Pathology collections and appointments
Most collections for general pathology tests, including if you need to fast, can be performed at any of our collection centres. You are welcome to come at any time during our regular opening hours without making an appointment.
There are some specialised tests for which you must call us to book your appointment and others that don’t need an appointment but are only available at designated collection centres.
Please check your request form in the ‘tests requested’ section to see if any of the tests listed below are there. If so, please attend the designated centre or call to make your appointment as per the listing.
Specialised tests - call to book an appointmnet
Some tests need pre-test preparation. Please call us to book your appointment.
24 HR Blood Pressure Monitores (BPM)
Do I need an appointment?
Yes
Information:
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is used to measure your blood pressure at regular intervals and it is most effective when carried out continuously over a 24-hour period.
This is because you blood pressure will go up and down naturally throughout the day and can be higher when you are active, excited or nervous. For many people, the stress of a visit to the doctor may increase it, a phenomenon known as the ‘white coat effect’. People whose blood pressure surges excessively in the morning or does not fall in the evening may be at a higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiac problems.
You will have two visits for this test. At the first visit you will be fitted with a monitor and given instructions on using it. At the next visit the monitor will be removed.
Child and infant blood tests (up to 5yrs of age)
Do I need an appointment?
Preferred but not required
Information:
As most young children need special care for pathology collections, our pathology collectors who will take their sample are specifically trained in paediatric collections. You can learn more about children and pathology collections below.
You don’t need to book an appointment, but please phone ahead to ensure we have two collectors available to assist.
Holter Monitor
Do I need an appointment?
Yes
Information:
A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that monitors and records the electrical rhythms of your heart via an electrocardiogram (ECG) over an extended period of time, usually over 24 or 48 hours. It provides information about how the changes in your heart rhythm correspond with your daily activities and sleep patterns and it is used to investigate a range of symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations.
You will have two visits for this test. At the first visit you will be fitted with a monitor and given instructions on using it. At the next visit the monitor will be removed.
Urine drug screen
Do I need an appointment?
Yes
Information:
A urine drug screen (UDS) is performed to detect and identify drugs of abuse.
Non-Invasive prenatal test (NIPT)
Do I need an appointment?
Yes
Information:
Sonic Genetics provides non-invasive prenatal testing (or NIPT). This is a blood test that screens for common genetic conditions in the developing fetus. The conditions screened can include:
- Down syndrome (an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (an extra copy of chromosome 18; (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (an extra copy of chromosome 13; i.e. (trisomy 13)
- Abnormal numbers of the sex chromosomes (of the X or Y chromosomes)
- Abnormal gain or loss of a large segment of a chromosome
- Abnormal gain or loss of an entire chromosome in just part of the developing placenta or fetus
The test requires a single blood draw, and can be done once you have reached 10 weeks’ gestation. Collecting a maternal blood sample for NIPT poses no threat to the fetus.
DNA (Swab) - Paternity/Peace of Mind
Do I need an appointment?
Yes
Information:
Sample collections performed on behalf of DNA Labs at designated collection centres.
Specialised tests - available at designated collection centres
No appointment required, but you can book and appointment at selected collection centres to save you time
Ammonia
Do I need an appointment?
Preferred but not required
Information:
Ammonia is measured in the investigation of many conditions. Specialised collection and transport required.
You don’t need to book an appointment, but please phone ahead to ensure we have two collectors available to assist.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) collection
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
This test detects Sars-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
You don’t need to book an appointment but patients with suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) can attend designated collection centres.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are performed at centres that are equipped with ECG machines.
Glucose Tolerance Test
Do I need an appointment?
Yes
Information:
This is a fasting test and needs to be done in the morning.
This test requires you to stay at the collection centre for 2 hours and 15 minutes from the time you are attended to. Please refer to the information in the following link to prepare for your test.
Please note:
This test is not performed at Crookwell and Bungendore.
Methylmalonic acid
Semen analysis fertility
Semen samples accepted
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
Semen analysis investigate the number and quality of sperm.
Total haemolytic complement (THC, CH50, CH100)
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
This test requires temperature-controlled transportation to the laboratory.
C1 Esterase Inhibitor
Do I need an appointment?
Preferred but not required
Information:
C1 esterase inhibitor is measured in the investigation of Angioedema. This test requires temperature-controlled transportation to the laboratory.
COVID-19 travel Japan
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
This test detects Sars-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Japan requires specific sample collection for COVID-19.
Your passport is required for test collection.
COVID-19 travel RT-PCR
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
Patients requiring coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for travel can attend designated collection centres.
Your passport is required for test collection.
Kryptopyrole
Do I need an appointment?
Preferred but not necessary
Information:
This test is performed on behalf of Safe Laboratories. Pre-test preparation is required.
Respiratory PCR testing
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
Samples are investigated for the common respiratory viruses including Influenza A and B, Respiratory Scinitial Virus (RSV), Rhinovirus, COVID-19, Human Metapneumovirus and Parainfluenza.
Smart Health STI
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
Sample collections performed on behalf SmartHealth STI at designated collection centres. Screening is provided for seven of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.
Very Long Chain Fatty Acids
Do I need an appointment?
No
Information:
Samples are collected on behalf of NSW Biochemical Genetics Service.