Preparing for a test

What to bring

You will also need to bring photo ID if you are having a test for any of the following reasons:

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

Tests that may require fasting include

These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

After your blood test

Once the blood collection is complete:

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:
Discomfort or swelling around needle puncture site:
Excessive bruising:

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 6 years, we have specialised paediatric collection centres with collectors who have been trained in paediatric care.

To find one of these, select “Paediatric Collection (1 to 6 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 to QML Pathology is in the condition necessary for correct examination and accurate result reporting.

Your doctor has referred you to QML Pathology for an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test.
The Test

An Allen’s test (checking the pulse of the ulnar and radial arteries) is performed first to check you have good circulation in your wrist. A sample of blood is drawn, preferably from the radial artery in your wrist, to measure how well your lungs transport oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide from your blood. Acidbase balance (pH) is also measured.

Results determine if you are receiving adequate oxygen, whether you have a pH imbalance and allow consideration of treatment requirements. You may feel slight discomfort during the collection.

You will be required to remain at the clinic during the entire procedure.

After Care

Firm pressure must be applied to the site for 5 minutes or longer, until the bleeding stops.

A bandage will be placed on your wrist and will be required to remain for one – two hours. Limited activity is to be performed for the following 24 hours. If the site begins to bleed, apply firm pressure until the bleed ceases.

If you have any concerns, or experience burning, numbness or tingling in your hand, consult your GP.

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Blood Gas (Arterial)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a 24 hour blood pressure study. This test involves wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. As this test requires you be fitted with a monitor you will need to contact your chosen QML Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
What to expect
Important

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABP)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a bone marrow biopsy. As this test is only preformed at select collection centres by a qualified doctor you will need to contact QML Pathology on 07 3121 4573 to make an appointment and to receive more detailed information.
What to expect

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Bone Marrow Collection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a Breath Hydrogen test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air. This test is only performed at selected collection centres. Please phone your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to arrange an appointment.
On the Night Before the Test:
On the Morning of the Test:

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Breath Testing – Breath Hydrogen Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a Urea Breath test. This test involves the collection and analysis of exhaled air. This test is only performed at selected collection centres.
Please phone your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to arrange an appointment.

This test should not be performed on people under the age of 16, or pregnant or lactating women (please speak with your medical practitioner).

Medication restrictions include:

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Breath Testing – Urea Breath Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Drug Screening

This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
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 QML 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 07 3121 4444.

This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
Sample Collection – General Steps
  1. The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.

    All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.

  2. You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.

  3. 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.

  4. Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.

  5. 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 QML 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 07 3121 4444.

This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
Sample Collection – General Steps
  1. The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets. All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.

  2. You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.

  6. 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 QML 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 07 3121 4444.

This test incurs an out of pocket fee that is required to be paid at time of collection unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide QML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs.
The collection will not proceed without payment.
What to expect
Sample Collection – General Steps
  1. The collector will ask you to remove coats/jumpers and to empty your pockets.

    All personal belongings will be left outside the collection room.

  2. You will be asked to wash your hands prior to producing a sample.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. Once finished, the sample cup is handed to the collector. The collector observes the toilet prior to flushing.

  6. 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 QML 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 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a sample of faeces to be sent to the laboratory for examination.
Please use the following instructions to make your collection:

DO NOT collect faecal sample during menstrual cycle or if bleeding hemorrhoids present.

  1. Place a clean holder/container in the toilet bowl to catch faeces.
  2. Once you have your faeces sample, open the green cap on the tube provided. Keep tube upright and take care to avoid spilling agent inside.
  3. Using the threaded end of the sampler, poke faeces 5 times, in a different point each time.
  4. Put the sampler back into the tube, push the cap on tightly to click shut and shake vigorously.
  5. Ensure tube is labelled with: • Full Name • Date of Birth • Date & Time of Collection.
  6. Keep sample at room temperature.
  7. Repeat this procedure for multiple faecal occult blood tests on 3 separate consecutive days. Please use a fresh tube for each sample.
  8. Return to doctor’s surgery or QML Pathology Collection Centre.

PLEASE NOTE: If your request includes faeces test(s) other than for Occult Blood, a faeces specimen must be submitted in a separate provided container

Your doctor has requested a sample of faeces to be sent to the laboratory for examination.
• Please use the brown top plastic container with scoop spoon that you have been supplied.
• A faecal sample about the size of a 20 cent piece (or one scoop) is required.
• Please use the following instructions to make your collection.

Adults:

The sample may be collected initially into a large, clean, plastic container, and the scoop spoon used to transfer the required amount into the smaller brown top container. A sample contaminated with urine or menstrual blood is not suitable.

Children:

A sample from a child may be collected by placing a square of cling wrap in the child’s nappy or potty.

Specimens collected in nappy liners and those containing urine are not suitable.

Multiple samples:

If multiple samples are collected they must be collected on separate days and:

  • Only 1 faeces specimen for culture will be accepted within any 7 day period.

  • Only 2 faeces specimens for microscopy/parasite testing will be accepted within any 7 day period.

Splitting a single sample is not acceptable.

It is essential that this sample is returned to the clinic without delay. If a delay is unavoidable the sample can be stored for a short time, please telephone the collection centre or your nearest QML Pathology laboratory for directions. Please have your request form on hand when you phone for easy reference of the type of testing that is listed.

Please Note: This is NOT the protocol for collecting 3 Day Faecal Fat samples. For 3 Day Faecal Fat test, all faeces passed over the 3 days of collection must be collected into a special container provided by the collection centre.

All faeces is to be collected over a three day period using the container(s) supplied. All faeces may be collected into one

container, or a separate container may be used for each 24 hour period. When completed, ensure the lid is well sealed and write your name and the date of collection on the container. Store the container(s) upright in a cool place (e.g. chilled esky or fridge) until the three days have been completed. Do not place nappy liners, plastic bags, toilet paper or other foreign materials in the container(s).

Controlled Fat Intake Diet for 3 Day Faecal Fat Test

For tests requested, a controlled fat intake diet (approx. 100g per day) may be required for one day prior to and during collection.

A sample diet is as follows:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Your doctor has requested you undergo one of the following tests:

  • BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes

  • BraOVO Gene Panel

  • Predictive Familial Cancer Test

  • Lynch gene panel
    FAP gene panel

  • Colorectal cancer predictive test

  • PGx MH

  • PGx Pain

  • PGx Multi

If you do not fit the MBS criteria an out-of-pocket fee applies which must be pre-paid before testing can occur.

How To Pre-Pay for Your Testing

Visit genomicdiagnostics.com.au to pre-pay for your test.

You will be allocated a receipt number, please make a note of this somewhere in the bottom ‘Patient’ section of your request form or if you have a Cancer Genetics Request Form in the Payment Information section.

Once your payment has been taken you can visit any QML Pathology Collection Centre with your request form for specimen collection. No appointment is necessary.

Results will be ready approximately four weeks from sample collection, or approximately two weeks for PGx tests.

For enquiries please call Customer Care on 1800 822 999.

An appointment is required for this test. Please phone your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to make arrangements.
On the Night before the Test
On the Morning of the Test

Do not proceed with the test if you have a known allergy to any of these additives.

Contact your doctor and advise your allergy is preventing you from proceeding with the GTT drink.

The test usually takes approximately 2 hours (unless your doctor specifies otherwise).

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is performed on pregnant women in their third trimester.

GBS is a bacterium and a normal part of vaginal and gastrointestinal flora that is present in between 14% and 25% of pregnant women.

However, it can (rarely) cause life-threatening septicaemia or meningitis in a newborn child.

It can also cause infections in pregnant women and immunosuppressed people.

To determine if you are currently colonised with GBS this test requires you to collect a swab from your vagina and then from your anus. This specimen will be sent to the laboratory where screening will take place and the result will be given to your health care provider, who will then discuss the result with you.

Collection instructions

The staff will provide you with gloves and one swab to use while collecting your specimen.

STEP 1:

Wash your hands and put on the gloves. Find a comfortable position, either lying on the bed or standing.

STEP 2:

Open the packaging and remove swab by holding the plastic end of the swab.

STEP 3:

Insert cotton end of the swab 2 cm into your vagina and remove. Using the same swab, insert cotton end 1 cm into your anus and remove.

STEP 4:

Take the plastic tube from the packaging and remove cap. Place swab into the tube and replace the cap, ensuring it is

firmly in place.

STEP 5:

Label the plastic tube with your name, date of birth, today’s date and the time that you collected your sample.

STEP 6:

Remove your gloves and dispose of them in a bin, wash your hands.

Your doctor has requested a Holter Monitor (Electrocardiogram) test.
As this requires you to be fitted with the monitor for 24 hours, you will need to contact your chosen QML Pathology clinic to make an appointment.
How do I prepare for my test?
What to expect
Important

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Holter Monitoring” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

If your doctor requires a 24 hour urine collection for uric acid, you may be required to follow this diet for three days prior to the collection.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
  • Organ meats (brain, kidney, liver)
  • Wild game
  • Poultry (chicken, duck, turkey)
  • Meat (beef, lamb, pork, veal)
  • Meat extracts (Bonox, Vegemite)
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Wholegrain products
  • Green peas, dried legumes
  • Cauliflower
  • Asparagus
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Aspirin
  • Cocoa
THE FOLLOWING ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR A LOW PURINE DIET:
  • Fruits
  • Fruit juices
  • Vegetables (except those above)
  • Nuts
  • Cereals, breads (except wholegrain products)
  • Sweets
  • Beverages (coffee, tea, carbonated)
  • Fats
  • Eggs
  • Cow’s milk
  • Dairy products

Your doctor has referred you to QML Pathology for a Mantoux Test.
This is a special test which requires two separate appointments.
The reading is only performed at select locations.
Booking your Mantoux Test

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Mantoux Test” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a Generation® Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT).

This test can only be performed after the 10th week of pregnancy.

If the request is for Generation® Plus, please contact QML Pathology to book an appointment.

WHAT TO EXPECT
FETAL SEX

If you do not wish to know the sex, please tell your healthcare provider.

LIMITATIONS OF TEST

This screening test only tests for the chromosomal abnormalities requested. Normal test results do not eliminate the

possibility that your pregnancy may have other chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, or other conditions. A normal result does

not guarantee a healthy pregnancy or baby. This test has limitations including false positives and false negatives. For these

reasons it is strongly recommended that no irreversible clinical decisions be made based on these screening results alone.

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), Non-invasive Prenatal Test Plus (NIPT) or Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) Generation 46” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

You will need to make an appointment for this test.

This test involves having baseline blood sample taken in first morning, taking 1mg ofDexamethasone tablets at night, and then having a second blood sample collected the next morning.

Note: If you have any significant allergies, especially to steroids, please consult with your doctor before returning for the test.

DAY 1 Appointment
DAY 2 Appointment

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Venesection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

It is extremely important for an accurate result that you endeavour to follow these instructions to the best of your ability. Prior to collection you MUST contact your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to arrange the best time and place to deliver the specimen. Currently, collection for this test is only available during normal Collection Centre hours, Monday to Friday. The specimen must reach a QML Pathology collection centre as soon after the collection as possible (no longer than one hour).

FEES: Please note that there is an out of pocket fee for fertility analysis and for post vasectomy analysis.

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Semen Fertility Analysis” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a sputum test and the laboratory requires a specimen of inflammatory secretions (phlegm), which has been coughed up from the lungs and lower air passages.

This sputum is usually thick and opaque, and may vary in colour (grey, green or yellow). Thin, watery saliva is not suitable for testing.

If chest physiotherapy treatment is being given, it is preferable for the physiotherapist to help collect a suitable sample.

If at home, it may be useful to arrange pillows over the side of a bed and lie on them head downwards for about 10 minutes to drain the sputum from the lungs. The most adequate sample may be obtained early in the morning on rising.

Rinsing the mouth out with water first may make the collection easier, especially if the throat is dry and the sputum is very sticky.

A deep breath in, followed by a strong cough, will help to carry the sputum into your throat. You can then cough the specimen into the container provided.

If the sample appears thin and watery with food particles, it is saliva.

Please obtain another sterile container from a QML Pathology collection centre and collect again.

If you are unable to get the sample to a QML Pathology collection centre on the day the specimen is produced, please refrigerate it.

Urine Testing

Your doctor has requested a urine examination that requires you to collect all passed urine over 24 hours. The below instructions should be followed.

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.
Example 24 hour collection:

6.00am Day 1

Empty bladder and discard the urine into the toilet.

Pass all urine for the next 24 hours into the bottle.

6.00am Day 2

Next morning, empty bladder into the bottle. This will complete the collection.

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.

Collection Instructions:

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.

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.

Collection Instructions:

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.

Collection Instructions:

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:

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.
Example Timed 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.

Your doctor has requested a test which requires you to follow the below directives to ensure accurate test results.

Medication

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.

Illness

In addition, as illness can misleadingly raise the results of these tests, avoid collecting the sample during intercurrent illness (e.g. flu).

Dietary

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:

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.

 

Normal body secretions may alter the results, so it is necessary to clean and dry the genital area thoroughly.
Please follow these guidelines.

Please complete the relevant patient information on the specimen container label and return to the collection centre promptly.
Instructions:
  1. Do not collect the first urine of the day. The sample must be from a second or later void of the day.

  2. Wash the genital area with a towelette.

  3. Collect the first part of the urine into the jar provided.

  4. Screw down the lid on the jar, firmly.

  5. Write your name, surname, date of birth and date of collection on the jar.

  6. Take the sample to a QML Pathology collection centre as soon as possible. Refrigerate if a delay of a few hours in sending the specimen is anticipated.

  7. Your doctor may request you send in samples from three separate days. If required, please repeat above steps. All three samples may be taken to the collection centre together on the third day, providing they have been refrigerated and each jar is clearly labelled with the date.

Your doctor has requested a venesection.

This involves giving up to 450ml of blood.

As this procedure is only performed at select collection centres under the supervision of a doctor you will need to contact QML Pathology to make an appointment.

How to Prepare for your Test
What to Expect
After your Test

After your test is finished, rest for at least 10-15 minutes.

You should drink fluids during this time and have something to eat within the next hour to ensure a quick recovery.

Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours afterward and avoid drinking alcohol for at least 8 hours.

Leave the bandage on for several hours.

This is a special test which is only performed at selected QML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Venesection” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call 07 3121 4444.

Your doctor has requested a test which requires you to withhold medication.

These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

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