Get the most from these tests

You can get the most from the tests you do opt for by paying attention to how you, and your doctor, prepare for them.

• Blood pressure. Don't smoke, exercise, or consume caffeine for at least a half hour before your appointment. Sit with your feet flat on the floor or a stool for 5 minutes before the reading. Rest your arm on a table so it's at heart level. Remain quiet during the test. Ideally, the doctor or nurse should take three readings-once in each arm and then again in the arm with the higher reading.
• Blood-sugar (fasting-glucose) test and lipid (cholesterol) profile. Avoid nonessential drugs and all food and drink, except water, for 9 to 12 hours before testing. Don't exercise within 12 to 24 hours of the test, since that might falsely elevate HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Colonoscopy. Schedule this first thing in the morning. Stop taking supplements with iron a week before and avoid red-colored liquids or gelatin the day before. Avoid drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil and generic) for one week, since they can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Relax during the procedure by breathing deeply or listening to calming music. If the sedation seems light, ask for more. If you would rather be knocked out entirely, ask if that's wise in your case.
• Pap smear. Avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal creams, and vaginal douches for 24 hours before the exam. Reschedule the exam if you have your period or a vaginal-yeast or urinary-tract infection.
• Mammograms. If you're still menstruating, avoid scheduling a mammogram during the week before your period when your breasts are likely to be swollen or tender. Don't use an antiperspirant, a deodorant, or powder until after the procedure because they can show up as white specks on the film.
• PSA test for prostate cancer. Wait a month or so after treating a urinary infection or inflamed prostate, or any procedure involving the prostate. Avoid sex for a day or two before the test. If your physician is also performing a digital rectal exam, have the blood drawn first. And tell your doctor if you regularly use over-the-counter pain relievers or drugs to treat an enlarged prostate, since both might falsely lower PSA.