Laboratory – UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital

Glycemic and Insulinemic Curves (also during pregnancy)

Evaluates the body's response to an oral glucose load through a series of blood samples collected at predetermined intervals. This test is essential for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, and is routinely used as standard screening during pregnancy (screening of gestational diabetes).

Preparation:

• A 12-hour fasting period is required prior to blood sample collection.
• In the three days preceding the test, maintain your usual diet and physical activity (without restrictions on carbohydrates or excessive exertion).
• You will be expected to remain at rest in the Laboratory for the entire duration of the test (approximately 2-3 hours).
• No food or beverages may be consumed throughout the duration of the test.

Safety note: You may not take this test if you are allergic to citrus (due to the taste of the glucose solution you will be asked to drink).

Booking: Not required (registration hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1.45 p.m.).

Pre-Prandial Blood Glucose

Measures blood glucose levels immediately before a meal and is useful for diabetes monitoring and appropriate treatment management.

Preparation: Blood sample collected on an empty stomach, immediately before a meal (e.g., before breakfast or lunch).

Booking: Not required.

Post-Prandial Blood Glucose

Measures the body's response to food intake and its ability to manage the glucose load after eating. It is an important test for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes.

Preparation: Blood sample collected 2 hours after lunch.

Booking: Not required.

Allergy Testing (Specific IgE and ALEX Test)

Identifies allergies to specific allergens by measuring allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood.

Preparation: Standard fasting (8-12 hours).

Booking: Not required.

The study of biochemical alterations in biological fluids (such as serum, plasma, and urine) to support the diagnosis of diseases and monitor treatment effectiveness.

Comprehensive Metabolic Profile

Assesses kidney function (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), blood glucose levels, lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), liver function (transaminases), and other key health indicators as part of a general health screening.

Preparation: Standard fasting (8–12 hours).

Booking: Not required.

UCH-L1 and GFAP Biomarker Testing

Provides rapid diagnosis of traumatic brain injury through the measurement of innovative blood biomarkers. Complementary to a brain CT scan.

Preparation: No specific preparation is required in urgent cases. For scheduled testing, a standard fasting period of 8-12 hours is recommended.

Booking: Not required. Rapid results.

The study of the endocrine system through the measurement of hormones, the chemical messengers that regulate numerous functions throughout the body.

Plasma Catecholamines

Measures catecholamines and their metabolites (adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine) to support the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and other neuroendocrine disorders.

Preparation:

• In the 3 days prior to the test avoid tea, coffee, bananas, chocolate, vanilla, and dried fruit.
• Avoid intense physical exertion in the 48 hours preceding the test and refrain from smoking in the 24 hours before the test.

Medication Note: Substances such as L-DOPA, MAO inhibitors, tetracyclines, amphetamines, and nasal decongestants may interfere with test results. Always inform the laboratory of any medication you are currently taking.

Booking: Not required.

Unlike genetic tests, these assessments evaluate the health status of the intestinal ecosystem. No preliminary genetic consult is required. You will pick up your collection kit at SMIH and collect the specimen at home following the instructions provided.

Eubiome Gut Test

Provides a comprehensive analysis of the intestinal microbial population, assesses the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and detects the presence or absence of bacteria associated with gastroenteritis and foodborne illnesses.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Complete Eubiome Gut Test

Includes all analyses performed as part of the standard Eubiome Gut Test, with the addition of targeted identification of viral infectious agents.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Coagulation Testing

Assesses the blood’s ability to clot and is particularly important for patients receiving anticoagulant therapy or with suspected coagulation abnormalities.

Preparation: Standard fasting (8–12 hours).

Booking: Not required.

Complete Hematology

Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin to help detect anemia, infections, coagulation disorders, and hematological diseases.

Preparation: Standard fasting (8–12 hours).

Booking: Not required.

Oral Anticoagulant Therapy (OAT) Monitoring (INR Testing)

Provides ongoing monitoring for patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. Measures the International Normalized Ratio (INR) to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and to prevent thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications.

Preparation:

• Standard fasting (8–12 hours).
• Sample to be collected before taking your daily dose of anticoagulant medication.

Frequency: According to your personal treatment plan. Please contact the laboratory to schedule recurring monitoring appointments.

Booking: Not required.

Genital Secretion Testing (Vaginal, Cervical, Urethral)

Identifies bacterial, viral and parasitic infections of the genitourinary tract.

Preparation (Vaginal / Cervical Secretion):

• Abstain from sexual intercourse during the 24 hours preceding the test.
• Discontinue antibiotics one week before the test and any local treatments (e.g. vaginal ovules or suppositories) 3-4 days prior to the test.
• Avoid taking baths from the evening before the test and do not use any intimate hygiene products during the 24 hours preceding the test.
• The test should not be performed during menstruation.

Preparation (Urethral Secretion):

• Abstain from sexual intercourse during the 24 hours preceding the test.
• Discontinue antibiotic therapy for one week before the test.
• Do not urinate in the three hours preceding the test.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Helicobacter pylori Breath Test (Urea Breath Test)

Detects Helicobacter pylori infection, a common cause of gastritis and ulcer disease.

Preparation:

• During the 4 weeks preceding the test: do not take antibiotics.
• During the 2 weeks preceding the test: do not take proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole) or H2-receptor antagonists.
• During the 3 days preceding the test: do not take antacids (e.g. Gaviscon, Maalox, Riopan, Citrosodina).
• On the morning of the test remain completely fasting and do not smoke.
• A minimum rest period of 6 hours is required before the test.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Lactose Breath Test (Lactose Intolerance)

Diagnoses lactose intolerance by measuring hydrogen levels in the breath after ingestion of a lactose solution.

Preparation:

• Discontinue probiotic supplements one week before the test (minimum: 3 days prior to the test).
• Maintain complete fasting from midnight on the day before the test.
• During the entire duration of the test do not eat, smoke or carry out physical activity.
• You may only drink still natural water.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Microbiological Cultures (Urine Culture, Swab Culture, Blood Culture)

Identifies bacteria and viruses from various biological specimens (urine, swab samples, blood) to diagnose infections.

Preparation (Urine Culture): Morning collection 4 hours after the last urination, using a midstream urine specimen collected in a sterile container, delivery within 2 hours.

Preparation (Swab): Specific instructions will be provided at the time of the collection.

Preparation (Blood Culture): Blood draw from the arm into sterile containers.

Booking: Not required for most tests. Some specimen collections (vaginal swab, urethral secretion) require a specialist consult.

Sputum Culture (Tuberculosis and Respiratory Pathogen Testing)

Identifies respiratory pathogens in bronchial mucus.

Preparation:

• Specimen should preferably be collected in the morning in a sterile container.
• Before the collection, rinse the oral cavity thoroughly with gargles of plain water.
• Expectorate a deep sputum sample directly into the sterile container, avoiding contamination with saliva or nasal secretions. If sputum production is difficult, mucolytic medications may be taken in the two days preceding the collection.
• Deliver the specimen to the laboratory within one hour from the collection (store at room temperature).

Booking: Not required.

Molecular Biology Testing

Diagnoses viral and bacterial infections, as well as genetic mutations, through DNA and RNA analysis.

Preparation: Standard fasting (8-12 hours).

Booking: Not required.

Ova and Parasite Test (Stools)

Identifies the presence of intestinal parasites and their eggs within fecal samples, useful for diagnosing infections of the digestive system.

Preparation:

• Collect the specimen on a clean, dry surface (e.g., a clean plastic bag or a bedpan). Using the scoop provided with the sterile container, collect approximately 7-10 grams of stool from different areas of the specimen.
• Do not contaminate the specimen with urine or toilet water. In the days preceding the collection, avoid laxatives, antidiarrheal medications, and antimicrobial agents.
• In the 3 days before the collection, avoid legumes, nuts and fruits or vegetables with resistant skins (peaches, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, bananas).
• Deliver within 2-4 hours. Alternatively, store in the refrigerator at 4°C for a maximum of 24 hours.

Parasitic Infection Note: Collection of three specimens on three separate days is recommended, due to the intermittent elimination of parasites.

Booking: Not required.

Scotch Test (Pinworm Research)

Detects the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms), a common cause of perianal itching, particularly in children.

Preparation:

• On the evening before the test, do not apply talcum powder, creams, or ointments to the perianal area.
• The morning of the test perform the procedure immediately upon waking up, before bowel movements and before any washing or personal hygiene.
• Apply a piece of transparent adhesive tape to the perianal folds, pressing gently. Remove the tape and affix it securely to the microscope slide provided by the laboratory.

Booking: Not required.

General Toxicology Screening

Detects toxic substances (heavy metals, drugs, toxins) in blood and urine.

Preparation: No special preparation is required.

Booking: Not required.

Spermogram

Evaluates the quality and quantity of sperm (motility, concentration, and morphology) to assess the male fertility.

Preparation:

• Collect the specimen by complete masturbation, directly into the sterile container provided.
• A period of abstinence from sexual intercourse and ejaculation is required for a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 5 days.
• Discontinue any antibiotic therapy at least 10 days before the test.
• Avoid urination during the 2-3 hours preceding sample collection. Perform thorough hand and genital hygiene before collecting the specimen.
• Deliver sample to laboratory within one hour of the collection, protecting it from temperature fluctuations (keep close to body during transport).

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Semen Culture

Identifies bacterial infections of the seminal tract and is used in the diagnosis of prostatic and seminal tract infections.

Preparation:

• Follows the same collection method as the Spermogram.
• If performed as a standalone test, a period of sexual abstinence of 3-5 days is recommended, and it is imperative not to have taken antibiotics in the 10 days preceding the test.
• The sample may be stored at 4°C for a maximum of 48 hours only if specified by the laboratory; otherwise, it must be delivered within one hour.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Cardiology Area

• Cardiomyopathy Cardioscreen
• Cardionext
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Cardioscreen

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Oncology Area (Hereditary Risk Screening)

• Full – Onconext Risk
• Screening for breast, ovarian and uterine, melanoma, prostate, kidney, colorectal, pancreas, and gastric cancer.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (PrenatalSafe)

Non-invasive test on maternal blood to detect potential fetal chromosomal abnormalities during a pregnancy.

Booking: Mandatory. Contact smih_laboratorio@upmc.it

Anemia Package (Hematology)

• Blood count, reticulocytes, siderosis, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), folic acid, and vitamin B12.

Basic Package

• Blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine + GFR, blood count, GOT/GPT, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and comprehensive urinalysis.

Cardiology Package

• Homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine + GFR, blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, GOT/GPT, CPK, sodium, potassium, chloride, and blood count.

Coagulation Package

• Prothrombin time (PT), PTT, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, D-dimer test, homocysteine, and blood count.

Diabetes Package

• Blood glucose, insulin, HOMA Index, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine + GFR, uric acid, blood count, glycated hemoglobin, spot urine microalbumin, and comprehensive urinalysis.

Intestinal Health Package (Colorectal Cancer Screening)

• Fecal occult blood test (on three stool samples), stool ova and parasite test, zonulin, fecal calprotectin, Helicobacter pylori, and dysbiosis test.

Kidney Package

• Blood urea nitrogen + GFR, serum uric acid, sodium, potassium, chloride, blood glucose, blood count, spot urine microalbumin, and comprehensive urinalysis.

Lipid Package

• Blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, GOT/GPT, gamma-GT, CPK, and blood count.

Liver Package

• GOT/GPT transaminases, gamma-GT, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, amylase, lipase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, prothrombin time (PT), PTT, fibrinogen, serum protein electrophoresis, and blood count.

Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Syndromes Package

• Blood count, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, IgG, IgA, IgM, LDH, calcium, B2 microglobulin, serum protein electrophoresis (proteinogram), serum/urine immunofixation, serum free light chain assay (kappa and lambda chains) / urinary lambda.

Osteoporosis Package

• Blood count, creatinine, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), TSH, serum protein electrophoresis.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Prevention Package

• Chlamydia trachomatis PCR testing (performed on an internally collected vaginal swab), HPV screening, genital mycoplasma testing, and standard vaginal swab.

Thyroid Package

• TSH reflex, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, thyroglobulin, calcium, and calcitonin.