FAQ | Abbott Pathology

Need a COVID-19 PCR test?

For continuity of care, you should see your General Practitioner to obtain a Pathology Referral.

You can then visit any one of our convenient COVID-19 Collection Centres.

Results are delivered by SMS usually within 24 hours of your sample arriving in the laboratory.

There is no charge for qualifying Medicare card holders.

Please speak to our collection staff if you do not qualify or are not covered by Medicare

Do you accept all pathology request forms?

Yes. our pathology services will perform all testing regardless of what pathology company your request is from. If your health care provider has asked that a particular pathologist conduct the tests, then we will forward your collection to the requested pathologist.

The only requirement is to present a request form with an Australian Provider Number of the referrer. Typically, overseas health care practitioners do not have those.

I have been asked to fast before my test – what does this mean?

Fasting is when you consume no food or drinks, with the exception of water, for a set period of time.

Refer to the fasting patient information for further details.

If you have not been advised by your doctor to fast, then fasting prior to your testing is not required.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are not required for standard tests.

Some speciality tests do require an appointment and are only performed at select collection centres. To find a collection centre which performs these tests, please use the collection centre search and choose the test you require from the “Any Test” drop down menu.

Please contact the collection centre prior to attending to book an appointment time.

How do I prepare for my test?

Make sure you drink plenty of water prior to your pathology testing – unless your GP has given you a reason not to. This will make it easier for our team member to conduct your blood test.

For children it may help to bring something such as a special toy or book to distract them while the collection occurs.

Further test specific pre-test collection information is provided in our Preparing for your test section.

Can I receive a copy of my test results?

It is best that you attend a consultation with your doctor to discuss your test results as even “normal” test results may require further medical investigation. If required or you are unable to receive results via the My Health Record system, you can request a copy of your pathology results by attending any one of our collection centres and completing a Request for Medical Records form.

You’ll need to provide two (2) forms of identification, one of which needs to have a photo of you (e.g. driver’s licence or passport). Your request will be actioned in the laboratory and your results will be posted to you.

Can I request my own pathology laboratory tests?

Ordering your own tests isn’t possible, however, if you feel that a specific test or panel of tests may help you, speak with your GP who will advise you.

What should I bring to my pathology testing?

We accept all brands of pathology request forms. You’ll need to bring your pathology request form as completed by your doctor, and a valid Medicare card if you have one. If you have a Veterans Affairs Card, you should bring that. You should also bring a list of any current medication you’re taking. You’ll need to show photo ID if you’re having tests for the following purposes: immigration, occupational testing, parentage DNA, insurance or drug screening, or any court-ordered testing.

How long does it take for my doctor to receive my test results?

Routine pathology is generally processed within 48 hours of collection, however, specialised testing can take several days. Speak with your doctor for more details prior to your test.

Do I need to pay for my pathology test?

Our pathology services will bulk bill all pathology tests covered under the Medicare Benefits Schedule, however, there a number of occasions where a payment will be required at the time of collection or post-testing.

For more information visit – Billing & Payments.

What are your opening hours?

You can find operating hours for all our testing locations on our location search page.

How can I book a home collection?

Our pathology services offer a home specimen collection service for patients who, due to the nature of their medical condition and/or immobility, are unable to attend a patient pathology collection centre.

This service can only be requested by your medical practitioner.

I have an old pathology request form that I didn’t use. Can I still use it?

The pathology request form remains valid until you present for your specimen collection as per the Medicare statement below:-

“A written pathology request, in general, remains valid regardless of the time period between the service being requested and the patient presenting for the provision of the pathology service. Once the requested services have been completed the request is no longer valid.“

Why have I received an SMS text message about an invoice?

Your visit to us included some tests that are not able to be Bulk Billed or may incur an out-of-pocket fee. As we have your mobile phone number on file we sent you an SMS message with a secure link to an invoice that you can view online.

Please note: If you were provided with an indication of the cost at the time of collection this is a guide only as we are not able to provide a final price prior to assessment by Medicare or your private health fund (if applicable).

Do I need to stop my medications before being tested?

Usually not, however, this may depend on the type of test you’re having. You should not stop any of your medication unless your doctor has told you to do so. Please bring a list of all your current medications (including dosing) to your collection as you will need to disclose this to the collection staff member.

How do I get a Holter / ABP / ECG test?

Our Holter/ABP/ECG page contains information about how to access these services.

What is pathology?

Pathology is the medical speciality concerned with the study of the nature and causes of diseases. It underpins every aspect of medicine, from diagnostic testing and monitoring of chronic diseases to cutting-edge genetic technologies. Pathology testing of patient samples is integral to over 70% of all decisions made in healthcare.

Pathologists are specialist medical practitioners who study the cause of disease and the ways in which diseases affect our bodies by examining changes in tissue, blood and other body fluids. The doctors you see in a surgery or at a clinic all depend on the knowledge, diagnostic skills and advice of pathologists. Pathologists, scientists, blood collectors and support staff work as part of a medical laboratory team. They work together to collect your specimen, transport your specimen to the medical laboratory, perform testing and interpretation, and report back the medical findings and test results to your doctor to assist with your medical care.

What type of testing do you perform?

We are one of Australia’s leading specialist medical laboratory and pathology providers offering a full range of diagnostic testing and information services.

Our medical laboratory testing services include:

blood tests
body fluid testing
tissue pathology such as skin cancer analysis
cytology such as cervical screening
health screening and monitoring tests
drug screening and testing
gene-based testing (genetic testing)

We perform medical tests and analysis that aid your doctor in the diagnosis or detection of diseases, and measure the progress or recovery from a disease.

Can I film my collection?

No, as a condition of entry to our collection centres filming on mobile phones or other devices is not permitted for the privacy of both staff and patients.

Frequently asked questions