For best results, take it easy before a test

We work hard to ensure you spend as little time as possible waiting for your blood test, but it's also important you have a little down-time before your test -- say about five minutes -- to help put your body at rest.

Aotea pathologist John McCafferty says if you have hurried to get a blood test with us, or are a bit stressed from your day, your glucose and calcium levels, for example, can differ from normal.

Even something as minor as changing from standing to sitting can affect the levels of some substances in your body that we test.

"We'd like you to be relaxed and in the best possible shape to give us the most accurate results," says Dr McCafferty.

"Most people visiting our collection centre need to wait five to 10 minutes before their sample is collected. This is plenty of time to get your heart rate down to normal levels."

Five to 10 minutes -- just enough time to catch your breath and have a quick flick through one of our magazines or newsletter. Your body will thank you for it!