Frequently asked questions about examinations

If you deviate from the given instructions, it may affect the test results and their interpretation. Always inform the laboratory staff if you have not followed the instructions. The sample can be scheduled for later collection if it is easy to arrange. 

If the referring unit considers it essential, or if it is difficult for you to return to the laboratory, the sample can still be taken. In such cases, the deviation is documented in the examination request so that your physician can consider it when interpreting the results. 

Keywords: laboratory test, instruction compliance, preparation

The required time depends on the examination. For example, to examine urinary cells and bacteria, urine should remain in the bladder for at least four hours before sampling. This allows the substances to concentrate, improving result reliability. Check the instructions in your patient guide. Links to regional patient instructions are available in the Before the examination section. 

• Patient instructions for examinations

Keywords: urine, sample collection

Blood samples are usually collected via venipuncture. Sample collection involves some pain from the needle, which can be alleviated in various ways. 

For infants, sucking a pacifier or breastfeeding/bottle-feeding reduces pain. Topical anesthetic creams can ease needle pain. Distraction, such as watching images or playing games, also helps reduce the feeling of pain. 

Keywords: pain, sample collection

Public healthcare laboratory and imaging examinations always require a physician’s referral. The referring physician and care unit will guide you on how to proceed with the referral. 

Laboratory tests are performed according to the care unit’s instructions. The referral is typically valid for the date it was issued or shortly thereafter. Depending on the region, laboratory referrals remain in the system for six months to one year. It is important to follow the care unit’s instructions to ensure smooth diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. 

There is no official validity period for radiology referrals, but in practice, one year is commonly used. For interpretation purposes, the referral should contain up-to-date information about the patient’s condition. In rare follow-ups (i.e. cancer monitoring), the referral remains valid for the follow-up interval unless the patient’s condition changes. 

Keywords: referral, examination, laboratory test, imaging examination, physician, public services

Basic laboratory examination results are usually ready within a few days. Emergency examinations requested for rapid results are typically completed within hours. Some specialized examinations are performed less frequently or require sample transfer to another laboratory, causing delays. 

In imaging, the referring physician may sometimes interpret the results. However, a specialist’s report is usually required. Reports are issued based on urgency. Physicians may have a queue of examinations awaiting interpretation. Occasionally, a radiologist’s report is requested electronically from another hospital, especially when expertise in a specific subspecialty is needed. 

Keywords: results

Electrodes used in EEG contain gel, which may leave hair slightly sticky. The gel can be washed out with water and will be removed completely during the next hair wash. 

Keywords: EEG, hair

Urine composition varies throughout the day. For certain kidney and metabolic disorder examinations, it is necessary to collect urine over a full 24-hour period. 

Keywords: 24-hour urine

According to current practice, radiation shields are no longer considered necessary. 

Keywords: radiation protection

The choice of imaging method depends on your symptoms and which modality is most suitable for your case. CT is fast, more accessible, and often better for examining for example lungs and bones than MRI. 

Examinations are carefully considered. If radiation is used (i.e. X-ray or CT), the examination is performed only if the benefit outweighs the potential harm. 

Alternatives that do not involve radiation (i.e. ultrasound or MRI) are also considered. 

Keywords: imaging method, examination alternatives

Physical activity alters metabolism, which may affect levels of substances like blood glucose or hormones. Significant exertion should be avoided before sample collection, especially for hormone tests. 

Keywords: exertion, metabolism

Some patients arrive early, others at the last minute. Time spent in examination rooms varies, and emergency patients may need to be prioritized. 

Confusion may arise when both walk-in and scheduled appointments are handled at the same location. Not all examination rooms can perform all examinations. Some rooms or receptions may be congested. 

Keywords: examination, waiting time

By law, the possibility of pregnancy must be assessed before any radiation-based examination in females aged 12–50. 

Keywords: pregnancy, imaging

Emergency examinations always take examination over scheduled ones due to urgency. Delays may also result from equipment issues or other unexpected factors. 

Staff do their best to keep examinations running smoothly and inform patients of delays. 

Imaging duration may vary depending on symptoms. Some cases require additional or more extensive examinations for diagnosis. 

Keywords: waiting time

The same element can exist in several different forms (isotopes), which differ in the number of neutrons in the atom. Some of these isotopes decay spontaneously. This decay is called radioactive decay because radiation is released from the atom during the process. 

The amount of radiation can be measured and visualized with a special detector, such as a PET or gamma camera. 

Keywords: isotope

In certain situations, a skin puncture sample may be taken from the fingertip instead of the elbow crease. This is typically done when the sample is analyzed immediately after collection using a point-of-care testing device, for example, during a nurse’s or physician’s appointment. 

However, the majority of samples are collected from veins in the elbow crease and sent to a laboratory for examination. 

Keywords: skin puncture sample

If you have metal or metal components in your body, you should contact the imaging unit performing the MRI examination in advance. The suitability of MRI for you will be assessed during the planning of the MRI examination. 

For example, a pacemaker, prosthesis, surgical clips, grenade fragments, or a medication pump may prevent the examination or require special planning and preparation by the staff. 

In contrast, joint prostheses or metals attached to bone during orthopedic surgery usually do not prevent imaging. Dental fillings and similar materials fixed in the mouth are safe. 

Keywords: MRI, pacemaker

Dress warmly for the ENMG examination, as the limbs must be at normal temperature for accurate measurement. If the back or lower limbs are to be examined, it is advisable to wear short or legless underwear underneath, as long trousers must be removed for the examination. The most important thing is that the area to be examined can be easily exposed. 

Keywords: ENMG, clothing

After venous blood sampling, it is recommended to sit calmly and apply continuous pressure to the puncture site for about five minutes to stop the bleeding. 

Keywords: venous blood sampling, laboratory

The imaging unit staff do not provide results directly to you. Instead, the results are sent to the physician who referred you for the examination. Your physician will inform you how you will receive the results: during an appointment, by letter, phone, or electronically via MyKanta. 

Your physician also assesses the urgency of the examination. Often, a single examination is just one of several methods used to form an overall picture of your condition and to create a treatment plan. 

When your physician or nurse refers you for an examination, you can ask whether the results will be available in MyKanta. 

Keywords: results, MyKanta, imaging

You will receive the results of your laboratory examination from the healthcare unit that ordered the examinations. The results are often also available in MyKanta, where you can view them yourself. 

When your physician or nurse refers you for laboratory examinations, you can ask whether the results will be available in MyKanta. 

Keywords: examination results, MyKanta, laboratory

Dress in a way that allows easy access to the forearm. The sleeve should be able to be lifted at least to the elbow without being too tight when rolled up. If your shirt sleeves have buttons, they should be easy to open. It is recommended to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained with blood. Avoid wearing many pieces of jewelry that could get stained or forgotten if they need to be removed for the sampling. Fragrances should be avoided, as many people may be sensitive to them. 

Keywords: clothing, blood sampling

You can give feedback by filling out a feedback form at the unit where the examination was performed or the sample was taken. You can access the electronic feedback form via the website of your local area, unit, or facility. 

Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve our services. 

Healthcare professionals cannot comment on feedback given via social media due to confidentiality obligations. 

If you experience problems or unclear issues related to your care or treatment, it is best to discuss them directly with the ward staff and their supervisors. 

Keywords: feedback, giving feedback

A overnight polygraph examination is usually performed at home. The device is worn before going to bed and is kept on throughout the night. You can wear a t-shirt under the device. In some units, the device is put on already when it is picked up. Please read the patient instructions carefully. 

Keywords: night-time polygraph, clothing, sleep

If blood sampling from the elbow crease is unsuccessful, the sample collector will assess the suitability of other veins in the arm or the back of the hand for sampling. 

Keywords: blood sampling from the elbow crease

If you start feeling unwell, the test will be interrupted. Samples taken up to the point of interruption will still be sent for examination. The laboratory will inform the ordering physician of the interruption, and they will arrange a new glucose tolerance test if necessary. 

Keywords: nausea, glucose tolerance

When you are asked to provide a urine sample, you will need appropriate supplies. These are provided by the unit treating you or you may be directed to collect them from the laboratory. 

When collecting supplies for urine sampling, speak with laboratory staff, as they will often provide written instructions for giving the sample. 

When returning the urine sample to the laboratory, it is important to speak with the staff so that the exact time of sample collection and, if necessary, the duration the urine was in the bladder can be recorded in the test request. 

Keywords: urine sample

Multiple blood samples may be needed depending on the requested laboratory examinations, although many examinations can now be performed from a single sample tube. 

In pediatric blood sampling, international guidelines based on the child’s weight are followed to determine the maximum amount of blood that can be taken at once. 

There are no equivalent guidelines for adults, but the amount of blood taken from adults typically never exceeds the volume taken during blood donation. 

Keywords: blood sample

Your physician or nurse will agree with you on how you will receive your examination results. In MyKanta, your results are usually available approximately one month after the examination. 

Results usually appear in MyKanta immediately after they are ready, except for the following exceptions: 

• Radiology reports and laboratory examinations that include a written statement. 

• Genetic medicine examination results, which have a longer delay. 

• Certain specialized examinations may have a longer delay due to the complexity of the analysis process. 

• Your treating physician may have set a custom delay for the visibility of results. 

The delay may vary depending on the examination and the facility. In some cases, the healthcare unit may decide not to transfer results to MyKanta at all. 

When your physician or nurse refers you for examination, you can ask whether the results will be available in MyKanta. 

Keywords: MyKanta, examinatio results

Eating affects the concentration of certain substances, such as blood glucose, in the bloodstream and therefore in the blood sample. For this reason, some laboratory examinations require fasting before sample collection. Since reference values for fasting-required tests are based on measurements taken during fasting, following the instructions is important for obtaining reliable and comparable results. 

Keywords: eating, fasting

Iodine-based contrast agents are not dangerous, but they may occasionally cause an allergic reaction. These reactions can be prevented and treated with medication. Therefore, it is important to inform the staff if you know you are allergic to iodine-based contrast agents. 

Keywords: contrast agent, allergy

When a physician refers you for an X-ray examination, they primarily consider which imaging method is best. In the case of X-rays, they also assess that the benefit of the examination outweighs any potential harm from radiation exposure. 

The physician also considers whether the issue could be examined using other imaging methods that do not involve radiation (such as ultrasound, MRI, ENMG, or EEG). 

Your X-ray examination will be performed using the lowest possible radiation dose that still provides sufficient diagnostic information. Different X-ray examinations result in varying radiation doses. You can find information about the radiation doses of common X-ray examinations on the website of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). 

Radiation doses from X-ray imaging are generally low, as is the associated radiation risk. However, it is not possible to make precise radiation dose or risk assessments for individual patients or specific X-ray examinations. 

Keywords: radiation, X-ray

In X-ray examinations, watches and jewelry must be removed from the areas being imaged (i.e. wristwatch for wrist imaging). In MRI examinations, watches and jewelry must always be removed. 

Keywords: watch, jewelry, imaging

It is advisable to bring your Kela card or another form of identification when coming to an examination. Increasingly, healthcare facilities verify patient identity using the Kela card or another ID in addition to asking for the patient’s name and personal identity number verbally. This practice aims to improve patient safety. 

Keywords: Kela card, ID card

In general, you may use your own phone. Staff may impose restrictions or prohibit use depending on the room or examination. 

Keywords: phone, restrictions

Hospital and health center lobbies and cafés are public spaces where photography is allowed. However, please respect others’ privacy. Photographing other patients or publishing images without their consent is prohibited. 

Treatment areas (i.e. consultation rooms, procedure rooms, sample collection rooms, and imaging rooms) are not public spaces, and photography may be restricted to protect patient privacy or ensure safety. You must always ask for permission before taking photos. 

Please do not be offended if staff are unable or unwilling to act as your photographer. Their responsibility is to ensure the success of the examination and patient safety. Therefore, staff have the right to decline taking photos. 

Photographing staff during work or in the workplace is generally not appropriate. If photography or recording interferes with or prevents medical procedures, it may be restricted or prohibited entirely. 

Although recording a healthcare-related event for personal use is allowed, publishing such material (i.e. on social media) is prohibited. Written consent is required from all patients and staff appearing in the photo or recording. 

Keywords: photographs, photography

By law, you have the right to receive services in your native language. Your native language, individual needs, and culture will be taken into account in your care and treatment as far as possible. You can discuss arranging interpretation services with the staff of the unit that referred you for the examination. 

Keywords: native language, service

An ENMG examination typically consists of two parts. In the first part, small electrical impulses are applied to the skin to activate the nerve. In the second part, muscle and indirectly nerve function are examined by inserting a very thin needle electrode into the muscle. 

Both the electrical impulses and the needle examination of the muscles may feel unpleasant or even painful to some individuals. Patients have described the needle prick as similar to a mosquito bite, but the experience of pain is individual. 

Keywords: ENMG, pain

Although radiation is used in X-ray and CT examinations, you do not emit radiation after the examination. X-rays stop immediately after the imaging moment. Any contrast agent used during the examination does not cause radiation; it only enhances the imaging. 

MRI does not use radiation at all. Instead, it uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to produce images. Clinical physiology and neurophysiology examinations (i.e. ECG, stress tests, EEG, ENMG) also do not involve radiation, so you do not emit radiation after these examinations. 

However, after a nuclear medicine examination, you do emit radiation because a radioactive substance is administered to you. The radiation is usually minimal, allowing you to continue your daily routines as normal. 

During breastfeeding, a break of a few hours to a couple of days is usually required, and close contact with a small child should be avoided during this time. 

In Iodine-131l examinations and many nuclear medicine treatments, there are restrictions on close contact with others after the examination or treatment. You will receive specific instructions in such cases. 

Keywords: radiation, imaging

When planning the examination, your physician will inform you how you will receive the results: during an appointment, by letter, phone, or electronically via MyKanta. Your physician also assesses the urgency of the examination. 

The possible need to book a new doctor’s appointment will become clear once you receive your examination results. 

Keywords: test results

EEG and ECG devices measure the body’s own electrical activity. They do not send electrical current into your body. 

Keywords: EEG, ECG, electricity

An EEG examination can be performed regardless of your hair or hair treatments. The recording unit will select electrodes that are suitable for your hair. 

Keywords: EEG, hair

As a patient, you have the right to self-determination. You have the right to refuse treatment, a part of treatment, or an examination. 

If you refuse a treatment or examination, the physician will try to find another medically acceptable way to examine and treat your illness or injury. Refusing treatment or examination may affect the ability to make a diagnosis and therefore the treatment of your condition. 

Self-determination does not mean the right to receive any treatment or examination. The physician decides on treatment and examinations based on their expertise, in consultation with you. 

The person performing the examination (i.e. laboratory technician or radiographer) cannot decide on additional examinations during imaging or sample collection. 

Keywords: refusal of examination, refusal of treatment

Medications can usually be taken as normal before laboratory examinations, unless otherwise agreed with your treating physician. If a blood sample is taken to assess the concentration of a specific medication, take the medication only after the blood sample is collected, unless your physician has given different instructions. The sample collector may ask you about your medication use before the sample is taken. 

Keywords: medication, sample collection

Preparation instructions for imaging examinations vary depending on the type of examination. For the examination to be successful, it is important to follow the specific preparation instructions for the examination you are going. 

You can find links to patient instructions for your local region in the section Before the examination. 

Keywords: food, drink, preparation, imaging

According to the Personal Data Act, you have the right to check your personal data. You can find information on your local regions website about how to request your medical records. 

As an adult, you can also view your data in MyKanta, which you can access using personal online banking credentials, a mobile certificate, or an electronic ID card. 

Keywords: personal data, medical record

There is generally no restriction preventing an escort from accompanying you to laboratory examinations. You can decide whether you want to bring a support person. However, check in advance whether the sample collection room allows for an escort to be present. 

It is advisable for a parent to accompany a child during laboratory examinations. A familiar and confident escort provides security in a potentially stressful situation. The presence of siblings or other children should be discussed with staff. 

In imaging examinations, staff will provide instructions about whether an escort can accompany you. An escort may enter the examination room, but during the actual imaging, they may only stay if you need assistance. In MRI rooms, escorts are generally not allowed. 

In nuclear medicine examinations, escorts may be asked to assist if necessary. Unnecessary radiation exposure to escorts is avoided, so staying in the same room is not recommended unless essential for the success of the examination. 

Keywords: escort