused on our mission of providing quality test results that help our patients and health care providers. We are always looking for enthusiastic people who are passionate at what they do, to help us grow our business. Here are our current job openings:

Scientific Officer

Job description
Perform diagnostic analysis of blood, urine and other body fluids.
Work with management to develop and improve upon current or future training materials (SOP’s, practices, training manuals, etc.).
Job requirements
BSc Degree in Biochemistry/ Biomedical or related qualifications

Medical Lab Technologist

Job description
Perform diagnostic analysis of blood, urine and other body fluids.
Work with management to develop and improve upon current or future training materials (SOP’s, practices, training manuals, etc.).
Job requirements
Diploma/ BSc Degree in Medical Lab Technology or related qualifications

If you are interested in joining our team, write to us or e-mail us a copy of your Curriculum Vitae attached with a Covering Letter. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI can be considered an alternative for direct measures of body fat. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.


Your BMI	Interpreting Your Results
under 18.5	Underweight You are under optimum weight for your height. You could afford to gain a little weight.
18.5 to 24.9	Normal You have a healthy weight for your height.
25 to 29.9	Overweight You are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health problems, so losing some weight would be a good idea.
above 30	Obese You are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health risks, so see your doctor to help you achieve a healthier weight.

What are the health consequences of overweight and obesity for adults?

The BMI ranges are based on the relationship between body weight and disease and death. Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

Hypertension
Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and to the development of heart failure.

A blood pressure reading has a top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic). The ranges are:

Normal: Less than 120 over 80 (120/80)
Prehypertension: 120-139 over 80-89
Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159 over 90-99
Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above over 100 and above

People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctor about steps to take to lower it.

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic mm Hg (upper #)		Diastolic mm Hg (lower #)
Normal	less than 120	and	less than 80
Prehypertension	120 - 139	or	80 - 89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1	140 - 159	or	90 - 99
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2	160 or higher	or	100 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed)	Higher than 180	or	Higher than 110

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:

Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Too much salt in the diet
Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
Stress
Older age
Genetics
Family history of high blood pressure
Chronic kidney disease
Adrenal and thyroid disorders

Who Is More Likely to Develop High Blood Pressure?

People with family members who have high blood pressure
Smokers
Pregnant women
Women who take birth control pills
People over the age of 35
People who are overweight or obese
People who are not active
People who drink alcohol excessively
People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt
People who have sleep apnea

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH BLOOD TESTS

Guide to having your blood test done:

Before Your Blood Test

Avoid eating or drinking anything (except plain water) for a minimum of 8 hours prior to your blood test.

During Your Blood Test

Upon your arrival, our personnel will register your details into our system.
Once your details has been confirmed, one of our Phlebotomists will examine your arm to find a suitable vein.
Once a suitable vein is located, the Phlebotomist will cleanse the skin with an alcohol swab and then insert a sterile needle into your vein to draw out a sample of your blood.
If you are feeling nervous, you can look away or talk to someone to distract yourself.
You may feel a slight prickling sensation as the needle goes in, but it should not be painful.
When the sample has been collected, the needle will be removed.

After Your Blood Test

You will be asked to apply gentle pressure with a piece of cotton wool pad to stop the bleeding and to prevent bruising.
A plaster may then be put on the small wound to keep it clean.
You may want to keep the plaster on for a few hours.
Avoid lifting heavy objects for the next 24 hours to avoid bruising.