Our laboratory.
Safe tests, fast results.
The full range of clinical tests, within the hospital, with safety and speed.
Types of tests.
A wide range of diagnostic tests, each with its own preparation instructions. Follow the relevant advice before you come in.
Haematology
No fasting required - can be done at any time of day.- Full blood count (FBC) No fasting required. Can be done at any time of day.
- ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) No fasting required. Usually taken together with the full blood count.
- Coagulation profile (PT, INR, aPTT) No fasting required. If you take blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, etc.), inform the laboratory technician - do not stop them without your doctor's advice.
- Blood group and Rh factor No preparation required.
Clinical biochemistry
Tests requiring fasting are done in the morning, on an empty stomach - without eating since the previous evening meal.- Blood glucose Come in the morning, on an empty stomach - without eating since the previous evening (8-10 hours). If your doctor requests it after eating, follow their instructions.
- Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) In the morning, on an empty stomach - have a light dinner by 8:00 pm and do not eat anything after that (around 12 hours).
- Urea and creatinine In the morning, on an empty stomach. Avoid heavy meat-based meals the day before the test.
- Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) In the morning, on an empty stomach. Avoid alcohol and strenuous physical exercise for 24 hours beforehand.
- Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, Ca) Recommended in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Urine tests
Bring a sterile container for the urine sample (available from pharmacies).- Complete urinalysis (routine urine test) First morning urine. Clean the genital area beforehand, and collect the midstream sample - not the first drops.
- Urine culture with antibiogram (sensitivity testing) Taken BEFORE starting antibiotics (or at least 3-5 days after finishing them). First morning urine, midstream, in a sterile container.
Microbiology
Samples are taken before starting antibiotics.- Throat/nasal swab In the morning, before eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. Do not use mouthwash or nasal spray that morning.
- Bacterial culture with antibiogram (sensitivity testing) Taken before starting antibiotics. Do not clean the area with antiseptics before the sample is collected.
- Tests for various bacterial infections Preparation depends on the type of sample. Let us know if you are taking antibiotics - they may affect the result.
Immunology / Serology
Fasting is not required for most of these.- CRP (C-reactive protein) No fasting required.
- Hepatitis B and C tests No fasting required. Can be done at any time.
- HIV test No fasting required. The result is treated with full confidentiality.
- TSH, FT3, FT4 (thyroid function) Recommended in the morning. If you take thyroid medication (e.g. levothyroxine), take it AFTER the blood draw.
- Inflammatory and autoimmune markers (as needed) Fasting is not required, except when specifically requested by your doctor.
Hormone tests
No fasting required for most - but timing matters.- Gynaecological hormones (FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone) Taken on a specific day of the cycle - usually day 2-5 for FSH, LH and oestradiol, and around day 21 for progesterone. Ask your doctor for the exact day.
- Prolactin In the morning, 2-3 hours after waking up. Rest for 20-30 minutes before the blood draw. Avoid stress, physical exercise and sexual intercourse the night before.
- Insulin and HbA1c Insulin: in the morning, on an empty stomach. HbA1c: no fasting required - can be done at any time.
The list of tests may be tailored according to the doctor's recommendation and the patient's clinical condition. For any questions about preparation, contact reception on 069 336 0681.
From arrival to the result.
Arrival
Reception takes your referral and documents.
Sample collection
Blood, urine, or another sample depending on the test.
Analysis
Processed within the hospital by certified laboratory technicians.
Results
In person at the hospital, by email, or by phone/WhatsApp (no online portal is offered).
Turnaround for results.
Results are available in person at the hospital, by email, or by phone/WhatsApp after identity verification. No online portal is offered.
Before you arrive.
You can find the instructions for each test in the list above. These four apply to all of them.
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Documents
Bring an ID document and your doctor's referral, if you have one. If you have previous test results, bring them for comparison.
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Arrival time
Fasting tests are done in the morning. Others can be done at any time of day.
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Sterile urine container
If you have urine tests, buy a sterile container from a pharmacy and bring the first morning urine.
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Medication
Do not stop any medication without consulting your doctor - but inform the laboratory technician about anything you are taking.
Home sample collection.
A home sample-collection service is available for patients who are unable to come to the laboratory.
- - Blood collection for laboratory tests
- - Routine and specialised tests (as requested by your doctor)
- - Collection of urine or other samples (when needed)
The patient contacts the hospital and arranges a time for the home visit; specialised laboratory staff go to the patient's address, and the samples are transported and analysed at the Amavita laboratory.
The service is carried out to full safety and hygiene standards. To book: 069 336 0681.
Information on prices.
The prices of tests and check-up packages vary depending on the type of test, the number of parameters and the package chosen. For an exact quote, contact reception: 069 336 0681.
Insurance we accept.
The major insurers are accepted: Intersig, Albsig, SIGAL, Sicred.
Learn more →
Department FAQ.
Do I need to book an appointment in advance for tests?
No. Come directly to reception - no advance booking is needed. You can find the address at the bottom of this page.
Do I need to come fasting?
It depends on the test. Tests requiring fasting are done in the morning, on an empty stomach - without eating since the previous evening. You can find the instructions for each test in the list above.
How much do the tests cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of test, the number of parameters and the package chosen. For an exact quote, contact reception on 069 336 0681.
Can samples be taken at home?
Yes. A home sample-collection service is available for patients who are unable to come in person. Contact the hospital to arrange a time; laboratory staff come to you and the samples are analysed in our laboratory.
How do I get my results, and how long do they take?
Results are available in person at the hospital, by email, or by phone/WhatsApp after identity verification - no online portal is offered. Turnaround: urgent 1-2 hours, standard within the day or 24 hours, specialised 2-5 days.
What insurance do you accept?
Intersig, Albsig, SIGAL and Sicred. To confirm what your policy covers, contact your insurer before your visit.
Where to bring your samples.
Samples are taken and analysed within the hospital laboratory. Come directly to reception - no advance booking is needed.
- Laboratory
- Spitali Amavita
Rruga Pjetër Budi
Tirana, Albania - Hours
- Every day (Monday - Sunday)
Sample collection hours - to be confirmed - Reception
- 069 336 0681
Can't come in person? We also offer home sample collection.