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Understanding pathology tests
8-minute read
Key facts
- A pathology test checks a sample of your body's tissues or fluids (such as blood, urine, or faeces) to diagnose or manage a medical condition.
- Pathology tests give more information about your health.
- They can be used to help diagnose or monitor a medical condition, screen for certain health conditions and monitor responses to treatments.
- Preparing for the test depends on the type of test you're having.
- Talk to your doctor to understand what your results mean for you.
What are pathology tests?
A pathology test is a test that examines a sample of your body's tissues or fluids. It is used to help your doctor find out more information about your health.
Pathology tests can be performed on samples including:
- blood
- urine
- faeces (poo)
- sputum (phlegm or mucus that you cough up)
- swabs taken from your nose and throat (such as COVID-19 testing)
- body tissues obtained by needle or biopsy
Sometimes, swabs may be taken from other places, such as your skin, cervix or genitals, for example, for cervical screening tests or testing for sexually transmitted infections.
When is a pathology test used?
Pathology tests give more information about your health. They can be used to help:
- diagnose a medical condition (or find a cause for your symptoms)
- monitor a medical condition over time
- screen for certain health conditions to find them early, before symptoms develop
Pathology tests are sometimes requested for employment or insurance purposes.
Pathology tests can help diagnose, detect and monitor conditions such as:
Pathology tests can also:
- check levels of medicines in your blood
- monitor your response to medicines and other treatments
- determine vitamin deficiencies
- detect allergies
Your doctor may refer you for specific pathology tests before and during your pregnancy to monitor your and your baby's health.
If you have been referred for a pathology test, you might want to ask your doctor about:
- which tests are recommended for you and why
- what you need to do before, during or after the test
- what the results might mean for your health, such as whether you need any treatment
- any risks associated with the test
- any associated costs and whether the test is covered by Medicare
- whether you will need any follow-up tests
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How and where can I get a pathology test?
You need a referral from your doctor to get a pathology test. They will give you a request form that you must present to the pathology collector.
You'll usually need to go to a pathology collection centre to have a pathology test. Your doctor can recommend a pathology collection centre close by - the address will be on the request form that they give you.
Sometimes, your doctor may collect samples for testing in their clinic.
If you need a standard pathology test, you do not usually have to book an appointment in advance.
Some types of tests may require you to schedule an appointment in advance. These tests may not be offered at all collection centres. Call your nearest pathology centre to find out more.
If you live in remote or rural Australia, you may have to travel further to have some pathology tests.
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How do I prepare for a pathology test?
To prepare for a pathology test, follow any instructions you've been given by your doctor.
For some tests, you need special preparation. This may include:
- fasting — not eating (and drinking only water) before your test
- avoiding or having certain foods and drinks before your test
- stopping or changing medicines or supplements before your test
- not drinking alcohol or smoking for a certain period before your test
Always check with your doctor about any preparation needed before your tests. Any changes to your diet or medicines should only be made under your doctor's instruction and supervision.
Let the collection centre staff know if you have not followed the instructions for any reason.
Tell your doctor about any medicines or supplements you are taking, including herbal or over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines.
Check with your doctor or call the pathology collection centre if you:
- are not sure of what you need to do before your pathology test
- have any questions about the test
More information on blood tests and preparation is available in our Guide to blood testing.
What happens during a pathology test?
Before having a pathology test, collection centre staff will check your personal details.
Your test will be performed by a trained professional. This might be a doctor, nurse or someone who is specifically trained to collect samples.
How the sample is collected will depend on the type of pathology test you are having. Ask your pathology collector what to do during the test.
What do pathology tests cost?
The costs associated with different pathology tests vary.
Medicare covers all or part of the cost of many pathology tests, but some tests are not covered. Many are bulk billed — this means that Medicare pays the full cost so you don't have to pay anything.
Your doctor should explain if there will be an out-of-pocket cost involved. You can also call the pathology collection centre (the number will be on your request form) to ask how much your tests will cost and how much Medicare covers.
You can also use the Australian Government's Medical Costs Finder tool to find and understand the costs for some services.
When and how will I get my pathology test results?
How long your results take will depend on the type of test you've had.
Your doctor should tell you beforehand when you can expect to receive your results. In most cases, it's best to book an appointment with your doctor to discuss your test results.
What do my pathology test results mean?
The best person to help you understand your results is the doctor who ordered the test. This may be your GP or a specialist doctor.
Pathology test results only have meaning in the context of:
- the reason you had the test
- your age and sex
- your overall health
- your lifestyle
- any treatments or medicines you are taking, including complementary medicines and supplements
Some results are compared to reference intervals or ranges. These are a range of values that are considered generally normal for the population, but not necessarily for everyone. So if your results are highlighted as 'high' or 'low', it's important to check with your doctor whether there is actually a problem.
Resources and support
The Pathology Tests Explained website has a number of resources and services available if you need help or more information on pathology testing.
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australia has useful fact sheets on a range of topics.