Your questions.
Answered with care.

Open the Book a Test page, choose the investigation you need and share your preferred date and centre. When online booking is activated, submitting the website form saves your enquiry and provides a reference number. Lakhotia still needs to confirm your centre, date and timing. You may also call or use WhatsApp instead.

Good to know: An enquiry is not a confirmed appointment. Please wait for the team to confirm the details.

Keep the prescription handy and share the exact names written on it. Some tests have similar-sounding names but measure different things, so the details matter. The team can check availability and preparation, while your doctor remains the right person to clarify what was prescribed.

No. Completing the online form sends a booking enquiry to the team, not a confirmed appointment. Your reference number confirms receipt; the final date, time and centre are confirmed separately by staff.

Good to know: The website does not currently process payments or reserve a slot automatically.

You can enquire about tests for multiple people in the same conversation. Share each person’s name, the exact tests they need and any special preparation instructions. Each patient may require separate registration, sample labels and consent, so the team will advise how to arrange the visits.

Often several routine blood tests can be collected during one visit, but not every investigation can be combined. Some need fasting, a particular time of day, a separate specimen or a specialist appointment. Share the full test list beforehand so the team can suggest a suitable schedule.

It depends on the investigation and applicable requirements. Some specialised scans, procedures and tests may need a referral or clinical assessment. If you already have a prescription, bring it. If you are unsure which test is appropriate for a symptom, consult a qualified clinician rather than choosing at random.

Bring your prescription if available, a phone number for contact, any previous reports or scans relevant to the visit, and any instructions you received while booking. For some procedures, identification, consent documents or a companion may be needed. Ask your chosen centre before travelling.

Yes, you can request a change by contacting the team as soon as possible. Provide the name used for the enquiry, the test, and the original preferred date or location. The team can explain what alternative slots are available; changes are subject to centre and equipment availability.

Contact Lakhotia before the scheduled visit and share your booking or payment details if you have them. Cancellation or refund eligibility can depend on whether a test has already started, a sample has been collected, or a specialist slot has been reserved. Request the current policy directly; this website does not process refunds.

A test is most useful when it answers a specific health question. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or an existing treatment plan, start with your doctor’s advice. You can use our test pages to understand what an investigation involves, but the website cannot diagnose symptoms or choose a treatment for you.

A blood test measures substances or cells in a blood sample. Imaging tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI create pictures of structures inside the body. Procedures such as endoscopy allow a clinician to look directly at certain areas. They answer different questions, so one does not automatically replace another.

A panel or package groups several investigations into one planned check-up. For example, a package might include tests related to blood sugar, cholesterol or organ function. The exact tests are what matter, not only the package name. Ask for the full inclusion list and preparation instructions before deciding.

Not necessarily. The most helpful screening depends on age, medical history, family history, symptoms and personal risk factors. More tests are not always better, and unexpected results sometimes lead to unnecessary follow-up. Your clinician can help you decide which checks are appropriate and how often to repeat them.

You can ask whether additional tests can be arranged alongside a package. Some may require a different specimen, fasting period or appointment slot. The team can confirm whether the combination is available and give you the updated total price before you proceed.

No assumption should be made that every investigation is offered everywhere. Equipment, specialist availability and sample collection facilities may differ by branch. Contact the team with the exact test or procedure and preferred location to confirm where it can be booked.

Please do not substitute a test based only on a similar name. For example, an antibody test and a PCR test may examine different things, even when both relate to the same infection. Share the exact test name or prescription with the centre and clarify any doubt with your doctor.

Yes. Earlier reports can help a clinician see whether a value has changed over time or whether a repeat test is useful. Bring them when relevant. Results from different laboratories may use different methods or reference ranges, so your doctor should compare them in context.

No. Many routine tests do not require fasting, while some blood sugar, lipid and other investigations may have specific fasting instructions. When fasting is requested, the period is commonly around 8–12 hours, but it can be different for your test. Follow the exact instructions from your doctor or centre; do not fast simply to be safe.

Good to know: If you have diabetes, are pregnant, or take medicines with food, ask for individual instructions before fasting.

Plain water is usually allowed when you have been asked to fast for a routine blood test. Coffee, tea, juice, milk and sweetened drinks may affect results. Some specialist tests and procedures have different rules, so always follow the instructions given for your appointment.

That depends on the test. During a required fasting period, tea and coffee are generally not considered the same as plain water, even without sugar. Some heart tests or scans may also have caffeine restrictions. Check before your appointment rather than making assumptions.

Do not stop, skip or change a prescribed medicine on your own. Some medicines can affect laboratory results, and a few investigations require special timing. Tell your doctor and the collection team which medicines, vitamins and supplements you take; they will advise whether anything needs to change.

Tell the collection team before your sample is taken, including what you ate and when. Depending on the investigation, the team may advise a later collection time or ask you to check with your doctor. Being honest helps avoid results that are difficult to interpret.

Heavy exercise shortly before some investigations may change measurements such as certain enzymes or hormone-related values. Light routine activity is often fine, but follow your test’s instructions. If you have just completed strenuous exercise, mention it when you arrive.

Some tests and procedures have specific restrictions on alcohol or smoking, and both can affect selected results. The correct instructions depend on what has been ordered. Ask in advance rather than relying on a single rule for every test.

Many blood tests can be taken during menstruation, but some hormone tests are timed to particular days of the cycle. Menstrual blood can also contaminate a urine sample. Tell your doctor or the collection team if you are menstruating so they can advise whether timing or collection needs to change.

For some investigations it does. Certain hormones and other substances change naturally during the day, and your doctor may request a morning sample or a timed collection. Check whether the test must be taken at a particular hour before booking.

Preparation depends on the examination. An ultrasound may require fasting or a full bladder, MRI needs a careful implant-safety check, and colonoscopy usually requires bowel cleaning. The exact instructions should come from the imaging or procedure team after your booking is reviewed.

Tell the team about any new illness and treatment before the appointment. The timing of some tests matters during an infection, and other procedures may need reassessment for safety. Do not delay necessary treatment just to complete a routine test unless your doctor specifically advises it.

A trained professional checks your details, cleans a small area of skin and collects the amount of blood needed into labelled tubes. You may feel a brief pinch. A small dressing is usually applied afterwards, and most people can continue their normal routine.

Good to know: If you have fainted during blood tests before, please tell the professional before the sample is taken.

You may feel a quick sting, but most routine collections are short. It is normal to feel nervous around needles. Tell the collection professional beforehand; they can explain the process, help you find a comfortable position and let you know when the sample is finished.

Different investigations may require different tube types or small amounts of blood handled in different ways. More than one tube does not automatically mean a large amount is being taken. The collection professional can explain how many samples are needed for your prescribed tests.

Children may need tests recommended by their clinician, but suitable collection facilities should be confirmed with the centre. Explain the visit honestly in simple words, saying they may feel a brief pinch. A familiar toy, gentle reassurance and an age-appropriate distraction can help.

Good to know: Ask the centre in advance about paediatric collection availability and any child-specific preparation.

Tell the collection team immediately and remain seated or lie down until you feel better. Do not rush to stand up or drive if you feel faint. Minor soreness or bruising may happen; if symptoms are severe, persistent or getting worse, seek medical advice.

Use the container supplied or approved by the laboratory and follow the instructions for the exact test. For some investigations, a clean-catch midstream sample is required to reduce contamination. Ask whether you should collect at home or at the centre, and how soon the sample must be delivered.

Ask for the correct container and collection instructions. Avoid mixing the sample with toilet water or urine unless the team specifically advises otherwise. Seal and label the container as directed and deliver it within the stated timeframe; some tests need special handling.

Sometimes a sample is too small, clotted when it should not be, contaminated, damaged in transport or otherwise unsuitable for accurate testing. A repeat sample does not automatically mean your result was abnormal. Ask the team what needs to be repeated and whether preparation is required.

Lakhotia’s website mentions home sample collection for eligible tests. Whether it can be arranged depends on the test, service area and available appointment slots. Share your test name and PIN code with the team so they can check before confirming a visit.

Some blood and other specimen-based investigations may be suitable for home collection. MRI, CT, X-ray, most specialist procedures and any test needing large equipment generally require a centre visit. Ask about your exact investigation, not just the category name.

Start a booking enquiry and mention “home collection” along with the tests required, your area or PIN code, a preferred date and a contact number. The team will advise whether the visit is possible and what preparation, charges or timing applies.

Only if the test requires it and the team has given you clear instructions. Ask how long to fast and whether water or medicine is allowed. If your appointment time changes, tell the team so the collection timing can be reviewed.

Keep the test request ready and make sure the collection professional has a clean, well-lit place to work. Have the patient available at the agreed time and keep pets safely away from the collection area. Ask the team beforehand if additional space or preparation is needed.

Specimens must be labelled, handled and delivered according to the requirements of each test. The method of transport can differ between routine blood samples and samples needing special conditions. You can ask the team about the collection and transport process for your investigation.

A home visit may have an additional fee depending on location, test, timing or service arrangement. Ask for the complete quoted amount, including any visit charge, before confirming. This website does not display live prices or take online payments.

You can enquire on their behalf. Tell the team about any mobility or collection difficulties, the required tests and the address. Staff can confirm whether home collection is suitable; some investigations still require in-centre equipment or medical supervision.

X-ray takes quick pictures using a small amount of ionising radiation. CT uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional pictures. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, while ultrasound uses sound waves. They are not interchangeable: your doctor selects the method that best answers the clinical question.

No. X-ray and CT use ionising radiation; MRI and ultrasound do not. The benefits and risks of a scan depend on the reason for it, the body area and your health history. If you might be pregnant or have concerns about radiation, tell the referring clinician and imaging team before the scan.

Some implanted devices are safe under specific MRI conditions, while others require special checks or may prevent scanning. Never enter an MRI scanning area without telling staff about implants, metal fragments or previous operations. The imaging team must confirm safety for the exact device before proceeding.

Contrast is a substance used in some CT or MRI examinations to make certain structures easier to see. It is not needed for every scan. If contrast is planned, the team may ask about prior reactions, kidney problems, pregnancy and relevant medicines and explain any additional preparation.

Preparation depends on what is being examined. Some abdominal scans require you not to eat beforehand, while certain pelvic scans require a full bladder. A scan of another area may need no special preparation. Confirm your instructions for the specific ultrasound you booked.

No. ECG records the heart’s electrical activity, ECHO uses ultrasound to show heart structures and movement, and a TMT observes certain heart responses during supervised exercise. Each test provides different information, and the doctor decides which is suitable for your symptoms and health condition.

A routine EEG records electrical signals through sensors placed on the scalp and is generally painless. Nerve conduction studies involve short electrical pulses that can feel uncomfortable; needle EMG may cause brief soreness. Tell the professional if you feel worried or uncomfortable during testing.

Yes, these procedures commonly require specific preparation, but the details differ. Upper endoscopy generally needs fasting. Colonoscopy requires a bowel-cleaning plan, often with dietary changes and prescribed preparation. Follow the procedure team’s written instructions; incomplete preparation can affect the examination.

If you receive sedation for an endoscopy, colonoscopy or another procedure, you will usually need someone to take you home because driving is unsafe afterwards. Ask the team about waiting time, transport and aftercare when scheduling. Not all investigations require a companion.

The website provides routine enquiries, not emergency assessment. If you have severe chest pain, sudden breathing difficulty, stroke-like symptoms, heavy bleeding or collapse, seek emergency medical attention rather than waiting for an appointment. For a non-emergency but time-sensitive referral, call the centre directly.

Reporting time depends on the investigation and whether the laboratory needs cultures, special processing or review by a specialist. Some results are available sooner than others. Ask for the estimated turnaround time when booking, and check with the centre if your report is later than expected.

The method can differ by centre and test. Your team may advise collection at a centre or an approved digital delivery option. Ask how your report will be shared and what contact information the centre needs; do not assume every report appears in an online portal.

Because a report contains private medical information, the centre may need to confirm your permission and the other person’s identity before releasing it. Contact the team first to ask what authorisation or documents are required.

Many reports show a reference range, which is a guide based on people of a similar group or the laboratory’s method. A value just outside that range does not automatically mean serious illness. Your doctor considers symptoms, medicines, age and other findings before deciding what the result means.

Not necessarily. A test checks particular things, and a result within range does not exclude every condition. If symptoms continue or your doctor has ongoing concerns, further assessment may still be needed.

These words depend on the test. “Positive” often means a particular marker was detected; “negative” often means it was not detected. “Inconclusive” means the result was not clear enough to decide. None of these words should be interpreted in isolation from the test name and medical context.

A repeat may help confirm an unexpected result, check a changing value or monitor treatment. Sometimes a specimen needs repeating because it was not suitable for analysis. The need for another test does not by itself mean something serious was found.

You can show both reports to your doctor, but numerical results and normal ranges may differ between laboratories because the methods can vary. For monitoring trends, using the same laboratory and test method when possible may make comparisons easier.

Contact the centre promptly and explain the concern. Share the report or receipt number through an approved private channel, not in a public message. The team can verify patient details, investigate the issue and advise whether a corrected report or recheck is needed.

A laboratory report provides test findings but does not replace a medical consultation. Your treating doctor is best placed to explain the result, connect it with your symptoms and advise on treatment. If you are unwell or worried about an urgent result, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

Share the exact test or procedure name and preferred centre with Lakhotia’s team. Fees may vary by investigation, location, additional services or preparation needs. Ask for the complete current quote before confirming; the local preview does not show live prices.

Please confirm rather than assuming so. Package availability, included investigations and any additional services may differ. Ask for a written list of included tests and the final amount for your chosen centre.

Not automatically. Some services may involve a separate consultation, home visit or procedure-related charge. Ask the team to explain what is included and what may be billed separately before you book.

Payment options depend on the centre’s current arrangements. The online enquiry form does not collect card details or process a payment. Ask customer care which official payment methods are accepted, and pay only through a verified Lakhotia payment channel.

Good to know: Never share a card PIN, UPI PIN or OTP with anyone requesting payment.

Ask the team what invoice or receipt will be provided and how it can be collected or requested again later. Keep your booking and payment details in case you need help with billing or reimbursement.

Offers and package prices may change and can have specific conditions. Ask about current eligible offers, validity dates, included tests and exclusions before booking. The enquiry form does not automatically apply promotions or calculate discounts.

Coverage depends on your insurer, policy and the reason for testing. Contact your insurer to confirm whether your investigation is covered and what paperwork is required. The centre can tell you which receipts or documents it can provide; do not assume cashless billing is offered.

The website lists diagnostic centres across Howrah and Hooghly, including Amta, Dankuni, Shibpur, Salkia and other locations. Open Our Centres to see the list, then contact your preferred branch for the verified address, directions and services before travelling.

Opening hours may vary by branch and by service. Certain specialist scans or procedures may have separate appointment windows even when a centre is open. Please confirm the day, operating hours and test availability directly with the chosen centre.

Accessibility facilities can differ by building. Before visiting, call your chosen branch and explain what assistance, lift access or seating arrangements you need. If travel is difficult, also ask whether your prescribed test is eligible for home sample collection.

The public website describes Lakhotia as a NABL-accredited diagnostic network. Accreditation applies to a defined laboratory scope, so you should request the current certificate and the list of covered tests if this information is important to your booking.

Medical reports and appointment details should be shared only through approved channels with the patient or an authorised person. The booking form prepares an enquiry through WhatsApp; it does not create a private patient account. Avoid posting reports or sensitive health details in public comments or on social media.

Contact Lakhotia’s customer-care team and explain the issue clearly. Keep your test name, visit date and any receipt or reference details ready, but share confidential information only through a trusted private channel. Ask for the next steps and a contact point for follow-up.

Yes. The team can explain the collection or procedure instructions it has provided, including fasting, sample containers and appointment timing. For decisions about medicines, symptoms or which test you should have, your doctor is the right person to advise.

Do not wait for a routine diagnostic appointment or a reply to an online enquiry. Severe chest pain, sudden trouble breathing, signs of stroke, loss of consciousness or uncontrolled bleeding need emergency medical attention. Call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.