My Pathology Test
Pathology is the branch of medicine that involves studying and diagnosing diseases. By looking at changes in tissue, blood and other body fluids it is possible to find the causes of disease, assess the severity of a condition and monitor the progress of treatments.
Below is information about your testing and our dedicated team's role in it. You will also find tips for before and after your test.
Tips before you arrive for testing
- Ensure you are well hydrated before having your blood taken
- For fasting blood tests do not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours
- Stay warm, in particular your arms
- Applying moisturiser on your forearms (including hands and elbows) for a few days prior can make the puncture less painful
Tips after you have finished your test
- You will be asked to apply pressure at the site to ensure the bleeding has stopped. If you have a tendency to bleed or bruise you should keep pressure at the site for longer.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects for at least 2 hours (e.g. shopping bags, small children, boxes)
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 hours and preferably for 24 hours
- In rare cases bleeding can start again or a lump can form at the site, apply firm pressure for 5-10 minutes.
- Ice cubes or Ice pack can help with the pain or swelling from the venupuncture
Testing for Children
For information about pathology testing for children and helpful hints please click here
You and your Doctor
When visiting your doctor they may recommend that you have some pathology tests done.
Pathology is the branch of medicine that involves studying and diagnosing diseases. By looking at changes in tissue, blood and other body fluids it is possible to find the causes of disease, assess the severity of a condition and monitor the progress of treatments.
Pathology underpins modern medicine, with every single case of cancer being diagnosed by a specialist pathologist. More then 70% of all diagnoses are made in a pathology laboratory. This is the best way for your doctor to make decisions regarding your care.
Collecting your specimen
Your specimen may be collected by our specially trained staff at one of our collection centres, at your doctor's practice or whilst you are in hospital.
We understand that having a pathology test can be an anxious time. If you are concerned about your pathology test, please contact us or your nearest collection centre. Pathology tests vary for each individual person. Some tests may have dietary requirements or require appointments.
We have Patient Information Sheets for most procedures to provide relevant information. These are available at our collection centres or in the link below.
Specimen Transport
Our dedicated courier staff pick up specimens from hospitals, nursing homes, doctor's practices and our collection centres on a regular basis. In many cases our couriers pick up specimens multiple times a day.
We also offer urgent specimen transport from selected hospitals with staff available 24/7 to transport these to the laboratory. These specimens are analysed and results released as soon as possible.
Specimen Reception
All information regarding the specimen and tests requested are entered in our secure database. Specimens are distributed to our laboratory departments for testing.
Patient information is treated with the strictest confidence in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Federal Privacy Act.
The Laboratory
Our main Laboratory is located in Deakin and is open 24 hours. We also have regional laboratories located in Bega and Goulburn.
Our laboratories are staffed by a large, diverse group of experienced people and led by doctors specialising in Pathology.
Our pathologists are medical doctors who have undertaken further training in the field of laboratory medicine. Our medical and scientific team are supported by technicians, pathology aides and dedicated staff who work in the areas of phlebotomy, data entry, accounts, IT, stores, doctors service centre and client services.
Your specimen will be analysed in a specialised area of the laboratory determined by the testing required.
Your Results
Once your specimen has been analysed, the results will be interpreted by scientists and specialist pathologists who take into account the relevant clinical details supplied by your doctor.
Depending on your referring doctor's preference, your results will be delivered either electronically by our secure computer system or printed and hand delivered to your doctor's practice by our courier staff.
Abnormal and urgent results are communicated directly to your referring doctor.
Most pathology test results are available within 24 hours. Please contact your referring doctor for your pathology test results.
Frequently asked questions
Unsure what to expect from your pathology test? Our Frequently Asked Questions should provide you with the answers you need.
Are you having a specialised test you are unsure about? Patient Information Sheets have everything your need to know to be prepared.
Specialised departments of Pathology testing
Haematology
This is the study and examination of blood and blood forming tissue.
Biochemistry
The measurement of natural chemicals in the body.
Microbiology
The study of infectious diseases, in particular those caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Cytopathology
The examination of cells for cancerous changes.
Immunology
The measurement of antibodies and other factors for assessing immune and disease status.
Histopathology
The examination of tissue to diagnose cancer and other conditions ranging from infection to autoimmune disease.
Blood Banking and Serology
The examination of blood and blood products to ensure their safety before they are used in blood transfusions and other medical procedures.