What to bring
- Pathology test request form completed by your doctor
- A valid Medicare card and/or Private Health Insurance card , or overseas healthcard card (OSHC) and photo ID – this will ensure your testing is billed to Medicare or your healthcare provider if eligible
- A list of any current medication and doses
You will also need to bring photo ID if you are having a test for any of the following reasons:
- You are an overseas healthcare card holder
- Immigration
- Occupational Health
- Parentage DNA
- Insurance
- Drug Screening
- Court Ordered Testing
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What to do before your test
Your pre-testing instructions will depend on the test you’re having, but the most important thing to do is drink plenty of water before your test – unless your GP has given you a reason not to. This will make it easier for our team member to conduct your blood test.
In some cases, you may be required to fast before your test. This means you will not be able to eat or drink for a set period of time. Fasting is necessary for some tests because some foods and drinks can affect your results.
Your doctor will advise if you are required to fast for your blood test.
A quick guide to fasting
- Diabetics should not fast without prior medical advice.
- Fasting means that you abstain from all food and fluids other than water for a period of 8-14 hours prior to your test.
- Alcohol should not be consumed for 72 hours (3 days) prior to the test.
- You should avoid smoking during the fasting period.
- Do not fast for more than 14 hours prior to your testing.
- Continue to take any medication unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Children under 12 should avoid fasting for more than 4-6 hours.
Tests that may require fasting include
- Glucose levels
- Lipids levels (cholesterol)
These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
After your blood test
Once the blood collection is complete:
- Please leave dressing strip in place for 2-4 hours
- Avoid activities which may cause direct impact on the puncture site for 24 hours. If your skin is particularly thin, it may also be advisable to avoid activities which require energetic use of your arm (such as sports, digging or carrying heavy items) for 24 hours.
Your pathology report will be sent directly to your doctor. Please make an appointment with your doctor to discuss results.
Rarely, patients may experience some bleeding, swelling, discomfort or bruising. Should this occur the following steps are recommended:
- Bleeding at needle puncture site:
- Apply firm pressure directly over the needle site and elevate the arm until bleeding stops.
Discomfort or swelling around needle puncture site:
- Elevate the arm and apply an ice pack to the site. This will help reduce bruising.
Excessive bruising:Rest the arm.
- Apply ice pack to the area.
Pathology testing for children - Paediatric Collections
When taking your child for a blood test, it is a good idea to explain why the test is necessary, and exactly what is involved. Often bringing a favourite toy, book or colouring activity can help your child feel more comfortable.
Children over the age of 12 years can have their collection performed at any of our centres. For children aged from 1 to 12 years, we have specialised paediatric collection centres with collectors who have been trained in paediatric care.
To find one of these options – select “Paediatric Collection (0-12 months), (1-5 years), (6-12 years) from the “Any test” drop-down menu in the search criteria.
Please call the collection centre you plan to attend ahead of time and make an appointment.
Sometimes your child or baby may require a urine sample to be collected for testing. Please see Urine Collection (Paediatrics) below for further information.
Pre-test collection information
The following pre-test collection information will ensure the specimen you provide is in the condition necessary for correct examination and accurate result reporting.
Your doctor has requested a 24 hour blood pressure study. This test involves wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. As this test requires you be fitted with a monitor you will need to contact your chosen QML Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the monitor is fitted.
- The cuff may only be worn on the upper arm. It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably.
What to expect
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Noting all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body.
- While the unit is in the process of taking your blood pressure, you must relax and keep your arm still until the cuff has completely deflated at the end of the procedure. Let arm hang relaxed beside body if possible.
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABP)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a sputum test and the laboratory requires a specimen of inflammatory secretions (phlegm), which has been coughed up from the lungs and lower air passages.
This sputum is usually thick and opaque, and may vary in colour (grey, green or yellow). Thin, watery saliva is not suitable for testing.
If chest physiotherapy treatment is being given, it is preferable for the physiotherapist to help collect a suitable sample.
If at home, it may be useful to arrange pillows over the side of a bed and lie on them head downwards for about 10 minutes to drain the sputum from the lungs. The most adequate sample may be obtained early in the morning on rising.
Rinsing the mouth out with water first may make the collection easier, especially if the throat is dry and the sputum is very sticky.
A deep breath in, followed by a strong cough, will help to carry the sputum into your throat. You can then cough the specimen into the container provided.
If the sample appears thin and watery with food particles, it is saliva.
Please obtain another sterile container from a QML Pathology collection centre and collect again.
If you are unable to get the sample to a QML Pathology collection centre on the day the specimen is produced, please refrigerate it.
Your doctor has requested a sample of faeces to be sent to the laboratory for examination.
Please use the following instructions to make your collection:
DO NOT collect faecal sample during menstrual cycle or if bleeding hemorrhoids present.
- Place a clean holder/container in the toilet bowl to catch faeces.
- Once you have your faeces sample, open the green cap on the tube provided. Keep tube upright and take care to avoid spilling agent inside.
- Using the threaded end of the sampler, poke faeces 5 times, in a different point each time.
- Put the sampler back into the tube, push the cap on tightly to click shut and shake vigorously.
- Ensure tube is labelled with: • Full Name • Date of Birth • Date & Time of Collection.
- Keep sample at room temperature.
- Repeat this procedure for multiple faecal occult blood tests on 3 separate consecutive days. Please use a fresh tube for each sample.
- Return to doctor’s surgery or QML Pathology Collection Centre.
PLEASE NOTE: If your request includes faeces test(s) other than for Occult Blood, a faeces specimen must be submitted in a separate provided container
An appointment is required for this test. Please phone your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to make arrangements.
On the night before the test
- Please do not eat, chew gum or drink any fluids (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. It is preferable you do not fast for more than 12 hours.
- Water with no additives can be consumed.
- Record your height and weight.
- Record any recent and current medication.
On the morning of the test
- Bring your medication list and height/weight details.
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test (including brisk walking to the clinic).
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible, please inform staff.
- Illness can affect glucose tolerance, if you are ill within 3-4 days of the test, contact your doctor to ask whether they want you to postpone the test.
- You will be required to drink a glucose solution within a 5 minute timeframe. This solution contains the following food additives:
- 330-ascorbic acid
- 211-sodium benzoate
- 202-potassium sorbate
- Sulphites
Do not proceed with the test if you have a known allergy to any of these additives.
Contact your doctor and advise your allergy is preventing you from proceeding with the GTT drink.
The test usually takes approximately 2 hours (unless your doctor specifies otherwise).
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a Holter Monitor (Electrocardiogram) test.
As this requires you to be fitted with the monitor for 24 hours, you will need to contact your chosen QML Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the Holter Monitor is fitted.
- It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably and inconspicuously.
- Female patients should not wear ‘underwire’ bras during the test period.
What to expect
- Once the monitor has been fitted onto your chest you will be free to go about your day as normal. It is not uncommon to experience some minor skin irritation caused by the glue on the sticky dots.
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Be sure to note all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body.
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Holter Monitoring” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has referred you to QML Pathology for an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test.
The test
An Allen’s test (checking the pulse of the ulnar and radial arteries) is performed first to check you have good circulation in your wrist. A sample of blood is drawn, preferably from the radial artery in your wrist, to measure how well your lungs transport oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide from your blood. Acidbase balance (pH) is also measured.
Results determine if you are receiving adequate oxygen, whether you have a pH imbalance and allow consideration of treatment requirements. You may feel slight discomfort during the collection.
You will be required to remain at the clinic during the entire procedure.
After care
Firm pressure must be applied to the site for 5 minutes or longer, until the bleeding stops.
A bandage will be placed on your wrist and will be required to remain for one – two hours. Limited activity is to be performed for the following 24 hours. If the site begins to bleed, apply firm pressure until the bleed ceases.
If you have any concerns, or experience burning, numbness or tingling in your hand, consult your GP.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Blood Gas (Arterial)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a bone marrow biopsy. As this test is only preformed at select collection centres by a qualified doctor you will need to contact QML Pathology on 07 3121 4573 to make an appointment and to receive more detailed information.
What to expect
- Pre-procedure, you will have to fast for a short period (under 6 hours), and may have to adjust some medications.
- A bone marrow biopsy is done under local anaesthetic often with laughing gas or light sedation.
- The biopsy is normally taken from a bony point at the back of the pelvis above the buttock.
- A needle will be used to collect the sample.
- The procedure usually takes between 10-15 minutes.
- You may experience some pain during the collection – while injecting local anaesthetic, as the needle enters the marrow and when the marrow is removed.
- There are no stitches needed. Once test is complete a dressing is placed over the area
- After the collection you need to stay for a while to ensure you recover without any issues – this may be for up to 2 hours if you receive intravenous (IV) sedation.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Bone Marrow Collection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a Breath Hydrogen test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air. This test is only performed at selected collection centres. Please phone your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to arrange an appointment.
On the night before the test:
- You must not have any food or fluid other than water for a fasting period of 8 hours prior to the test and until the test is completed
- You may drink water during the fasting period
- Record details of food consumed that evening prior to fasting, i.e. time of and approximate size of meal
- Record any current and recent medication.
On the morning of the test:
- Bring your list of medications and diet details with you
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test, including brisk walking to the clinic
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible please inform the clinic staff
- The test will take approximately 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the sugar requested by your doctor. You will be required to remain at the clinic during the entire procedure.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Breath Testing – Breath Hydrogen Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a Urea Breath test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air. This test is only performed at selected collection centres.
Please phone your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to arrange an appointment.
- You should fast (no food or liquids including water) for a minimum of six hours before the test
- The test can be performed at any time of the day, and will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes
- You will be required to swallow a capsule containing urea (carbon 14) on commencement of the test
- At the conclusion of the test you will be asked to blow into a special breathe collection balloon which is sent to the laboratory for analysis
- No restrictions to physical activity before or during the test
- No smoking or eating during the test
This test should not be performed on people under the age of 16, or pregnant or lactating women (please speak with your medical practitioner).
Medication restrictions include:
- No antibiotics for four weeks prior to test
- No Losec, Zoton, or Somac for one week prior to test
- No Cytoprotectives (sucralfate) for two weeks prior to test
- For a full list of medication restrictions, please see our collection staff Your doctor must be notified prior to temporarily stopping any medications.
- Your doctor must be notified prior to temporarily stopping any medications.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Breath Testing – Urea Breath Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a sample of faeces to be sent to the laboratory for examination.
- Please use the brown top plastic container with scoop spoon that you have been supplied.
- A faecal sample about the size of a 20 cent piece (or one scoop) is required.
- Please use the following instructions to make your collection.
Adults:
The sample may be collected initially into a large, clean, plastic container, and the scoop spoon used to transfer the required amount into the smaller brown top container. A sample contaminated with urine or menstrual blood is not suitable.
Children:
A sample from a child may be collected by placing a square of cling wrap in the child’s nappy or potty.
Specimens collected in nappy liners and those containing urine are not suitable.
Multiple samples:
If multiple samples are collected they must be collected on separate days and:
- Only 1 faeces specimen for culture will be accepted within any 7 day period.
- Only 2 faeces specimens for microscopy/parasite testing will be accepted within any 7 day period.
Splitting a single sample is not acceptable.
It is essential that this sample is returned to the clinic without delay. If a delay is unavoidable the sample can be stored for a short time, please telephone the collection centre or your nearest QML Pathology laboratory for directions. Please have your request form on hand when you phone for easy reference of the type of testing that is listed.
Please Note: This is NOT the protocol for collecting 3 Day Faecal Fat samples. For 3 Day Faecal Fat test, all faeces passed over the 3 days of collection must be collected into a special container provided by the collection centre.
All faeces is to be collected over a three day period using the container(s) supplied. All faeces may be collected into one
container, or a separate container may be used for each 24 hour period. When completed, ensure the lid is well sealed and write your name and the date of collection on the container. Store the container(s) upright in a cool place (e.g. chilled esky or fridge) until the three days have been completed. Do not place nappy liners, plastic bags, toilet paper or other foreign materials in the container(s).
Controlled fat intake diet for 3 Day faecal fat test
For tests requested, a controlled fat intake diet (approx. 100g per day) may be required for one day prior to and during collection.
A sample diet is as follows:
Breakfast
- 1/2 bowl of cereal with 150ml milk
- 1 egg, not fried
- 2 thin slices of toast with butter and jam.
Lunch
- Poultry, large serve
- Vegetables and/or salad
- 2 slices of bread
- Potato, not fried
- Fresh fruit
- 150ml milk
Dinner
- Lean red meat, no fat, grilled or roasted
- Potato or rice
- 2 -3 vegtables
- Tinned fruit with 50ml cream
- 1 slice of bread with butter and jam
- 200ml milk
Your doctor has requested you undergo one of the following tests:
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes
- BraOVO Gene Panel
- Predictive Familial Cancer Test
- Lynch gene panel
- FAP gene panel
- Colorectal cancer predictive test
- PGx MH
- PGx Pain
- PGx Multi
If you do not fit the MBS criteria an out-of-pocket fee applies which must be pre-paid before testing can occur.
How To pre-pay for your testing
Visit genomicdiagnostics.com.au to pre-pay for your test.
You will be allocated a receipt number, please make a note of this somewhere in the bottom ‘Patient’ section of your request form or if you have a Cancer Genetics Request Form in the Payment Information section.
Once your payment has been taken you can visit any QML Pathology Collection Centre with your request form for specimen collection. No appointment is necessary.
Results will be ready approximately four weeks from sample collection, or approximately two weeks for PGx tests.
For enquiries please call Customer Care on 1800 822 999.
Screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is performed on pregnant women in their third trimester.
GBS is a bacterium and a normal part of vaginal and gastrointestinal flora that is present in between 14% and 25% of pregnant women.
However, it can (rarely) cause life-threatening septicaemia or meningitis in a newborn child.
It can also cause infections in pregnant women and immunosuppressed people.
To determine if you are currently colonised with GBS this test requires you to collect a swab from your vagina and then from your anus. This specimen will be sent to the laboratory where screening will take place and the result will be given to your health care provider, who will then discuss the result with you.
Collection instructions
The staff will provide you with gloves and one swab to use while collecting your specimen.
STEP 1:
Wash your hands and put on the gloves. Find a comfortable position, either lying on the bed or standing.
STEP 2:
Open the packaging and remove swab by holding the plastic end of the swab.
STEP 3:
Insert cotton end of the swab 2 cm into your vagina and remove. Using the same swab, insert cotton end 1 cm into your anus and remove.
STEP 4:
Take the plastic tube from the packaging and remove cap. Place swab into the tube and replace the cap, ensuring it is
firmly in place.
STEP 5:
Label the plastic tube with your name, date of birth, today’s date and the time that you collected your sample.
STEP 6:
Remove your gloves and dispose of them in a bin, wash your hands.
If your doctor requires a 24 hour urine collection for uric acid, you may be required to follow this diet for three days prior to the collection.
Avoid the following:
- Organ meats (brain, kidney, liver)
- Wild game
- Poultry (chicken, duck, turkey)
- Meat (beef, lamb, pork, veal)
- Meat extracts (Bonox, Vegemite)
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wholegrain products
- Green peas, dried legumes
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Aspirin
- Cocoa
The following are acceptable on a low purine diet:
- Fruits
- Fruit juices
- Vegetables (except those above)
- Nuts
- Cereals, breads (except wholegrain products)
- Sweets
- Beverages (coffee, tea, carbonated)
- Fats
- Eggs
- Cow’s milk
- Dairy products
Your doctor has referred you to QML Pathology for a Mantoux Test.
This is a special test which requires two separate appointments.
- The first appointment involves a doctor or a registered nurse administering a tuberculin injection. The doctor/registered nurse will advise on location to return for the second appointment
- The second appointment is required for the Mantoux Reading. This reading must be performed within 48 – 72 hours post tuberculin injection, otherwise the test will need to be repeated.
The reading is only performed at select locations.
Booking your Mantoux test
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Mantoux Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a Generation® Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT).
This test can only be performed after the 10th week of pregnancy.
If the request is for Generation® Plus, please contact QML Pathology to book an appointment.
What to expect
- You will be required to sign and bring the Generation® request form (given to you by your doctor) along to the collection centre. Please read any forms given to you carefully before signing.
- A tube of your blood will be drawn and sent to Genomic Diagnostics. Please let the collector know if you are feeling anxious and unwell or have fainted during previous blood tests.
- Test results will be sent directly to the healthcare provider that ordered the test. You will need to make an appointment with them to discuss results.
Fetal sex
If you do not wish to know the sex, please tell your healthcare provider.
Limitations of test
This screening test only tests for the chromosomal abnormalities requested. Normal test results do not eliminate the
possibility that your pregnancy may have other chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, or other conditions. A normal result does
not guarantee a healthy pregnancy or baby. This test has limitations including false positives and false negatives. For these
reasons it is strongly recommended that no irreversible clinical decisions be made based on these screening results alone.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), Non-invasive Prenatal Test Plus (NIPT) or Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) Generation 46” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
You will need to make an appointment for this test.
This test involves having baseline blood sample taken in first morning, taking 1mg ofDexamethasone tablets at night, and then having a second blood sample collected the next morning.
Note: If you have any significant allergies, especially to steroids, please consult with your doctor before returning for the test.
Day 1 appointment
- No preparation or fasting required.
- A blood sample will be collected between 8am and 9am
- 1mg of Dexamethasone is supplied by QML Pathology. This is packaged as two 0.5 mg tablets. Please take the two tablets at 11pm on day one.
Day 2 appointment
- Return to the Collection Centre between 8am and 9am to have a second blood sample collected.
- This completes the test.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Venesection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
It is extremely important for an accurate result that you endeavour to follow these instructions to the best of your ability. Prior to collection you MUST contact your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to arrange the best time and place to deliver the specimen. Currently, collection for this test is only available during normal Collection Centre hours, Monday to Friday. The specimen must reach a QML Pathology collection centre as soon after the collection as possible (no longer than one hour).
Fees: Please note that there is an out of pocket fee for fertility analysis and for post vasectomy analysis.
- Obtain a sterile labelled plastic seminal fluid collection container from a QML Pathology collection centre. No other container will suffice
- The specimen must be collected between three and seven days after the last ejaculation (including sexual intercourse, masturbation or ‘night loss’). Record the number of days since the last ejaculation in the space provided on the specimen container label
- Empty your bladder, then wash your hands and penis before collection
- Collect the specimen by masturbation, ejaculating directly into the container provided. Under no circumstances use condoms or lubricants of any sort
- Intercourse followed by early withdrawal is preferably not used as this results in contamination with female cells and often loss of the richest part of the semen specimen, leading to an inaccurate result
- Screw the lid of the jar on tightly and complete all the details on the label
- Keep the specimen at body temperature (in your pocket close to your body)
- Do not refrigerate or allow the specimen temperature to rise above body temperature.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Semen Fertility Analysis” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a venesection.
This involves giving up to 450ml of blood.
As this procedure is only performed at select collection centres under the supervision of a doctor you will need to contact QML Pathology to make an appointment.
How to Prepare for your Test
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- Eat something salty in the 24 hours before. Increasing your salt intake will help you restore your blood volume more rapidly after your test.
What to Expect
- You may be asked some personal details during the testing including your height and weight.
- During the test you will be lying down.
- During the test you will be lying down.
- The procedure lasts about 10 minutes.
After your Test
After your test is finished, rest for at least 10-15 minutes.
You should drink fluids during this time and have something to eat within the next hour to ensure a quick recovery.
Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours afterward and avoid drinking alcohol for at least 8 hours.
Leave the bandage on for several hours.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Venesection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Your doctor has requested a test which requires you to withhold medication.
- Withhold medication on the day of testing unless advised otherwise by your doctor
- Take medication as normal on day before test
- Withhold taking medication until after blood test (it is possible to bring medication into collection centre if preferred)
- Recommended to have blood test early in morning so that medication regime is not disturbed
- Minimum withholding period is 8 hours
These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Drug screening
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector prior to collection.
- You must not eat, drink, smoke or rinse your mouth for at least 10 minutes before the test.
- The collector will be in view while you swab the inside of your mouth.
- You will need to sign all labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to complete. Please complete any forms presented to you.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper proof bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Overview
The collector will ask you to swab the inside of your mouth and tongue until the swab is soaked with fluid. This can take
from three to ten minutes.
Do not suck or chew on the swab.
You will have to give two swab samples.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Salivary Drug Screen” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to directly observe passage of urine from the urethra to the container.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to complete. You must complete any forms presented to you.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample collection – general steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
- All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
- A collection staff member will stand in front of you (female) or closely beside you (male) to observe you urinating.
- Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will be temperature tested. If the temperature is outside 33-38 ºC, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Urine Drug Screen Level 1” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to accompany you into the cubicle.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to complete. You must complete any forms presented to you.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets. All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
- The collection staff member will remain in the room whilst you urinate and discreetly observes from the side.
- Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will be temperature tested. If the temperature is outside 33-38 ºC, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Urine Drug Screen Level 2” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to complete. You must complete any forms presented to you.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
- All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
- The collection staff member waits outside the cubicle with the door slightly ajar whilst you urinate.
- Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will be temperature tested. If the temperature is outside 33-38 ºC, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Urine Drug Screen Level 3” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.
Urine testing
Your doctor requested a urine sample for examination.
This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly. Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean the area where urine is passed thoroughly. Please follow these guidelines.
Collection Instructions:
- Wash hands
- Remove undergarments and part knees to allow thorough cleansing of the urine opening
- Sit comfortably on the seat, placing one knee as far to the side as you can
- Using the left hand, part the skin folds
- Wash the area from which you pass urine with a towelette, using a cleansing action from the front of your body to the back. This is to be repeated twice using a clean towelette each time
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet
- Then pass urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside. Do not allow the skin of your fingers to touch inside of either the jar or the lid. If you drop the jar on the floor, please ask for another
- Screw down the lid on the jar, firmly.
Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
Please complete the relevant patient information on the specimen container label and return containers to the collection centre promptly.
Your doctor has requested a urine sample for examination.
This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly. Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean the area where urine is passed thoroughly. Please follow these guidelines.
Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
Please complete the relevant patient information on the specimen container label and return containers to the collection centre promptly.
Collection Instructions:
- Wash hands
- Expose penis and gently retract foreskin (if present) to its limit. (In young uncircumcised boys the foreskin is attached to the glans penis by firm adhesions. If the foreskin is retracted too vigorously then these adhesions will be ruptured and bleeding will occur)
- Wash the glans penis with a towelette, repeating this cleansing procedure with a second towelette
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet
- Then pass urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside. Do not allow the skin of your fingers to touch the inside of the jar or the lid. If you drop the jar on the floor, please ask for another
- Screw down the lid on the jar FIRMLY.
Your doctor has requested a urine examination that requires you to collect all passed urine over 24 hours. The below instructions should be followed.
- At the starting time, empty the bladder into the toilet.
- All further urine for the next 24 hours must be passed directly through the funnel into the bottle provided.
- Record name, DOB, and start and finish time on the label.
- Keep urine refrigerated during collection.
- Ensure that the cap is screwed on firmly before returning the bottle to the collection centre.
It is important to ensure that the bottle is kept upright at all times as some bottles contain corrosive additives.
Please ask for two bottles if you think that one will not be sufficient.
Example 24 hour collection:
6.00am Day 1
Empty bladder and discard the urine into the toilet.
Pass all urine for the next 24 hours into the bottle.
6.00am Day 2
Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.
Make sure the pubic and genital areas have been thoroughly washed, and are clean, dry and free from powder.
Wash your hands and open the paediatric urine bag.
Remove the strip of protective paper on the bag, exposing the adhesive.
DO NOT place your fingers inside the bag as this will contaminate the sample.
Female Collection
Position the wider part of the opening of the bag so that it covers the upper part of the genitalia, ensuring that the small end of the opening is applied firmly to the skin in the area between the vagina and rectum. Apply gentle pressure to the adhesive area to seal.
Male Collection
The wider section of the opening is placed under the scrotum, the penis inserted into the bag and firm pressure applied to the adhesive area to seal.
Collection Instructions:
- It is advisable to attach the bag before feeding baby
- Check every 15 minutes to see if baby has passed urine
- It is not advisable to apply a tight nappy
- Do not leave paediatric bag on baby for more than 1hour
- Discontinue using if skin develops allergy symptoms
- When specimen has been collected, remove bag gently by tucking up. Then fold the two adhesive surfaces together and seal bag
- Hold bag over a sterile urine container and using clean scissors, cut off a corner, let the urine run into the jar, replace lid and dispose of plastic collection bag
- Write baby’s surname, first name, date of birth, and time and date of collection on the container label
- Return container to the collection centre promptly
- Inform staff that sample was collected using a paediatric bag.
Your doctor requires you to collect urine in order to test for Chlamydia trachomatis.
Before collection, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and dry the genital area, as normal body secretions may alter the results.
Please complete the relevant patient information on the specimen container label and return containers to the collection centre promptly.
Instructions:
- You must not have urinated for one hour prior to making this collection
- Remove the lid from the urine container
- Pass the first 20-30ml of urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside
- Do not allow your fingers to touch the inside of the jar or lid
- Screw down the lid on the jar FIRMLY
Your doctor requires you to collect urine over a period of several hours, your doctor will specify the required time.
If overnight collection is required, this is usually collected over a period of approximately eight hours, commencing when you retire to bed.
- At the starting time, empty the bladder into the toilet and record the starting time.
- Collect all urine over a designated period of collection.
- For the entire time of collection, all urine must be passed directly through the funnel into the bottle provided.
- Record name and start and finish times on the bottle label.
- Keep urine refrigerated during collection.
- Ensure that the cap is screwed on firmly before returning the bottle to the collection centre.
Example timed collection:
10.00PM (DAY 1)
Empty bladder and discard the urine into the toilet.
Pass all urine for the next 8 hours into the bottle.
6.00AM (DAY 2)
Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.
Please Note: 8, 10 or 12 hours is usually an adequate and convenient period of collection but will depend on the specific requirements outlined by your doctor.
Your doctor has requested a test which requires you to follow the below directives to ensure accurate test results.
Medication
A number of drugs including antihypertensive agents (blood pressure medications) and antidepressants may interfere with these urinary tests. Do not restrict or cease these drugs unless advised by your doctor.
You should ensure that your medications are being taken on a regular daily basis for the 3-4 days prior to and during the collection.
Illness
In addition, as illness can misleadingly raise the results of these tests, avoid collecting the sample during intercurrent illness (e.g. flu).
Dietary
When testing for urinary 5-HIAA or serotonin, exclude from your diet all nuts and vegetables or fruit containing seeds for 3-4 days prior to and during the collection. This includes bananas.
Some examples of foods to exclude are:
- Avocado
- Chilli
- Eggplant
- Pineapple
- Tomato
- Banana
- Plum
- Chilli
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Your doctor has requested one or three samples of urine for examination.
This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly.
Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean and dry the genital area thoroughly.
Please follow these guidelines.
Please complete the relevant patient information on the specimen container label and return to the collection centre promptly.
Instructions:
- Do not collect the first urine of the day. The sample must be from a second or later void of the day.
- Wash the genital area with a towelette.
- Collect the first part of the urine into the jar provided.
- Screw down the lid on the jar, firmly.
- Write your name, surname, date of birth and date of collection on the jar.
- Take the sample to a QML Pathology collection centre as soon as possible. Refrigerate if a delay of a few hours in sending the specimen is anticipated.
- Your doctor may request you send in samples from three separate days. If required, please repeat above steps. All three samples may be taken to the collection centre together on the third day, providing they have been refrigerated and each jar is clearly labelled with the date.
Your Doctor has asked for the following test to be performed.
Test requirements:
- The monitor must be worn for a 24 hour period to ensure an accurate study.
- Whilst wearing the monitor you are not able to undertake the following: showering, bathing or water sports activities.
Instructions:
- To avoid incorrect results, you must relax and keep your arm still during a measurement until the cuff has completely deflated and the measurement has been taken.
- Avoid opening and closing the hand during the measurement and do not move the fingers.
- When the pressure in the cuff increases, you should: a. If standing: Let the arm hang loosely, place the hand in the trouser pocket or fingers in the waistband. b. If sitting: Rest the lower arm loosely on a table or other support.
- Ensure the hose from the Blood Pressure cuff does not become kinked.
- Before the pressure of the cuff is raised, a signal is given on each occasion throughout the day to warn you that a measurement is about to be taken.
- The “Event button” should be pressed at any time if you feel your blood pressure is raised.
- Press the “Day/Night” key, when going to bed at night and when getting up in the morning. The recorder will confirm the change with a signal.
- While sleeping, the unit must be placed on its side, so that the air tube cannot be kinked.
- Occasionally you may hear an audible beep from the monitor. This means that it was unable to take your blood pressure (usually arm movement). There is no cause for alarm; the monitor will retry to take your blood pressure again in about one minute.
- You must return to the Collection Centre to have the monitor removed as soon as the 24hrs have passed.
Paying for your BPM:
- You will be bulk billed for your ABPM for those meeting the Medicare criteria.
- If you are a Pensioner, Health Care Card holder or Non DVA Gold Card holder, please present your current card at the time of your service, as you are eligible for a discount.
- DVA Gold Card holders are exempt.
The 14C-Urea Breath Test is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ non-invasive diagnostic method for detection of the presence of current infection with H. pylori in the stomach. The 14C-Urea Breath Test offers highly accurate and reliable diagnosis of H. pylori infection. It is also useful for post-treatment follow-up to demonstrate H. pylori eradication.
The C14-PYtest measures the amount of the enzyme, urease, produced by H.pylori in the stomach by detecting the presence of the labelled carbon dioxide in the exhaled air.
Important notes:
For pregnant/breastfeeding women and children under 10 years of age
Although the radiation dose is extremely small, the test has not been sufficiently trialled in children or pregnancy to recommend the test in these groups.
Please note that Laverty pathology offers faecal antigen detection as an alternative to the Urea breath test. Please discuss with your doctor the most suitable test for you.
Pre-test preparation
With consent from your doctor, stop the following medications:
- Antibiotics and bismuth-containing products 1 month prior to testing.
- Cyto-protective medicines, e.g., sucralfate, Carafate, Ulcyte, 2 weeks prior to testing
- Proton pump inhibitors 1 week prior to testing; e.g., Losec, Maxor, Nexium, Pariet, Somac, Zoton etc.
- You may continue taking antacids: e.g., Eno, Gastrogel, Gaviscon, Mylanta, Rennie, etc.
On the day of the test
You must not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to taking the test. This includes water.
You must not smoke for at least 2 hours prior to the test.
Your Doctor has asked for the following test(s) to be performed.
Instructions:
- The preferred time of collection is in the morning prior to eating, drinking and smoking.
- Sputum from lungs is required. Saliva (e.g. spit) from the mouth or throat is NOT suitable for testing.
- If 3 specimens are required, specimens must be collected and delivered to the Collection Centre on each day of collection.
Materials we supply:
- White Top Container (1or 3 as instructed)
- Specimen Bag per sample
If at home, it may be useful to arrange pillows over the side of a bed and lie on them head downwards for about 10 minutes to drain the sputum from the lungs. The most adequate sample may be obtained early in the morning on rising.
Procedure:
- Label container number 1, (2 & 3 if required) with your full name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and test name.
- Rinse your mouth with water. For patients with dentures, please remove the dentures first.
- A deep cough is needed to produce sputum sample directly into the container.
- Place the lid on the container and tighten the lid firmly to prevent leakage. Avoid cross threading the lid.
- Specimen MUST be delivered to the Collection Centre on day of collection. If there is a delay specimen should be refrigerated.
- If 3 specimens are required, please repeat steps 1-5 for the collection of samples 2 and 3. Ensure containers are marked 2 & 3 respectively on the lids.
- Please wash your hands after this procedure.
Your Doctor has asked for the following test to be performed.
Instructions:
- You will need to make an appointment for this test.
- No preparation or fasting required.
- This test is performed on two separate days.
- Day 1 – A blood sample will be collected between 8:00am and 9:00am prior to taking the Dexamethasone tablets.
- You will be asked to take two Dexamethasone tablets, with 1 glass of water at 11:00 pm of Day 1.
- Day 2 – Return to the Collection Centre between 8:00 and 9:00 am to have a second blood sample collected.
- This completes the test.
Your Doctor has asked for the following test to be performed.
What to expect:
An electrocardiogram (called an ECG) can be performed by our trained collectors.
You’ll be asked to lie on an examining table or bed. Electrodes will be attached to your arms, legs and chest. The electrodes are sticky patches applied with a gel to help detect and conduct the electrical currents of your heart. If you have hair on the parts of your body where the electrodes will be placed, the technician may need to shave the hair so that the electrodes stick properly.
A standard ECG takes just a few minutes.
The electrodes are then removed and you can resume normal activities. An ECG doesn’t involve medication or require recovery time. It is completely non-invasive, as the skin is in no way penetrated. The ECG is a safe procedure with no known risks. It does not send electric current into the body. On occasion, you may be allergic or sensitive to the electrodes causing local skin irritation.
When completed, the trace will be transmitted to our specialist cardiologists for interpretation and reported back to your treating doctor.
Paying for your ECG:
You will be bulk billed for your ECG if you are a:
- Pensioner
- Health care card holder
- DVA card holder
- Patient under the age of 18 years and over the age of 80
You will need to show your card to the collector at the time of the procedure to ensure you are bulk billed. If your card cannot be presented, you will receive an invoice in the mail.
Other patients will attract a fee, which is partially rebateable by Medicare.
Test Requirements:
- No specific dietary or medication restrictions necessary
- Menstruating patients should delay specimen collection until bleeding has completely stopped.
- Faeces samples must be collected for 3 consecutive days (or 3 different days) into a FOB special kit (green lid).
- Each sample tube MUST be labelled with the date and time of collection.
We supply you:
- Special kit -3 x FOB tubes (green lid)
- A large, clean plastic container e.g. Ice cream container
Collection Instructions:
- Label tube No 1 with your full name, date of birth, date & time of collection, test name.
- Line a clean large plastic container with aluminium foil and place into the toilet bowl.
- Wash hands.
- Pass the faeces into the plastic container.
- Unscrew the “green sampler cap” of the collection tube, and place it where it can be easily reached, taking care not to spill the liquid.
![Step5](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65e67f02846c24c933ebbe77/65f79e911709419b38042ceb_Faeces-Occult-Blood-Collection_5y.jpeg)
- Insert the stick end of the green cap into the faeces at least 5 times, each time in a different place.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65e67f02846c24c933ebbe77/65f79e919882c799b3a26e8f_Faeces-Occult-Blood-Collection_6.jpeg)
- Return the stick back into the container tube and screw the cap tightly closed. * Shake the tube to mix the specimen with the transport liquid.
![Step7](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65e67f02846c24c933ebbe77/65f79e914524b5eaca95991c_Faeces-Occult-Blood-Collection_7.jpeg)
- All 3 collected specimens can be stored at room temperature (15-30°C).
- The tubes (3) MUST be delivered to the Collection Centre as soon as the collection is completed. DO NOT deliver samples one by one.
- Repeat steps 1-9 for the collection of samples 2 and 3. Ensure tubes are marked 2 & 3 respectively.
Requires one specimen only
We supply you:
- 1 x brown topped container
- 1 x specimen bag
- 1 x wooden spatula
- Instruction leaflet
Instructions:
- Label container with full name, date of birth, time and date of collection.
- Using the spatula provided, place a small amount of faeces (about the size of a 10 cent coin) into the container.
- Replace top, seal container and place in a specimen bag and send to the Collection Centre as soon as possible.
An appointment is required for this test. Please phone your nearest Laverty Pathology Collection Centre to make arrangements. Collection Centres and the test availability can be found here.
We recommend the following pre-test preparation for optimal results:
- NO diet is required for pregnant patients. We suggest you eat the type of foods you normally eat.
- In non-pregnant patients, for the three (3) days before your test, you should eat “high carbohydrate” meals. We suggest you eat the type of foods you normally eat, but make sure that throughout the day you include in your diet all of the following foods:
• 1 serving of breakfast cereal, porridge or spaghetti
• AND 3 slices of bread or toast (or 1½ bread rolls)
• AND 3 servings of vegetables
• AND 3 pieces of fruit
• AND 1 medium potato or 1 serving of rice.
Children who are too small to be able to eat all of the above foods should eat whatever they can comfortably manage. - If you do not follow the diet, you will not be turned away, as it is more important that the test is performed. However, our clinic staff will be happy to re-schedule you if preferred.
- You are required to fast for eight hours prior to the test – which usually means an overnight fast.
- The maximum acceptable duration of a fast is fourteen hours – if the fast is longer than this, your referring doctor will be notified and consulted before the test is either rescheduled or carried out on the day.
- During a fast, you must have nothing to eat or drink, except for water. NO soft drinks, tea, milk, coffee or fruit juice may be taken during the fast.
- NO SMOKING on the day of the test and until the test is completed.
Information:
- On arrival at our Collection Centre, a blood sample will be taken from you by one of our trained collecting staff. You will then be asked to drink a sweet glucose drink and blood will be collected one and two hours later.
- Please note that you will be required to remain in the Collection Centre for the duration of the test. We suggest you bring a book to read to help pass the time.
Important: While on the 3-day high carbohydrate preparation, if you should become very unwell, or notice that you are losing weight, feeling drowsy, very thirsty and are passing large amounts of urine, please contact your referring doctor immediately.
Preparation:
- Make an appointment to have your Holter Monitor fitted by your nearest participating Collection Centre.
- You should shower/bath before this appointment. You can’t get the monitor wet or remove the monitor to shower/bath once the monitoring begins.
- Please make sure you wear loose fitting clothes on the day of your appointment and during the testing period. This is required because electrodes will be attached to your chest.
Procedure:
- Our technician will place some electrodes that sense your heartbeat on your chest. The electrodes are attached to your chest through tape-like adhesive and gel. For males, a small amount of hair may be shaved to make sure the electrodes stick. The technician connects the electrodes to a recording device with several wires and will instruct you on how to properly wear the recording device.
- You will be asked to record the timing of any events – symptoms of palpitations, skipped heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain or lightheadedness – in a diary that the collector gives you. When entering the symptoms in the diary also press the event button on the monitor.
- Once your monitor is fitted and you’ve received instructions on how to wear it, you will leave our centre and resume your normal everyday activities. Do not participate in strenuous activities.
- Once your monitoring begins, don’t take the Holter Monitor off — you must wear it at all times, even while you sleep.
After the procedure:
- Our Collector will then remove the electrodes from your chest, (similar to a bandage being pulled off your skin).
- Our cardiologists will review the holter monitor trace and will report the results back to your treating doctor.
Once your monitoring period is over, you’ll need to come back to our collection room to return the Holter Monitor and diary.
Diet:
At least one day prior to and whilst collecting the specimen.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK any of the following:
Drugs:
Please list all medication (even over the counter preparations) currently being taken.
Special requirements:
- Prior to collecting specimen, please contact your nearest Collection Centre to arrange the best time and place to deliver the specimen. Collection centres and the test availability can be found here (Not all Collection Centres accept Semen).
- The sample must reach the Testing laboratory within 3 hours.
- Repeat Test: Sample MUST reach the Testing Laboratory within ONE hour of collection.
We supply you:
- 1x White top Container.
Please follow these instructions:
- The first specimen after the procedure is to be collected at three months and after at least 20 ejaculations. Subsequent specimens, if required, are to be collected as per your doctor’s instructions.
- Do not use condoms, artificial lubricants, talcs etc., as these will interfere with the test results.
- Label the container with your surname and given name, date of birth, time of collection and test name.
- Collect the ENTIRE sample in the container provided by means of masturbation. Other methods, such as interruption of intercourse, are not suitable as there can be a loss of the first portion of the specimen.
- Place lid on container & tighten firmly to prevent leakage. Avoid cross threading.
- DO NOT expose the container to extremes of temperature before or after specimen collection.
- During transport to the Collection Centre, the sample should be kept between 20°c and 37°c. This is best achieved by keeping the sample next to your body during transport.
- DO NOT refrigerate specimen or allow the specimen temperature to rise above body temperature.
Special requirements:
- Delayed examination may lead to invalid test results and a repeat test required.
- The specimen must be delivered to the laboratory (within 45 mins), as it must be examined within 1 hour of collection – follow the link below for locations and hours of operation.
We supply you:
- 1x White top Container.
Please follow these instructions:
- The specimen is to be collected between 2 and 7 days after your last ejaculation.
- DO NOT use condoms, artificial lubricants, talcs, etc., as these will interfere with the test results.
- Label the container with your surname and given name, date of birth, date and time of collection and test name.
- Collect the ENTIRE sample in the container provided by means of masturbation. Other methods, such as interruption of intercourse, are not suitable as there can be a loss of the first portion of the specimen. Place specimen into the specimen bag with the request form.
- DO NOT expose the container to extremes of temperature before or after specimen collection.
- During transport to the Laboratory, the sample should be kept between 20°c and 37°c. This is best achieved by keeping the sample next to your body during transport.
- Do not refrigerate specimen or allow the specimen temperature to rise above body temperature. Please Note: This test incurs an out of pocket expense. For details please ask your pathology collector
- Inform reception that you have an urgent time critical specimen.
Drug screening
Donor:
If you are required to have a legal drug screen, the preferred option is to go to a Laverty Pathology Accredited (AS/NZS 4308) Collection Centre. This will ensure that the collection procedures comply with the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 4308). Our Designated AS/NZS 4308 Collection Centres have been setup to facilitate sample collection according to the standard.
What is expected?
Prior to testing, you will be required to:
- Make an Appointment with the nearest Laverty Pathology AS/NZS 4308 Collection Centre. (Some centres cease legal drug screens at earlier cut-off times than publicised opening hours).
- The Australian Standard (AS/NZS 4308) requires evidence of donor identity. To satisfy this requirement bring photo identification (i.e. Current drivers license, passport, employer photo ID. etc) The preferable collection appointment time is between 11:00am and 3:00pm. If you cannot provide photographic identification, we are unable to perform the collection unless your Requesting Authority can confirm your identity.
- On your arrival you will be asked what medication you are currently taking.
- You will then need to provide a urine sample under supervision.
Who do you contact if you have any questions?
Your first point of contact is your Requesting Authority. In many cases this will be your employer and their appointed delegate (often the Workplace Health & Safety Officer, Personnel Supervisor, Human Resources Manager or a General Practitioner can also request this test.) If they are unable to assist with your enquiry, they will usually contact our toxicologist and report back to you.
If not, you can call our Commercial Department who will assist you on (02) 9005 7090.
Please note: Out of pocket charge may apply.
Check with your requesting Authority.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Laverty Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
The collection staff member waits outside the cubicle with the door slightly ajar whilst you urinate. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Laverty Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to directly observe passage of urine from the urethra to the container.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
A collection staff member will stand in front of you (female) or closely beside you (male) to observe you urinating. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
Urine testing
Your doctor has requested that you provide one specimen or three consecutive mid-morning, mid-stream urine specimens.
Instructions:
- No specific dietary or medication restrictions necessary. Ensure you are well hydrated.
- The first urine specimen of the day is not suitable for this test.
- A mid-morning, mid-stream urine sample should be collected.
- If 3 x urine samples requested, these must be collected on 3 consecutive days. Each sample MUST be marked day 1, 2 and 3 retrospectively.
- Each sample is to be delivered to the Collection Centre each day. DO NOT deliver all 3 samples together.
Materials we supply:
- Yellow top container/s – as per Request Form instructions
- Specimen Bags
Procedure:
First sample:
- Label the container with your full name, date of birth, date and time of collection and test name.
- Remove the lid from the urine container and avoid contamination of the inside of the container or lid. Note: Females – separate the labia (skin folds). Male – retract foreskin if uncircumcised.
- Pass an initial amount of urine into the toilet and then pass the container under and collect a minimum of 30mls (fill the jar 3/4 full) of urine, in the container.
- Place the lid on the container and tighten the lid firmly to prevent leakage. Avoid cross threading of the lid, and insert into the Specimen Bag.
- Return the sample to the Collection Centre on the day of collection.
If there is any delay, refrigerate the specimen.
Important Notice:
Repeat steps 1-5 for the collection of the samples 2 and 3 if required. Ensure containers are marked 2 & 3 respectively on the lid.
It is essential that urine specimens are carefully collected for accurate laboratory results. Please follow the instructions exactly. If you are unsure how to collect the specimen, ask our staff to explain.
We supply you:
- 1 x Urine Collection Container
Procedure:
Collect ALL urine produced within a 24 hour period.
- We strongly advise that you avoid the contents of the container and suggest that you collect your urine into another container (e.g. clean ice cream container) and then pour into the urine container.
- Empty your bladder into the toilet soon after getting out of bed in the morning and record the time (e.g. 6:00 am) and date on the container.
- Collect all further urine samples into the container, up to and including the final specimen, which is to be collected 24 hrs. later e.g. Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.
- Place the lid on the container and tighten the lid firmly to prevent leakage. Avoid cross threading.
- Record the starting and finishing date and time of collection on the container.
- The container should be kept in a cool place during collection.
- Bring container to the Collection Centre within 4 hours of finishing the collection.
Please note that if any urine is accidentally lost/spilt you must notify the collector when returning the sample. Please telephone the Chemical Pathologist on 02 9005 7000 if you are uncertain about any of these instructions.
We supply you:
- 1 x Paediatric urine bag.
- 1 x Yellow top container.
Procedure:
- Label container with the baby’s full name, date of birth, date and time of specimen collection, test name.
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the baby’s nappy.
- Wash the genital area thoroughly with soap and water. Dry thoroughly.
- Open the urine collection pack.
- Remove the keyhole shaped opening on the urine bag without touching the inside of the bag.
- Remove the adhesive protector.
- Apply the bag over the urethral opening.
- After the urine has been passed, carefully remove the bag.
- With scissors, snip the corner of the bag and pour the urine into the yellow top container.
- Place the lid on the container and tighten the lid firmly to prevent leakage. Avoid cross threading the lid.
- Return the sample to the Collection Centre as soon as possible on the day of collection. If there is any delay, refrigerate the specimen.
- Wash your hands and any scissors after this procedure.
We supply you:
- 1 x Urine Collection Container.
Procedure:
Collect ALL urine produced within an 8 hour period.
- We strongly advise that you avoid the contents of the container and suggest that you collect your urine into another container (e.g. clean ice cream container) and then pour into the urine container.
- Empty your bladder into the toilet just before bedtime and record the time eg. 10:00pm and date on the container provided.
- Collect all subsequent urine samples into the container, up to and including the final specimen, which is to be collected 8 hrs. later e.g. Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.
- Place the lid on the container and tighten the lid firmly to prevent leakage. Avoid cross threading.
- Record the starting and finishing date and time of collection on the container.
- The container should be kept in a cool place during collection.
- Bring the container to the Collection Centre within 4 hours of finishing the collection.
Please note that if any urine is accidentally lost/spilt you must notify the collector when returning the sample.
Please telephone the Chemical Pathologist on 02 9005 7000 if you are uncertain about any of these instructions.
Your doctor requires you to collect a First Void Urine sample for a PCR test for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Trichomonas vaginalis and / or Mycoplasma genitalium.
Instructions:
- Please ensure you have not passed urine for at least 1 hour prior to collection of the sample.
We supply you:
- 1 x Green top container.
Procedure:
- Label the container with your full name, date of birth, date and time of collection.
Where the label reads “Specimen of” write for example ‘Chlamydia First Void Urine.’ - Wash hands.
- Remove the lid from the urine container and place it where it can be easily reached.
Avoid contamination of the inside of the container or lid.
Pass the first 30-40ml (fill the jar 3/4 full) of urine into the container provided. - Pass any additional urine in the toilet.
- Place the lid on the container and tighten the lid firmly to prevent leakage. Avoid cross threading.
- Return the sample to the Collection Centre on the day of collection.
Your doctor has requested a 24 hour blood pressure study. This test involves wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. As this test requires you be fitted with a monitor you will need to contact your chosen Western Diagnostic Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the monitor is fitted.
- The cuff may only be worn on the upper arm. It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably.
What to expect
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Noting all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body.
- While the unit is in the process of taking your blood pressure, you must relax and keep your arm still until the cuff has completely deflated at the end of the procedure. Let arm hang relaxed beside body if possible.
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABP)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
Your doctor has requested a sputum test and the laboratory requires a specimen of inflammatory secretions (phlegm), which has been coughed up from the lungs and lower air passages.
This sputum is usually thick and opaque, and may vary in colour (grey, green or yellow). Thin, watery saliva is not suitable for testing.
If chest physiotherapy treatment is being given, it is preferable for the physiotherapist to help collect a suitable sample.
If at home, it may be useful to arrange pillows over the side of a bed and lie on them head downwards for about 10 minutes to drain the sputum from the lungs. The most adequate sample may be obtained early in the morning on rising.
Rinsing the mouth out with water first may make the collection easier, especially if the throat is dry and the sputum is very sticky.
A deep breath in, followed by a strong cough, will help to carry the sputum into your throat. You can then cough the specimen into the container provided.
If the sample appears thin and watery with food particles, it is saliva. Please obtain another sterile container from a Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre and collect again.
If you are unable to get the sample to a Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre on the day the specimen is produced, please refrigerate it.
Your doctor has requested you undergo one of the following tests: Comprehensive BRCA1 and BRCA2, BRaOVO, or Cancer Risk Panel.
As you do not fit the MBS criteria an out-of-pocket fee applies which must be pre-paid before testing can occur.
How to pre-pay for your testing
- Call Genomic Diagnostics on 1800 822 999 to pre-pay for your test.
- Tell the operator which test your doctor has requested (ticked above and/or listed on your request form).
- The operator will confirm the out-of-pocket amount and take your credit card details.
- You will be given a receipt number, please make a note of this somewhere in the bottom ‘Patient’ section of your request form.
Once your payment has been taken you can visit any Western Diagnostic Pathology Collection Centre with your request form for specimen collection. No appointment is necessary.
Please phone your nearest Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre to make arrangements.
On the night before the test
- Please do not eat, chew gum or drink any fluids (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. It is preferable you do not fast for more than 12 hours.
- Water with no additives can be consumed.
- Record your height and weight.
- Record any recent and current medication.
On the morning of the test
- Bring your medication list and height/weight details.
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test (including brisk walking to the clinic).
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible, please inform staff.
- Illness can affect glucose tolerance, if you are ill within 3-4 days of the test, contact your doctor to ask whether they want you to postpone the test.
- You will be required to drink a glucose solution within a 5 minute timeframe. This solution contains the following food additives:
- 330-ascorbic acid
- 211-sodium benzoate
- 202-potassium sorbate
- Sulphites
Do not proceed with the test if you have a known allergy to any of these additives. Contact your doctor and advise your allergy is preventing you from proceeding with the GTT drink.
The test usually takes approximately 2 hours (unless your doctor specifies otherwise).
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
Your doctor has requested a Holter Monitor (Electrocardiogram) test. As this requires you to be fitted with the monitor for 24 hours, you will need to contact your chosen Western Diagnostic Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the Holter Monitor is fitted.
- It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably and inconspicuously.
- Female patients should not wear ‘underwire’ bras during the test period.
What to expect
- Once the monitor has been fitted onto your chest you will be free to go about your day as normal. It is not uncommon to experience some minor skin irritation caused by the glue on the sticky dots.
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Be sure to note all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Holter Monitoring” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
Your doctor has requested a Breath Hydrogen test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air.
Home collect or book appointment through Gastrolab. Gastrolab now located at Mt Pleasant ACC, Unit 6 16 Queens Rd. Patient can either visit Gastrolab for sample collection or can be ordered from home by ordering collection kit from www.wdp.com.au (under 'Specialty Services' and 'Gut Diagnostic Services' tab). Patient MUST ring Gastrolab (03) 9244 0330 to make booking and for further information. (Phone 8.30am – 5:00pm AEST, Monday to Friday - VIC based). If email preferred: [email protected]. NOTE: Link to buy this test kit is also found under Patients – IBS kits
On the night before the test:
- You must not have any food or fluid other than water for a fasting period of 8 hours prior to the test and until the test is completed
- You may drink water during the fasting period
- Record details of food consumed that evening prior to fasting, i.e. time of and approximate size of meal
- Record any current and recent medication.
On the morning of the test:
- Bring your list of medications and diet details with you
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test, including brisk walking to the clinic
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible please inform the clinic staff
- The test will take approximately 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the sugar requested by your doctor. You will be required to remain at the clinic during the entire procedure.
Your doctor has requested a Urea Breath test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air. This test is only performed at selected collection centres. Please phone your nearest Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre to arrange an appointment.
On the night before the test:
- you should fast (no food or liquids including water) for a minimum of six hours before the test
- The test can be performed at any time of the day, and will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes
- You will be required to swallow a capsule containing urea (carbon 14) on commencement of the test
- At the conclusion of the test you will be asked to blow into a special breath collection balloon which is sent to the laboratory for analysis
- No restrictions to physical activity before or during the test
- No smoking or eating during the test
This test should not be performed on children and pregnant or lactating women (please speak with your medical practitioner).
Medication restrictions include:
- No antibiotics for four weeks prior to test
- No Losec, Zoton, or Somac for one week prior to test
- No Cytoprotectives (sucralfate) for two weeks prior to test
- For a full list of medication restrictions, please see our collection staff
- Your doctor must be notified prior to temporarily stopping any medications.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Breath Testing – Urea Breath Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
Screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is performed on pregnant women in their third trimester.
GBS is a bacterium and a normal part of vaginal and gastrointestinal flora that is present in between 14% and 25% of pregnant women.
However, it can (rarely) cause life-threatening septicaemia or meningitis in a newborn child. It can also cause infections in pregnant women and immunosuppressed people.
To determine if you are currently colonised with GBS this test requires you to collect a swab from your vagina and then from your anus. This specimen will be sent to the laboratory where screening will take place and the result will be given to your health care provider, who will then discuss the result with you.
Collection instructions
The staff will provide you with gloves and one swab to use while collecting your specimen.
STEP 1: Wash your hands and put on the gloves. Find a comfortable position, either lying on the bed or standing.
STEP 2: Open the packaging and remove swab by holding the plastic end of the swab.
STEP 3: Insert cotton end of the swab 2 cm into your vagina and remove. Using the same swab, insert cotton end 1 cm into your anus and remove.
STEP 4: Take the plastic tube from the packaging and remove cap. Place swab into the tube and replace the cap, ensuring it is firmly in place.
STEP 5: Label the plastic tube with your name, date of birth, today’s date and the time that you collected your sample.
STEP 6: Remove your gloves and dispose of them in a bin, wash your hands.
Your doctor has requested a Generation Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT).
This test can only be performed after 10th week of pregnancy.
This test is only available at select centres on the following days:
Generation and Generation 46 – MONDAY to FRIDAY.
Generation PLUS – MONDAY and TUESDAY ONLY
What to expect
- You will be required to sign and bring the Generation request form (given to you by your doctor) along to the collection centre. Please read any forms given to you carefully before signing.
- A tube of your blood will be drawn and sent to Genomic Diagnostics. Please let the collector know if you are feeling anxious and unwell or have fainted during previous blood tests.
- Test results will be sent directly to the healthcare provider that ordered the test. You will need to make an appointment with them to discuss results.
Fetal sex
If you do not wish to know the sex, please tell your healthcare provider.
Limitations of sex
This screening test only tests for the chromosomal abnormalities requested. Normal test results do not eliminate the possibility that your pregnancy may have other chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, or other conditions. A normal result does not guarantee a healthy pregnancy or baby. This test has limitations including false positives and false negatives. For these reasons it is strongly recommended that no irreversible clinical decisions be made based on these screening results alone.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), Non-invasive Prenatal Test Plus (NIPT) or Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) Generation 46” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
You will need to make an appointment for this test. This test involves having baseline blood sample taken in first morning, taking 1mg of Dexamethasone tablets at night, and then having a second blood sample collected the next morning.
Note: If you have any significant allergies, especially to steroids, please consult with your doctor before returning for the test.
Day 1 appointment
- No preparation or fasting required.
- A blood sample will be collected between 8am and 9am
- 1mg of Dexamethasone is supplied by Western Diagnostic Pathology. This is packaged as two 0.5 mg tablets. Please take the two tablets at 11pm on day one.
Day 2 appointment
- Return to the Collection Centre between 8am and 9am to have a second blood sample collected
- This completes the test.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Venesection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
It is extremely important for an accurate result that you endeavour to follow these instructions to the best of your ability. Prior to collection you MUST contact your nearest Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre to arrange the best time and place to deliver the specimen.
The specimen must reach a Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre as soon after the collection as possible (no longer than one hour).
Fees: Please note that there is an out-of-pocket fee for fertility analysis and for post vasectomy analysis.
- Obtain a sterile labelled plastic seminal fluid collection container from a Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre. No other container will suffice
- The specimen must be collected between three and seven days after the last ejaculation (including sexual intercourse, masturbation or ‘night loss’). Record the number of days since the last ejaculation in the space provided on the specimen container label
- Empty your bladder, then wash your hands and penis before collection
- Collect the specimen by masturbation, ejaculating directly into the container provided. Under no circumstances use condoms or lubricants of any sort
- Intercourse followed by early withdrawal is preferably not used as this results in contamination with female cells and often loss of the richest part of the semen specimen, leading to an inaccurate result
- Screw the lid of the jar on tightly and complete all the details on the label
- Keep the specimen at body temperature (in your pocket close to your body)
- Do not refrigerate or allow the specimen temperature to rise above body temperature.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Semen Fertility Analysis” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
- Withhold medication on the day of testing unless advised otherwise by your doctor
- Take medication as normal on day before test
- Withhold taking medication until after blood test (it is possible to bring medication into collection centre if preferred)
- Recommended to have blood test early in morning so that medication regime is not disturbed
- Minimum withholding period is 8 hours
These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Your doctor has requested you undergo one of the following tests: PGx MH, PGx Pain, or PGx Multi.
As this test is not covered by Medicare, you will need to prepay before testing can occur.
How to pre-pay for your testing
Visit gdpay.com.au to pre-pay for your test. (For enquiries please call Customer Care on 1800 822 999).
Visit gdpay.com.au to pre-pay for your test. (For enquiries please call Customer Care on 1800 822 999).
- You will be allocated a receipt number, please make a note of this somewhere in the bottom ‘Patient’ section of your request form.
- Once your payment has been taken you can visit any Western Diagnostic Pathology Collection Centre with your request form for specimen collection. No appointment is necessary.
- Results will be ready approximately two weeks from sample collection. You can request your unique access code from your doctor to access your results.
Drug screening
Cost: There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Western Diagnostic Pathology with a written statement such as a Purchase order or request form (paper/email or text message) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector prior to collection.
- You must not eat, drink smoke, vape or rinse your mouth for at least 10 minutes before the test.
- The collector will be present with you during the testing. Please follow all instructions given by them during the procedure.
- A form will be given to you to complete asking about your current medications, other personal information and consent. Please read and complete to the best of your ability.
Sample Collection – General Overview
The collector will give you the instant device which you will swab over your mouth until it is soaked with fluid. Do not suck or chew on the swab. If the test is “non-negative” and your company requires confirmation, then a second collection will take place and these samples are sent to the laboratory. This will be at a further cost.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Salivary Drug Screen” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 08 9317 0999.
Cost: There is usually an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Western Diagnostic Pathology with a written statement such as a Purchase order or request form (paper/email or text message) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to Expect:
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector prior to collection.
- The collector will supervise this collection either directly or indirectly.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels and forms. Please follow all collector’s instructions during the procedure.
- A form will be given to you to complete asking about your current medications, other personal information and consent. Please read and complete to the best of your ability.
- To avoid your sample from being too dilute for accurate testing, we ask that you do not drink more than 250mL of liquid in the hour prior to collection.
Sample collection- General overview
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/bulky clothing and empty your pockets. All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A labelled sample cup will be provided to you to provide a sample under supervision.
- Once finished the cup is handed to the collector, and the collector inspects the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine temperature and creatinine will be tested. If these are outside of range, or if anything else is unusual is noted; another sample will be required and you must stay in the collection centre until the second collect.
- Samples are then split off into tubes, sealed and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Cost: There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Western Diagnostic Pathology with a written statement such as a Purchase order or request form (paper/email or text message) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to Expect:
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector prior to collection.
- The collector will supervise this collection either directly or indirectly.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels and forms. Please follow all collector’s instructions during the procedure.
- A form will be given to you to complete asking about your current medications, other personal information and consent. Please read and complete to the best of your ability.
- To avoid your sample from being too dilute for accurate testing, we ask that you do not drink more than 250mL of liquid in the hour prior to collection.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the sample is completed and recorded. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample collection- General overview
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/bulky clothing and empty your pockets. All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A labelled sample cup will be provided to you to provide a sample under supervision.
- Once finished the cup is handed to the collector, and the collector inspects the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine temperature and creatinine will be tested. If these are outside of range, or if anything else is unusual is noted; another sample will be required, and you must stay in the collection centre until the second collect.
- If the temperature and creatinine pass, then the sample will be poured into the instant cup. The collector will record the result indicated from the device in 5 minutes.
- If the cup gives a “non-negative” reading for one or more drug classes then the sample will be split and sealed into tubes for storage or confirmatory testing. If confirmatory testing is required then further charges apply.
Cost: There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Western Diagnostic Pathology with a written statement such as a Purchase order or request form (paper/email or text message) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to Expect:
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector prior to collection.
- A form will be given to you to complete asking about your current medications, other personal information and consent. Please read and complete to the best of your ability.
- You must not eat drink smoke, vape or rinse your mouth for at least 10 minutes before the test.
- Please do not use any alcohol based hand sanitiser prior to completing the test.
Sample collection- General overview
- The collector will ask you to select a sealed straw for the alcohol breath meter.
- This will be opened and attached to the device.
- The collector will then ask you to blow into the device consistently until it beeps to stop.
- The value on the machine will then be recorded on the form.
- If the level is above 0.000 a second collect will be taken after 20 minutes.
Urine testing
Your doctor requested a urine sample for examination. This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly. Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean the area where urine is passed thoroughly. Please follow these guidelines. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN CONTAINERS TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
- Wash hands
- Remove undergarments and part knees to allow thorough cleansing of the urine opening
- Sit comfortably on the seat, placing one knee as far to the side as you can
- Using the left hand, part the skin folds
- Wash the area from which you pass urine with a towelette, using a cleansing action from the front of your body to the back. This is to be repeated twice using a clean towelette each time
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet
- Then pass urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside. Do not allow the skin of your fingers to touch inside of either the jar or the lid. If you drop the jar on the floor, please ask for another
- Screw down the lid on the jar, firmly.
Your doctor has requested a urine sample for examination. This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly. Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean the area where urine is passed thoroughly. Please follow these guidelines.
Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN CONTAINERS TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
- Wash hands
- Expose penis and gently retract foreskin (if present) to its limit. (In young uncircumcised boys the foreskin is attached to the glans penis by firm adhesions. If the foreskin is retracted too vigorously then these adhesions will be ruptured and bleeding will occur)
- Wash the glans penis with a towelette, repeating this cleansing procedure with a second towelette
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet
- Then pass urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside. Do not allow the skin of your fingers to touch the inside of the jar or the lid. If you drop the jar on the floor, please ask for another
- Screw down the lid on the jar FIRMLY.
- At the starting time, empty your bladder into the toilet
- All further urine for the next 24 hours must be passed directly through the funnel into the bottle provided
- Record name, DOB, and start and finish time on the label
- Keep urine refrigerated during collection
- Ensure that the cap is screwed on firmly before returning the bottle to the collection centre.
It is important to ensure that the bottle is kept upright at all times as some bottles contain corrosive additives.
Please ask for two bottles if you think that one will not be sufficient.
For example:
6.00am day 1
Empty bladder and discard the urine into the toilet. Pass all urine for the next 24 hours into the bottle.
6.00am day 2
Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.
Make sure the pubic and genital areas have been thoroughly washed, and are clean, dry and free from powder. Wash your hands and open the paediatric urine bag. Remove the strip of protective paper on the bag, exposing the adhesive. DO NOT place your fingers inside the bag as this will contaminate the sample.
Female collection
Position the wider part of the opening of the bag so that it covers the upper part of the genitalia, ensuring that the small end of the opening is applied firmly to the skin in the area between the vagina and rectum. Apply gentle pressure to the adhesive area to seal.
Male collection
The wider section of the opening is placed under the scrotum, the penis inserted into the bag and firm pressure applied to the adhesive area to seal.
- It is advisable to attach the bag before feeding baby
- Check every 15 minutes to see if baby has passed urine
- It is not advisable to apply a tight nappy
- Do not leave paediatric bag on baby for more than 1hr
- Discontinue using if skin develops allergy symptoms
- When specimen has been collected, remove bag gently by tucking up. Then fold the two adhesive surfaces together and seal bag
- Hold bag over a sterile urine container and using clean scissors, cut off a corner, let the urine run into the jar, replace lid and dispose of plastic collection bag
- Write baby’s surname, first name, date of birth, and time and date of collection on the container label
- Return container to the collection centre promptly
- Inform staff that sample was collected using a paediatric bag
Your doctor requires you to collect urine in order to test for Chlamydia trachomatis. Before collection, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and dry the genital area, as normal body secretions may alter the results.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN CONTAINERS TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
Instructions:
- You must not have urinated for one hour prior to making this collection
- Remove the lid from the urine container
- Pass the first 20-30ml of urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside
- Do not allow your fingers to touch the inside of the jar or lid
- Screw down the lid on the jar FIRMLY
Your doctor has requested one or three samples of urine for examination. This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly.
Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean and dry the genital area thoroughly. Please follow these guideliness
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
Instructions:
- Do not collect the first urine of the day. The sample must be from a second or later void of the day.
- Wash the genital area with a towelette.
- Collect the first part of the urine into the jar provided.
- Screw down the lid on the jar, firmly.
- Write your name, surname, date of birth and date of collection on the jar.
- Take the sample to a Western Diagnostic Pathology collection centre as soon as possible. Refrigerate if a delay of a few hours in sending the specimen is anticipated.
- Your doctor may request you send in samples from three separate days. If required, please repeat above steps.
A number of drugs including antihypertensive agents (blood pressure medications) and antidepressants may interfere with these urinary tests. Do not restrict or cease these drugs unless advised by your doctor.
You should ensure that your medications are being taken on a regular daily basis for the 3-4 days prior to and during the collection.
In addition, as illness can misleadingly raise the results of these tests, avoid collecting the sample during intercurrent illness (e.g., flu).
When testing for urinary 5-HIAA or serotonin, exclude from your diet all nuts and vegetables or fruit containing seeds for 3-4 days prior to and during the collection. This includes bananas. Some examples of foods to exclude are:
- Avocado
- Chilli
- Eggplant
- Pineapple
- Tomato
- Banana
- Plum
- Chilli
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Your doctor has requested a 24 hour blood pressure study. This test involves wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. As this test requires you be fitted with a monitor you will need to contact your chosen TML Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the monitor is fitted.
- The cuff may only be worn on the upper arm. It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably.
What to expect
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Noting all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body.
- While the unit is in the process of taking your blood pressure, you must relax and keep your arm still until the cuff has completely deflated at the end of the procedure. Let arm hang relaxed beside body if possible.
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABP)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Your doctor has requested a sputum test and the laboratory requires a specimen of inflammatory secretions (phlegm), which has been coughed up from the lungs and lower air passages.
This sputum is usually thick and opaque, and may vary in colour (grey, green or yellow). Thin, watery saliva is not suitable for testing.
If chest physiotherapy treatment is being given, it is preferable for the physiotherapist to help collect a suitable sample.
If at home, it may be useful to arrange pillows over the side of a bed and lie on them head downwards for about 10 minutes to drain the sputum from the lungs. The most adequate sample may be obtained early in the morning on rising.
Rinsing the mouth out with water first may make the collection easier, especially if the throat is dry and the sputum is very sticky.
A deep breath in, followed by a strong cough, will help to carry the sputum into your throat. You can then cough the specimen into the container provided.
If the sample appears thin and watery with food particles, it is saliva. Please obtain another sterile container from a TML Pathology collection centre and collect again.
If you are unable to get the sample to a TML Pathology collection centre on the day the specimen is produced, please refrigerate it.
Your doctor has requested a sample of faeces to be sent to the laboratory for examination.
Please use the following instructions to make your collection:
DO NOT collect faecal sample during menstrual cycle or if bleeding hemorrhoids present.
- Place a clean holder/container in the toilet bowl to catch faeces.
- Once you have your faeces sample, open the green cap on the tube provided. Keep tube upright and take care to avoid spilling agent inside.
- Using the threaded end of the sampler, poke faeces 5 times, in a different point each time.
- Put the sampler back into the tube, push the cap on tightly to click shut and shake vigorously.
- Ensure tube is labelled with: • Full Name • Date of Birth • Date & Time of Collection.
- Keep sample at room temperature.
- Repeat this procedure for multiple faecal occult blood tests on 3 separate consecutive days. Please use a fresh tube for each sample.
- Return to doctor’s surgery or TML Pathology Collection Centre.
PLEASE NOTE: If your request includes faeces test(s) other than for Occult Blood, a faeces specimen must be submitted in a separate provided container
An appointment is required for this test. Please phone your nearest TML Pathology collection centre to make arrangements.
On the night before the test
- Please do not eat, chew gum or drink any fluids (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. It is preferable you do not fast for more than 12 hours.
- Water with no additives can be consumed.
- Record your height and weight.
- Record any recent and current medication.
On the morning of the test
- Bring your medication list and height/weight details.
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test (including brisk walking to the clinic).
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible, please inform staff.
- Illness can affect glucose tolerance, if you are ill within 3-4 days of the test, contact your doctor to ask whether they want you to postpone the test.
- You will be required to drink a glucose solution within a 5 minute timeframe. This solution contains the following food additives:
- 330-ascorbic acid
- 211-sodium benzoate
- 202-potassium sorbate
- Sulphites
Do not proceed with the test if you have a known allergy to any of these additives. Contact your doctor and advise your allergy is preventing you from proceeding with the GTT drink.
The test usually takes approximately 2 hours (unless your doctor specifies otherwise).
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Your doctor has requested a Holter Monitor (Electrocardiogram) test. As this requires you to be fitted with the monitor for 24 hours, you will need to contact your chosen TML Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the Holter Monitor is fitted.
- It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably and inconspicuously.
- Female patients should not wear ‘underwire’ bras during the test period.
What to expect
- Once the monitor has been fitted onto your chest you will be free to go about your day as normal. It is not uncommon to experience some minor skin irritation caused by the glue on the sticky dots.
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Be sure to note all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Holter Monitoring” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Your doctor has requested a Breath Hydrogen test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air. This test is only performed at selected collection centres. Please phone your nearest TML Pathology collection centre to arrange an appointment.
On the night before the test:
- You must not have any food or fluid other than water for a fasting period of 8 hours prior to the test and until the test is completed
- You may drink water during the fasting period
- Record details of food consumed that evening prior to fasting, i.e. time of and approximate size of meal
- Record any current and recent medication.
On the morning of the test:
- Bring your list of medications and diet details with you
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test, including brisk walking to the clinic
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible please inform the clinic staff
- The test will take approximately 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the sugar requested by your doctor. You will be required to remain at the clinic during the entire procedure.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Breath Testing – Breath Hydrogen Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Your doctor has requested a Urea Breath test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air. This test is only performed at selected collection centres. Please phone your nearest TML Pathology collection centre to arrange an appointment.
On the night before the test:
- you should fast (no food or liquids including water) for a minimum of six hours before the test
- The test can be performed at any time of the day, and will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes
- You will be required to swallow a capsule containing urea (carbon 14) on commencement of the test
- At the conclusion of the test you will be asked to blow into a special breath collection balloon which is sent to the laboratory for analysis
- No restrictions to physical activity before or during the test
- No smoking or eating during the test
This test should not be performed on children and pregnant or lactating women (please speak with your medical practitioner).
Medication restrictions include:
- No antibiotics for four weeks prior to test
- No Losec, Zoton, or Somac for one week prior to test
- No Cytoprotectives (sucralfate) for two weeks prior to test
- For a full list of medication restrictions, please see our collection staff
- Your doctor must be notified prior to temporarily stopping any medications.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Breath Testing – Urea Breath Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Your doctor has requested a sample of faeces to be sent to the laboratory for examination. Please use the brown top plastic container with scoop spoon that you have been supplied. A faecal sample about the size of a 20 cent piece (or one scoop) is required. Please use the following instructions to make your collection.
Adults: The sample may be collected initially into a large, clean, plastic container, and the scoop spoon used to transfer the required amount into the smaller brown top container. A sample contaminated with urine or menstrual blood is not suitable.
Children: A sample from a child may be collected by placing a square of cling wrap in the child’s nappy or potty. Specimens collected in nappy liners and those containing urine are not suitable.
Multiple samples: If multiple samples are collected they must be collected on separate days and:
- Only 1 faeces specimen for culture will be accepted within any 7 day period
- Only 2 faeces specimens for microscopy/parasite testing will be accepted within any 7 day period.
Splitting a single sample is not acceptable.
It is essential that this sample is returned to the clinic without delay. If a delay is unavoidable the sample can be stored for a short time, please telephone the collection centre or your nearest TML Pathology laboratory for directions. Please have your request form on hand when you phone for easy reference of the type of testing that is listed.
Please Note: This is NOT the protocol for collecting 3 Day Faecal Fat samples. For 3 Day Faecal Fat test, all faeces passed over the 3 days of collection must be collected into a special container provided by the collection centre.
All faeces is to be collected over a three day period using the container(s) supplied. All faeces may be collected into one container, or a separate container may be used for each 24 hour period. When completed, ensure the lid is well sealed and write your name and the date of collection on the container. Store the container(s) upright in a cool place (e.g. chilled esky or fridge) until the three days have been completed. Do not place nappy liners, plastic bags, toilet paper or other foreign materials in the container(s).
Controlled fat intake diet, for 3 day faecal fat test
For tests requested, a controlled fat intake diet (approx. 100g per day) may be required for one day prior to and during collection.
A sample diet is as follows:
Breakfast
- 1/2 bowl of cereal with 150ml milk
- 1 egg, not fried
- 2 thin slices of toast with butter and jam.
Lunch
- Poultry, large serve
- Vegetables and/or salad
- 2 slices of bread
- Potato, not fried
- Fresh fruit
- 150ml milk
Dinner
- Lean red meat, no fat, grilled or roasted
- Potato or rice
- 2 -3 vegtables
- Tinned fruit with 50ml cream
- 1 slice of bread with butter and jam
- 200ml milk
Your doctor has requested you undergo one of the following tests:
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes
- BraOVO Gene Panel
- Predictive Familial Cancer Test
- Lynch gene panel
- FAP gene panel
- Colorectal cancer predictive test
- PGx MH
- PGx Pain
- PGx Multi
If you do not fit the MBS criteria an out-of-pocket fee applies which must be pre-paid before testing can occur.
How To pre-pay for your testing
Visit genomicdiagnostics.com.au to pre-pay for your test.
You will be allocated a receipt number, please make a note of this somewhere in the bottom ‘Patient’ section of your request form or if you have a Cancer Genetics Request Form in the Payment Information section.
Once your payment has been taken you can visit any TML Pathology Collection Centre with your request form for specimen collection. No appointment is necessary.
Results will be ready approximately four weeks from sample collection, or approximately two weeks for PGx tests.
For enquiries please call Customer Care on 1800 822 999.
Screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is performed on pregnant women in their third trimester.
GBS is a bacterium and a normal part of vaginal and gastrointestinal flora that is present in between 14% and 25% of pregnant women.
However, it can (rarely) cause life-threatening septicaemia or meningitis in a newborn child. It can also cause infections in pregnant women and immunosuppressed people.
To determine if you are currently colonised with GBS this test requires you to collect a swab from your vagina and then from your anus. This specimen will be sent to the laboratory where screening will take place and the result will be given to your health care provider, who will then discuss the result with you.
Collection instructions
The staff will provide you with gloves and one swab to use while collecting your specimen.
STEP 1: Wash your hands and put on the gloves. Find a comfortable position, either lying on the bed or standing.
STEP 2: Open the packaging and remove swab by holding the plastic end of the swab.
STEP 3: Insert cotton end of the swab 2 cm into your vagina and remove. Using the same swab, insert cotton end 1 cm into your anus and remove.
STEP 4: Take the plastic tube from the packaging and remove cap. Place swab into the tube and replace the cap, ensuring it is firmly in place.
STEP 5: Label the plastic tube with your name, date of birth, today’s date and the time that you collected your sample.
STEP 6: Remove your gloves and dispose of them in a bin, wash your hands.
If your doctor requires a 24 hour urine collection for uric acid, you may be required to follow this diet for three days prior to the collection.
Avoid the following:
- Organ meats (brain, kidney, liver)
- Wild game
- Poultry (chicken, duck, turkey)
- Meat (beef, lamb, pork, veal)
- Meat extracts (Bonox, Vegemite)
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wholegrain products
- Green peas, dried legumes
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Aspirin
- Cocoa
The following are acceptable on a low purine diet:
- Fruits
- Fruit juices
- Vegetables (except those above)
- Nuts
- Cereals, breads (except wholegrain products)
- Sweets
- Beverages (coffee, tea, carbonated)
- Fats
- Eggs
- Cow’s milk
- Dairy products
Your doctor has requested a Generation Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT).
This test can only be performed after 10th week of pregnancy.
This test is only available at select centres on the following days:
Generation and Generation 46 – MONDAY to FRIDAY.
Generation PLUS – MONDAY and TUESDAY ONLY
What to expect
- You will be required to sign and bring the Generation request form (given to you by your doctor) along to the collection centre. Please read any forms given to you carefully before signing.
- A tube of your blood will be drawn and sent to Genomic Diagnostics. Please let the collector know if you are feeling anxious and unwell or have fainted during previous blood tests.
- Test results will be sent directly to the healthcare provider that ordered the test. You will need to make an appointment with them to discuss results.
Fetal sex
If you do not wish to know the sex, please tell your healthcare provider.
Limitations of test
This screening test only tests for the chromosomal abnormalities requested. Normal test results do not eliminate the possibility that your pregnancy may have other chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, or other conditions. A normal result does not guarantee a healthy pregnancy or baby. This test has limitations including false positives and false negatives. For these reasons it is strongly recommended that no irreversible clinical decisions be made based on these screening results alone.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), Non-invasive Prenatal Test Plus (NIPT) or Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) Generation 46” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
You will need to make an appointment for this test. This test involves having baseline blood sample taken in first morning, taking 1mg of Dexamethasone tablets at night, and then having a second blood sample collected the next morning.
Note: If you have any significant allergies, especially to steroids, please consult with your doctor before returning for the test.
Day 1 appointment
- No preparation or fasting required.
- A blood sample will be collected between 8am and 9am
- 1mg of Dexamethasone is supplied by QML Pathology. This is packaged as two 0.5 mg tablets. Please take the two tablets at 11pm on day one.
Day 2 appointment
- Return to the Collection Centre between 8am and 9am to have a second blood sample collected
- This completes the test.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Venesection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
It is extremely important for an accurate result that you endeavour to follow these instructions to the best of your ability. Prior to collection you MUST contact your nearest TML Pathology collection centre to arrange the best time and place to deliver the specimen.
The specimen must reach a TML Pathology collection centre as soon after the collection as possible (no longer than one hour).
Fees: Please note that there is an out-of-pocket fee for fertility analysis and for post vasectomy analysis.
- Obtain a sterile labelled plastic seminal fluid collection container from a TML Pathology collection centre. No other container will suffice
- The specimen must be collected between three and seven days after the last ejaculation (including sexual intercourse, masturbation or ‘night loss’). Record the number of days since the last ejaculation in the space provided on the specimen container label
- Empty your bladder, then wash your hands and penis before collection
- Collect the specimen by masturbation, ejaculating directly into the container provided. Under no circumstances use condoms or lubricants of any sort
- Intercourse followed by early withdrawal is preferably not used as this results in contamination with female cells and often loss of the richest part of the semen specimen, leading to an inaccurate result
- Screw the lid of the jar on tightly and complete all the details on the label
- Keep the specimen at body temperature (in your pocket close to your body)
- Do not refrigerate or allow the specimen temperature to rise above body temperature.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Semen Fertility Analysis” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
- Withhold medication on the day of testing unless advised otherwise by your doctor
- Take medication as normal on day before test
- Withhold taking medication until after blood test (it is possible to bring medication into collection centre if preferred)
- Recommended to have blood test early in morning so that medication regime is not disturbed
- Minimum withholding period is 8 hours
These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Drug screening
There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide TML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector prior to collection.
- You must not eat, drink, smoke or rinse your mouth for at least 10 minutes before the test.
- The collector will be in view while you swab the inside of your mouth.
- You will need to sign all labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to fill in. Please complete the medication information (to assist with interpretation of any findings). You must complete any other forms presented to you
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper proof bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leav
Sample Collection – General Overview
The collector will ask you to swab the inside of your mouth and tongue until the swab is soaked with fluid. This can take from three to ten minutes. Do not suck or chew on the swab. You will have to give two swab samples.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Salivary Drug Screen” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Cost: There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide TML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will incur the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to directly observe passage of urine from the urethra to the container.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to complete. You must complete any forms presented to you.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample collection – general overview
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets. All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine. A collection staff member will stand in front of you (female) or closely beside you (male) to observe you urinating.
- Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will be temperature tested. If the temperature is outside 33-38 ºC, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Urine Drug Screen Level 1” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Cost: There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide TML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will incur the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to directly observe passage of urine from the urethra to the container.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to complete. You must complete any forms presented to you.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Overview
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets. All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine. The collection staff member will remain in the room whilst you urinate and discreetly observes from the side.
- Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will be temperature tested. If the temperature is outside 33-38 ºC, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Urine Drug Screen Level 2” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
Cost: There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide TML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will incur the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.
What to expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to complete. You must complete any forms presented to you.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Overview
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets. All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.
- You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine. The collection staff member waits outside the cubicle with the door slightly ajar whilst you urinate.
- Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will be temperature tested. If the temperature is outside 33-38 ºC, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Urine Drug Screen Level 3” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide TML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
The collection staff member waits outside the cubicle with the door slightly ajar whilst you urinate. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide TML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to directly observe passage of urine from the urethra to the container.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
A collection staff member will stand in front of you (female) or closely beside you (male) to observe you urinating. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
Urine testing
Your doctor requested a urine sample for examination. This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly. Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean the area where urine is passed thoroughly. Please follow these guidelines. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN CONTAINERS TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
- Wash hands
- Remove undergarments and part knees to allow thorough cleansing of the urine opening
- Sit comfortably on the seat, placing one knee as far to the side as you can
- Using the left hand, part the skin folds
- Wash the area from which you pass urine with a towelette, using a cleansing action from the front of your body to the back. This is to be repeated twice using a clean towelette each time
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet
- Then pass urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside. Do not allow the skin of your fingers to touch inside of either the jar or the lid. If you drop the jar on the floor, please ask for another
- Screw down the lid on the jar, firmly.
Your doctor has requested a urine sample for examination. This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly. Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean the area where urine is passed thoroughly. Please follow these guidelines.
Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN CONTAINERS TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
- Wash hands
- Expose penis and gently retract foreskin (if present) to its limit. (In young uncircumcised boys the foreskin is attached to the glans penis by firm adhesions. If the foreskin is retracted too vigorously then these adhesions will be ruptured and bleeding will occur)
- Wash the glans penis with a towelette, repeating this cleansing procedure with a second towelette
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet
- Then pass urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside. Do not allow the skin of your fingers to touch the inside of the jar or the lid. If you drop the jar on the floor, please ask for another
- Screw down the lid on the jar FIRMLY.
- At the starting time, empty the bladder into the toilet
- All further urine for the next 24 hours must be passed directly through the funnel into the bottle provided
- Record name, DOB, and start and finish time on the label
- Keep urine refrigerated during collection
- Ensure that the cap is screwed on firmly before returning the bottle to the collection centre.
It is important to ensure that the bottle is kept upright at all times as some bottles contain corrosive additives.
Please ask for two bottles if you think that one will not be sufficient.
For example:
6.00am day 1
Empty bladder and discard the urine into the toilet. Pass all urine for the next 24 hours into the bottle.
6.00am day 2
Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.
Make sure the pubic and genital areas have been thoroughly washed, and are clean, dry and free from powder. Wash your hands and open the paediatric urine bag. Remove the strip of protective paper on the bag, exposing the adhesive. DO NOT place your fingers inside the bag as this will contaminate the sample.
Female collection
Position the wider part of the opening of the bag so that it covers the upper part of the genitalia, ensuring that the small end of the opening is applied firmly to the skin in the area between the vagina and rectum. Apply gentle pressure to the adhesive area to seal.
Male collection
The wider section of the opening is placed under the scrotum, the penis inserted into the bag and firm pressure applied to the adhesive area to seal.
- It is advisable to attach the bag before feeding baby
- Check every 15 minutes to see if baby has passed urine
- It is not advisable to apply a tight nappy
- Do not leave paediatric bag on baby for more than 1hr
- Discontinue using if skin develops allergy symptoms
- When specimen has been collected, remove bag gently by tucking up. Then fold the two adhesive surfaces together and seal bag
- Hold bag over a sterile urine container and using clean scissors, cut off a corner, let the urine run into the jar, replace lid and dispose of plastic collection bag
- Write baby’s surname, first name, date of birth, and time and date of collection on the container label
- Return container to the collection centre promptly
- Inform staff that sample was collected using a paediatric bag
Your doctor requires you to collect urine in order to test for Chlamydia trachomatis. Before collection, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and dry the genital area, as normal body secretions may alter the results.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN CONTAINERS TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
Instructions:
- You must not have urinated for one hour prior to making this collection
- Remove the lid from the urine container
- Pass the first 20-30ml of urine into the jar provided, holding the jar by the outside
- Do not allow your fingers to touch the inside of the jar or lid
- Screw down the lid on the jar FIRMLY
Your doctor requires you to collect urine over a period of several hours, your doctor will specify the required time.
If overnight collection is required, this is usually collected over a period of approximately eight hours, commencing when you retire to bed.
- At the starting time, empty the bladder into the toilet and record the starting time
- Collect all urine over a designated period of collection
- For the entire time of collection, all urine must be passed directly through the funnel into the bottle provided
- Record name and start and finish times on the bottle label
- Keep urine refrigerated during collection
- Ensure that the cap is screwed on firmly before returning the bottle to the collection centre.
AN EXAMPLE OF AN 8 HOUR COLLECTION:
10.00PM (DAY 1)
Empty bladder and discard the urine into the toilet. Pass all urine for the next 8 hours into the bottle.
6.00AM (DAY 2)
Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.
Please Note: 8, 10 or 12 hours is usually an adequate and convenient period of collection but will depend on the specific requirements outlined by your doctor.
A number of drugs including antihypertensive agents (blood pressure medications) and antidepressants may interfere with these urinary tests. Do not restrict or cease these drugs unless advised by your doctor.
You should ensure that your medications are being taken on a regular daily basis for the 3-4 days prior to and during the collection.
In addition, as illness can misleadingly raise the results of these tests, avoid collecting the sample during intercurrent illness (e.g., flu).
When testing for urinary 5-HIAA or serotonin, exclude from your diet all nuts and vegetables or fruit containing seeds for 3-4 days prior to and during the collection. This includes bananas. Some examples of foods to exclude are:
- Avocado
- Chilli
- Eggplant
- Pineapple
- Tomato
- Banana
- Plum
- Chilli
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Your doctor has requested one or three samples of urine for examination. This test is very important to assess your health and will only give useful results if collected properly.
Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean and dry the genital area thoroughly. Please follow these guideliness
PLEASE COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION ON THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER LABEL AND RETURN TO THE COLLECTION CENTRE PROMPTLY.
Instructions:
- Do not collect the first urine of the day. The sample must be from a second or later void of the day.
- Wash the genital area with a towelette.
- Collect the first part of the urine into the jar provided.
- Screw down the lid on the jar, firmly.
- Write your name, surname, date of birth and date of collection on the jar.
- Take the sample to a TML Pathology collection centre as soon as possible. Refrigerate if a delay of a few hours in sending the specimen is anticipated.
- Your doctor may request you send in samples from three separate days. If required, please repeat above steps.
Your doctor has requested a 24 hour blood pressure study. This test involves wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. As this test requires you be fitted with a monitor you will need to contact your chosen Dorevitch Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the monitor is fitted.
- The cuff may only be worn on the upper arm. It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably.
What to expect
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Noting all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body.
- While the unit is in the process of taking your blood pressure, you must relax and keep your arm still until the cuff has completely deflated at the end of the procedure. Let arm hang relaxed beside body if possible.
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Dorevitch Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABP)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 03 9244 0444.
Please follow these instructions carefully
Instructions
- Collect specimen a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 7 days after your last ejaculation.
- Collect the ENTIRE sample by means of masturbation. Other methods, such as interruption of intercourse, are not suitable as there can be loss of the first portion of the specimen.
- DO NOT use condoms, artificial lubricants, talcs, etc, as these will interfere with the test.
- Collect the specimen in the specially provided container.
- Label container with your:
- • Surname
- • Date of Birth
- • Given Name
- • Time and Date of Collection
- For both Fertility and Post Vasectomy Testing, please deliver to your nearest Dorevitch Laboratory listed overleaf within 45 minutes of collection.
Please see PDF below for form to deliver with the specimen and doctor request form.
Specimen Drop Off Locations
Please see PDF below for your nearest Dorevitch Laboratory sample drop off locations.
Your doctor has requested a sputum test and the laboratory requires a specimen of inflammatory secretions (phlegm), which has been coughed up from the lungs and lower air passages.
This sputum is usually thick and opaque, and may vary in colour (grey, green or yellow). Thin watery saliva is not suitable for testing.
If chest physiotherapy treatment is being given, it is preferable for the physiotherapist to help collect a suitable sample.
If at home, it may be useful to arrange pillows over the side of a bed and lie on them head downwards for about 10 minutes, to drain the sputum from the lungs. The most adequate sample may be obtained early in the morning on rising.
Rinsing the mouth out with water first may make the collection easier, especially if the throat is dry and the sputum is very sticky. A deep breath in, followed by a strong cough, will help to carry the sputum into your throat. You can then cough the specimen into the container provided. If the sample appears thin and watery with food particles, it is saliva. Please obtain another sterile container from a Dorevitch Pathology collection centre and collect again.
Your doctor has requested a sample of faeces to be sent to the laboratory for examination.
Please use the following instructions to make your collection:
You will need to collect both samples preferably within 3 days of each other.
DO NOT collect the sample during menstrual bleeding or if you have bleeding hemorrhoids
- Label your collection tube with your full name, date of birth and collection date.
- Wee in the toilet first and flush it away.
- Put some toilet paper or a plastic container on top of the water. The toilet water won’t affect your sample result, so don’t worry if your poo mixes with the toilet water.
- Poo onto the toilet paper or plastic container
- Remove the green plastic collection stick from the bottle by twisting. Then scrape the grooved end across different areas of the poo.
- Cover the grooves on the end of the stick with poo, but do not put too much on. The sample should be smaller than a grain of rice. If you collect too much the test will not work.
- Put the stick back in its bottle and push to click shut. Do not remove the stick again.
- Gently shake the tube to mix the liquid. Store the tube in the fridge or a cool place.
- Collect the second sample (steps 1-8) when you next go to the toilet.
- Put both samples in the plastic bag and drop at a Dorevitch collection centre with the request form. Do this as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.
Collection of Faeces for Reducing Sugars/ Substances
Requires one specimen only.
Equipment
- 1 brown topped container
- 1 plastic bag
- 1 wooden spatula
- Instruction leaflet
Instructions
- Label container with full name, date of birth, time and date of collection.
- Using the spatula provided, place a small amount of faeces (about the size of a 10 cent coin) into the container.
- Replace top, seal container in plastic bag and place into a suitable plastic container, e.g. recycled ice-cream or margarine container, which has water in it. Place container (with specimen in it) in freezer and freeze.
- Keep frozen until delivery to the collection centre can be arranged.
An appointment is required for this test. Please phone your nearest Dorevitch Pathology collection centre to make arrangements.
Pre-test preparation
- Do NOT eat or drink for 12 hours prior to the time you are booked in.
- Keep your water intake as normal during this time.
- Do NOT smoke during this time.
During the test
On arrival at our collection centre, a blood sample will be taken from you by one of our trained collecting staff. You will then be asked to drink a sweet glucose drink and blood will be collected one and two hours later. May we suggest you bring a book to read to help pass the time and a snack to have after your test.
Please note that you will be required to remain in the collection centre for the duration of the test.
Your doctor has requested a Holter Monitor (Electrocardiogram) test. As this requires you to be fitted with the monitor for 24 hours, you will need to contact your chosen Dorevitch Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the Holter Monitor is fitted.
- It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably and inconspicuously.
- Female patients should not wear ‘underwire’ bras during the test period.
What to expect
- Once the monitor has been fitted onto your chest you will be free to go about your day as normal. It is not uncommon to experience some minor skin irritation caused by the glue on the sticky dots.
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Be sure to note all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Dorevitch Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Holter Monitoring” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 03 9244 0444.
A Urea Breath Test has been requested by your doctor to assess the likelihood of the presence of Helicobacter Pylori in the stomach. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air after swallowing of a capsule containing urea labelled with radioactive carbon-14. Urea is a harmless, naturally occurring substance and the radiation involved is similar to half a day’s normal exposure to environmental radiation.
Preparation:
- Fast (no food or liquids) for a minimum of six hours before the test.
- No smoking or eating during the test.
- The test can be performed at any time of the day, and will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
- At the conclusion of the test you will be asked to blow into a breath collection balloon which is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Medication restrictions include:
- No antibiotics for four weeks prior to test
- No proton-pump inhibitors (eg Losec, Zoton, Somac) for one week prior to test
- No cytoprotectives (sucralfate) for two weeks prior to test
- For a full list of medication restrictions, please see our collection staff
- Your doctor must be notified prior to temporarily stopping any medications. Please do not discontinue any medication without the agreement of your doctor.
Children and pregnant/lactating women:
The small dose of radiation involved in this test is not thought to be harmful and is less than the dose in most X-rays. If you would prefer to avoid this radiation altogether, please ask your doctor about other tests that might be available.
Your doctor has referred you to Dorevitch Pathology for a Mantoux Test.
This test is only performed at selected Collection Centres. Please phone your nearest Dorevitch Pathology Collection Centre for information regarding this test as an appointment is required.
The test involves an injection in your forearm.
You MUST return to the same Dorevitch Pathology collection centre between 48 and 72 hours (3 days). We will then complete the test and send a report to your doctor.
This is a special test which is only performed at selected Dorevitch Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Mantoux” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 03 9244 0444.
Equipment
- 3 sterile yellow lid jars.
Instructions
- Where possible, please collect sputum specimens in the early mornings. However, if your cough/sputum production is higher at another time of the day, then the specimen may be collected then. Adequate specimen is essential. The container may be used more than once within a SINGLE day if you are unable to produce/collect adequate specimen in one cough.
- 3 separate specimens must be collected over 3 consecutive days.
- The specimen must be sputum (or phlegm) produced from your lungs and not saliva which is produced in the mouth.
- Breathing deeply 3 or 4 times before collecting the specimen and “huffing” on expiration may help produce a more adequate specimen.
- Breathing in the steam whilst having a hot shower or breathing in steam from a bowl with a towel over your head may also prove helpful towards producing a satisfactory specimen.
- Label each jar with your:
• Surname
• Date of Birth
• Given Name
• Time & Date of Collection
• Please label day 1, day 2 or day 3 - Specimen should be delivered as soon as possible on the day of collection. If there is a delay in delivery, please refrigerate.
Drug screening
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Dorevitch Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
The collection staff member waits outside the cubicle with the door slightly ajar whilst you urinate. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Dorevitch Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to directly observe passage of urine from the urethra to the container.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
A collection staff member will stand in front of you (female) or closely beside you (male) to observe you urinating. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
Urine testing
Equipment
- 1 Sterile urine jar
- 2 Towelettes
Procedure
- Wash hands
- Prepare by opening the sterile container and the towelettes and placing them where they can be reached conveniently.
- Sit well back on the toilet. Part the skinfolds (labia) and while holding apart, wash once from front to back with the first towelette and then the second.
- With the skinfolds (labia) still apart pass the initial amount of urine into the toilet and then without stopping the stream pass the container under and collect enough urine to half fill the container. The rest of the urine is passed into the toilet.
- Place the lid on the container.
- Label both containers with your:
• Surname
• Date of Birth
• Given name
• Time & Date of Collection - Return the sample to the Collection Centre as soon as possible on the day of collection. If there is any delay, refrigerate the specimen.
N.B. The two most important considerations when collecting urine are:
- To keep the labia parted (following cleansing) until urine collected.
- To allow a continuous stream while collecting urine.
Equipment
- 1 Sterile urine jar
- 2 Towelette(s)
Procedure
- Wash hands.
- If uncircumcised, retract the foreskin and cleanse around the opening of the urethra with the towelette(s) provided.
- Avoid touching the inside of the container and the lid.
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet and without stopping the stream collect approximately 25mls of urine into the specimen container (i.e. half fill the container). The remaining urine is passed into the toilet. Return foreskin to correct position (if uncircumcised).
- Screw the lid tightly and label container with your:
• Surname
• Date of Birth
• Given Name
• Time and Date of Collection - Return the sample to the collection centre as soon as possible on the day of collection. If there is any delay, refrigerate the specimen.
Procedure
- Start the collection by going to the toilet so you have no urine left. Flush the toilet. This is the start time of the collection even though there is no urine in the bottle. Please note this time on the bottle (time/date of collection).
- Label the bottle with your
• Surname
• Date of birth
• Given name
• Time and date of collection - Collect all urine into the large bottle for the next 24 hours, using the cup provided.
- Keep the bottle cool during the collection.
- At the end of the 24 hours go to the toilet again, but this time put any urine into the bottle.
- Write the finish time and date on the bottle.
NOTE: If you miss a urine specimen during the 24 hours you will need to collect another bottle and start again.
If the test is “Creatinine clearance” you will need to have a blood test
done within 1 – 2 days of the urine collection.
If the test is “5HIAA” you will need to change your diet to avoid avocados, tomatoes, bananas, pineapple, nuts, plums, eggplant and kiwi fruit.
If the test is “arsenic” you will need to avoid shellfish for two days before, and during the 24 hour urine collection.
If the bottle you have been given contains some acid or preservative, please do not tip it out. If you spill any on your clothes or skin you should wash it off immediately with water and seek medical assistance if needed.
If you do spill any of the acid/preservative you will be required to collect a second bottle to perform the test accurately.
Collection Kit Instructions
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the baby’s nappy. Wash the genital area thoroughly with soap and water. Dry thoroughly.
- Open the urine collection pack.
- Grasp the tube marked “Chlorhexidine 0.1% Aqueous Irrigation” and twist the lid off. Pour the contents into one of the compartments containing three cotton wool balls.
For Female: Take one of these swabs and wipe the genital area from front to back on the left side and discard. Repeat on the right side and in the centre.
For Male: Wipe around the head of the penis with each swab. - Open the other tube marked “Water for Irrigation” in the same manner and pour over the other cotton wool swabs. Wipe the genital area in the same way.
- Dry the area around the urethral opening.
- Remove the keyhole shaped opening on the urine bag without touching the inside.
- Remove the adhesive protector.
- Apply the bag over the urethral opening.
- After the urine has been passed, carefully remove the bag.With scissors, snip the corner of the bag and pour the urine into the specimen jar.
- Return to the lab as soon as possible. Refrigerate if there is a delay.
No special dietary restrictions apply.
Equipment
- 3 x 120ml Urine Jars
Collection
- Collect mid morning sample on 3 consecutive days.
- The first early morning sample is not suitable.
- Ensure all of the following details are competed on each jar-
• Surname
• Given name
• Date of birth
• Time and date of collection
• Number the samples 1, 2 and 3 - Each specimen should be delivered as soon as possible on the day of collection. If there is a delay in delivery, please refrigerate.
Please Follow These Instructions Carefully
24 Hour Urine Collection
WARNING: An acid preservative may have been added into the collection bottle. If this is the case, the bottle should be marked ACID. This preservative may be harmful if spilt or splashed onto yourself. If you do spill some acid, wash the affected area with copious amounts of water. If ACID is marked on the bottle:
- Do not urinate directly into the container
- Wash any splashes or spills with copious amounts of water
- Keep the container away from children and pets.
All urine for a 24 hour period must be collected into the supplied container. You may begin at any time which is suitable for you but you must be able to complete the collection exactly 24 hours later.
- At a suitable time, empty your bladder into the toilet. Record this date and time on the label of the container [No. 2]. This is the start time.
- Using boiling water, wash out a clean plastic container (or similar).
- Pass urine into the clean plastic container
- Transfer all urine passed into the supplied container for the next 24 hours.
- Exactly 24 hours from the start time, empty your bladder into the container and write this date and time on the label of the container [No. 4].
- The container should be kept in a cool place during the test and when it is complete.
- Return the container to the collection centre as soon as possible.
Your doctor may wish you to provide 3 samples over 3 consecutive mornings.
In a specimen container:
1. Collect the complete SECOND urine specimen of the MORNING.
FOR FEMALES:
Before collecting urine sample, use a sterile water wipe to clean the urethral opening, wiping from front to back. Discard wipe.
2. Specimens should be kept refrigerated until taken to your nearest Abbott Pathology Collection Centre (see back of request form
for centre locations).
- Using boiling water, wash out a clean plastic container (or similar).
- Place the container in the toilet to catch the motion (specimen).
- Transfer a sample (as big as a 20 cent piece) into the brown top container using the scoop attached to the lid.
- If the faeces is too liquid, simply pour into brown top container so it is about half full. Please do not fill.
- Please wipe the outside of the container with a tissue if it is soiled.
- Write your name, date and time of collection on the container label.
- Please deliver as soon as possible. If there is any delay, put the container in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.
- This specimen can be used to investigate both bacterial pathogens (M,C & S) and parasites (O,C & P).
- If you are requested to produce more than one specimen for bacterial pathogens (M,C & S), these should be collected seven days apart. A third specimen for this investigation is unwarranted.
- If you are requested to produce more than one specimen for parasites (O,C & P), then collect the second sample two to four days after the first. If a third sample was requested for parasites then collect this sample seven days after the first.
- If collecting more than one specimen, ensure each specimen is delivered for testing on the same day of collection. Do NOT accumulate all required specimens and deliver at one time.
Information about the test:
There is no need for special dietary restrictions before taking this test. You may continue to take your usual medications, however, alcohol, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications may cause gastrointestinal irritation resulting in occult bleeding. It is best not to take these medications for at least 48 hours prior to testing, but please discuss this with your doctor. You should also not collect samples during, or within 3 days of a menstrual period, have actively bleeding haemorrhoids, have blood in your urine or if you have strained during the bowel movement.
You should collect only one specimen per day. If your doctor has requested three specimens, you should collect three samples on three consecutive days.
It is ideal to perform the test as soon as possible after specimen collection, so please return the specimen to the collection centre as soon as possible. Do not leave the specimen at room temperature for prolonged periods. If delivery to the lab will be delayed more than a few hours, please put the specimen(s) in the fridge in the biohazard bag. The specimens may be stored in the fridge for up to 72 hours if necessary.
Specimen:
Approximately 20-30g of faeces (size of a plum or small egg) is required
Collection Procedure:
- Line a clean ice cream bucket (or large plastic container) with aluminium foil or toilet paper.
- Pass faeces into container. Try not to contaminate the faeces specimen with urine or toilet water as this can cause dilution of the sample.
- Using the scoop in the lid of the supplied brown top container, or a wooden applicator, transfer some faeces into the brown topped faeces container.
- If diarrhoea is watery, pass into unlined container and then pour into the brown-topped faeces container.
- Label container with surname, given name, date of collection, time of collection and date of birth. Seal the specimen container
- in the bag provided and place the request form in the pocket on the side of the bag.
- Deliver specimen and request form to the nearest Abbott Pathology collection centre as soon as possible.
PROCEDURE FOR BOTH MALE AND FEMALE
- Ideally, (you) the patient should not have passed urine for at least an hour.
- MALES - retract foreskin (if applicable) FEMALES – part the labia
- Pass first 10-20mls of urine into sterile jar. Pass remaining urine into toilet.
- NOTE: Maximum amount in jar = 1/3 full (approx. 20mls)
- Screw lid firmly onto jar.
- Return sample to your nearest Abbott Pathology Collection Centre as soon as possible (see back of request form for centre locations).
- Wash your hands.
- Using a clean moist tissue or toilet paper, separate the labia skin folds and wipe from front to back.
- Pass some urine into the toilet first.
- Pass some urine into the container provided without touching the inside of the bowl.
- Finish passing urine into toilet.
- Please bring the yellow-topped container to the pathology collector.
- Patient must be fasting. No food, drinks or energy supplying substances in any form should be consumed for at least 8 hours prior to the test, but the patient must not fast longer than 16 hours. Water is permitted throughout the fasting period and during the test.
- Patient should avoid excessive exercise during the fasting period.
- Smoking is not permitted during the fasting period or throughout the test.
- The patient must rest during the test, preferably either sitting or lying in a semi-recumbent position (as lying flat can delay the gastric emptying).
- Patients should remain at the collection centre for the duration of the test.
- The GTT must be performed in the morning because of a decreasing glucose tolerance in the afternoon.
- Should you have any queries regarding these instructions, please contact our nearest centre listed on the back of your request form.
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Follow the instructions above then
- Place the swab into the transport tube provided
- Snap off the shaft of the swab & screw on the transport tube lid firmly
- Label the tube with your full name, time & date, your date of birth
- Place the tube into the plastic specimen bag, with the pathology request form
- Deliver the sample to your nearest pathology collection centre within6 hrsStore sample at room temperature prior to delivery to the collection centre
1. Wash hands with soap and warm water
2. Retract foreskin if needed.
3. Remove the lid of the jar without touching the inside of the jar or lid.
4. Pass the first part of the urine into the toilet.
5. Then collect some urine into the jar. (Approximately 2 fill.)
6. Pass the remaining urine into the toilet.
7. Screw lid firmly onto jar.
8. Return sample to the collector at the nearest Abbott Pathology Collection Centre as soon as possible. (see back of request form for centre locations)
Post Vasectomy samples
The patient should ring the collection centre to arrange a suitable time to bring in the specimen. Samples may be accepted at any Collection centre.
Because the specimen should be delivered to a laboratory for prompt analysis, the patient should be given a time to bring in the sample, so that the first available courier can deliver this to the laboratory.
It is recommended that the post-vasectomy sample is collected when there have been at least 10 ejaculations in the previous 10 weeks.
Fertility samples
The patient should ring the collection centre to arrange a suitable time and place to bring in the specimen.
NOTE: No more than 30 minutes should elapse between collection and delivery to the collection centre as timely examination by the laboratory is required to prevent potential deterioration of the specimen.
It is important that sputum from deep in your lungs and not saliva from your mouth, is coughed up.
To help you with this please read the following information before you commence:
- A morning sample when you first arise is best as there is the most sputum pooled in the lungs at that time.
- Remove the top from the specimen container and hold the container ready to cough into.
- Cough deeply from the lungs and expectorate (spit sputum) into the container.
- It may be easier if you lie across the bed, face down with your head and chest over the edge. Take 3 deep breaths and then cough several times directly into the container. Breathe normally for 2 minutes and then repeat the deep breaths and coughing.
- Screw the lid on the container, and take the container and request form to the Specimen Collection Centre. Please ensure that you write your name, date and time of collection on the container label.
This is done to make or exclude a diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Collection of a clean sample is important as contamination may interfere with an accurate result.
Please follow these instructions:
- Using hot soapy water, wash out a plastic container (e.g ice-cream container). Dry container well.
- Try to collect sample when baby's nappy is dry indicating he/she may be ready to pass urine.
- Bath baby, washing the penis/labia well.
- Pat the baby dry.
- Hold baby over the plastic container with knees bent upwards. After a short wait baby will probably pass urine.
- Place baby on the floor, bed, or large surface from which he/she will not fall.
- Open the yellow top specimen jar and pour urine directly into the container.
- Screw jar lid firmly onto jar and write baby's name, date of birth and time/date of collection.
- Place the specimen jar in the fridge.
- Attend to baby.
- Please deliver to your nearest Abbott Pathology Collection Centre as soon as you can.
- If this fails, a bag urine collection may be required. (These are available at your nearest collection centre.)
- If you have any queries, please telephone us on 08 8159 7900 and speak to the Duty Manager.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Abbott Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
The collection staff member waits outside the cubicle with the door slightly ajar whilst you urinate. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.
This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide Abbott Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) or a pre-printed chain of custody form from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
What to Expect
- Photo ID must be shown to the collector for the collection to proceed.
- The collector is required to directly observe passage of urine from the urethra to the container.
- You will need to sign all tamper evident labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
- You will be asked about your current medications and other personal information. This information is recorded on the chain of custody form.
- You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper evident bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leave.
Sample Collection – General Steps
- The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.
All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room. - You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.
- A coloured solution will be added to the toilet. Water taps and soap will be made tamper evident (i.e. a paper bag taped over the taps).
- A sample collection cup will be provided for you to submit a minimum 40mL of urine.
A collection staff member will stand in front of you (female) or closely beside you (male) to observe you urinating. - Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.
- The urine will undergo two integrity checks – temperature and creatinine. If the temperature or creatinine are outside the normal range, or anything unusual is noted of the urine, another sample will be required.