What to bring Pathology test request form completed by your doctorA 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
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 16 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.
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).
Urine Drug Screen Level 1
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).
Urine Drug Screen Level 2
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).
Urine Drug Screen Level 3
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).
Urine testing
Urine Collection Female - Random (Mid Stream)
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.
Urine Collection Male - Random (Mid Stream)
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.
Urine Collection – 24 Hour
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
6.00am day 2
Urine Collection (Paediatrics)
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
Urine Collection PCR Test (Chlamydia)
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
Urine Collection (Timed - Microalbumin)
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.
Urine Collection Diet (For 5HIAA, Catecholamine & Metanephrines)
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
Urine Collection for Cytology
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.
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. 
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