Preparing for a test

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.