Your doctor has ordered laboratory tests for you and does not collect specimens in their clinic. You will need to locate your Pathology NSW collection centre. Please refer to
Collection Centre Locations for details.
Appointments are not necessary at Pathology NSW collection centres for the majority of tests. You will be required to bring a completed test request form from your doctor. The request form does not have to be a Pathology NSW request form as we can contact your doctor to gain consent to perform the tests requested. Our Patient Collection Centres are busiest in the early morning when
fasting patients are being processed. Arriving mid to late morning
should ensure minimal wait times.
Fasting Tests
If the doctor has verbally indicted or written fasting on your request slip then you must adhere to the following the night before your test:
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Strictly no food is to be consumed for 8 hours prior to your specimen being collected. The fasting period should not exceed a maximum of 16 hours.
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Plain water may be consumed during the fasting period (strictly no additives).
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No other fluids may be consumed.
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Occasionally the doctor may give you additional instructions. These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise.
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Please ensure you can provide information to our collection staff regarding your current medication.
Positive patient identification
Your identity will be confirmed before taking a specimen. This is to confirm that you are the right person to take the blood sample from. You will be asked to state and/or spell your full names and date of birth. If you are accompanying someone who is unable to confirm their identity, such as a child or someone who is incapacitated, then you will be asked to confirm their identity.
Directly after your specimen is taken it will be labelled by the collector, with your correct details (including your full name and date of birth) before the collector leaves your side.