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?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the monitor is fitted.
- The cuff may only be worn on the upper arm. It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably.
What to expect
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Noting all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body.
- While the unit is in the process of taking your blood pressure, you must relax and keep your arm still until the cuff has completely deflated at the end of the procedure. Let arm hang relaxed beside body if possible.
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
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 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.
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.
- Place a clean holder/container in the toilet bowl to catch faeces.
- 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.
- Using the threaded end of the sampler, poke faeces 5 times, in a different point each time.
- Put the sampler back into the tube, push the cap on tightly to click shut and shake vigorously.
- Ensure tube is labelled with: • Full Name • Date of Birth • Date & Time of Collection.
- Keep sample at room temperature.
- Repeat this procedure for multiple faecal occult blood tests on 3 separate consecutive days. Please use a fresh tube for each sample.
- 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
An appointment is required for this test. Please phone your nearest QML Pathology collection centre to make arrangements.
On the night before the test
- Please do not eat, chew gum or drink any fluids (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. It is preferable you do not fast for more than 12 hours.
- Water with no additives can be consumed.
- Record your height and weight.
- Record any recent and current medication.
On the morning of the test
- Bring your medication list and height/weight details.
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test (including brisk walking to the clinic).
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible, please inform staff.
- Illness can affect glucose tolerance, if you are ill within 3-4 days of the test, contact your doctor to ask whether they want you to postpone the test.
- You will be required to drink a glucose solution within a 5 minute timeframe. This solution contains the following food additives:
- 330-ascorbic acid
- 211-sodium benzoate
- 202-potassium sorbate
- Sulphites
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.
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?
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- It is recommended to shower or bathe before your appointment as you will be unable to do so while the Holter Monitor is fitted.
- It is recommended you wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that will allow for the monitor to be worn comfortably and inconspicuously.
- Female patients should not wear ‘underwire’ bras during the test period.
What to expect
- Once the monitor has been fitted onto your chest you will be free to go about your day as normal. It is not uncommon to experience some minor skin irritation caused by the glue on the sticky dots.
- You will be required to keep a diary to note your activity and/or accompanying symptoms throughout the day. Be sure to note all symptoms such as heart pounding, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness, or any pain in the upper body.
Important
- You cannot swim, shower or bathe while wearing the monitor.
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.
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 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
- Pre-procedure, you will have to fast for a short period (under 6 hours), and may have to adjust some medications.
- A bone marrow biopsy is done under local anaesthetic often with laughing gas or light sedation.
- The biopsy is normally taken from a bony point at the back of the pelvis above the buttock.
- A needle will be used to collect the sample.
- The procedure usually takes between 10-15 minutes.
- You may experience some pain during the collection – while injecting local anaesthetic, as the needle enters the marrow and when the marrow is removed.
- There are no stitches needed. Once test is complete a dressing is placed over the area
- After the collection you need to stay for a while to ensure you recover without any issues – this may be for up to 2 hours if you receive intravenous (IV) sedation.
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:
- You must not have any food or fluid other than water for a fasting period of 8 hours prior to the test and until the test is completed
- You may drink water during the fasting period
- Record details of food consumed that evening prior to fasting, i.e. time of and approximate size of meal
- Record any current and recent medication.
On the morning of the test:
- Bring your list of medications and diet details with you
- Do not physically exert yourself prior to or during the test, including brisk walking to the clinic
- Avoid smoking for an hour prior to and during the test. If this is not possible please inform the clinic staff
- The test will take approximately 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the sugar requested by your doctor. You will be required to remain at the clinic during the entire procedure.
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.
- You should fast (no food or liquids including water) for a minimum of six hours before the test
- The test can be performed at any time of the day, and will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes
- You will be required to swallow a capsule containing urea (carbon 14) on commencement of the test
- At the conclusion of the test you will be asked to blow into a special breathe collection balloon which is sent to the laboratory for analysis
- No restrictions to physical activity before or during the test
- No smoking or eating during the test
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:
- No antibiotics for four weeks prior to test
- No Losec, Zoton, or Somac for one week prior to test
- No Cytoprotectives (sucralfate) for two weeks prior to test
- For a full list of medication restrictions, please see our collection staff Your doctor must be notified prior to temporarily stopping any medications.
- Your doctor must be notified prior to temporarily stopping any medications.
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.
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
- 1/2 bowl of cereal with 150ml milk
- 1 egg, not fried
- 2 thin slices of toast with butter and jam.
Lunch
- Poultry, large serve
- Vegetables and/or salad
- 2 slices of bread
- Potato, not fried
- Fresh fruit
- 150ml milk
Dinner
- Lean red meat, no fat, grilled or roasted
- Potato or rice
- 2 -3 vegtables
- Tinned fruit with 50ml cream
- 1 slice of bread with butter and jam
- 200ml milk
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.
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.
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 on 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 first appointment involves a doctor or a registered nurse administering a tuberculin injection. The doctor/registered nurse will advise on location to return for the second appointment
- The second appointment is required for the Mantoux Reading. This reading must be performed within 48 – 72 hours post tuberculin injection, otherwise the test will need to be repeated.
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
- You will be required to sign and bring the Generation® request form (given to you by your doctor) along to the collection centre. Please read any forms given to you carefully before signing.
- A tube of your blood will be drawn and sent to Genomic Diagnostics. Please let the collector know if you are feeling anxious and unwell or have fainted during previous blood tests.
- Test results will be sent directly to the healthcare provider that ordered the test. You will need to make an appointment with them to discuss results.
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.
Your Appointment for Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Day 1 appointment
- No preparation or fasting required.
- A blood sample will be collected between 8am and 9am
- 1mg of Dexamethasone is supplied by QML Pathology. This is packaged as two 0.5 mg tablets. Please take the two tablets at 11pm on day one.
Day 2 appointment
- Return to the Collection Centre between 8am and 9am to have a second blood sample collected.
- This completes 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 “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.
Instructions
- Obtain a sterile labelled plastic seminal fluid collection container from a QML Pathology collection centre. No other container will suffice
- The specimen must be collected between three and seven days after the last ejaculation (including sexual intercourse, masturbation or ‘night loss’). Record the number of days since the last ejaculation in the space provided on the specimen container label
- Empty your bladder, then wash your hands and penis before collection
- Collect the specimen by masturbation, ejaculating directly into the container provided. Under no circumstances use condoms or lubricants of any sort
- Intercourse followed by early withdrawal is preferably not used as this results in contamination with female cells and often loss of the richest part of the semen specimen, leading to an inaccurate result
- Screw the lid of the jar on tightly and complete all the details on the label
- Keep the specimen at body temperature (in your pocket close to your body)
- Do not refrigerate or allow the specimen temperature to rise above body temperature.
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 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
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- Continue taking your medication as usual, unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
- Eat something salty in the 24 hours before. Increasing your salt intake will help you restore your blood volume more rapidly after your test.
What to Expect
- You may be asked some personal details during the testing including your height and weight.
- During the test you will be lying down.
- During the test you will be lying down.
- The procedure lasts about 10 minutes.
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.
- Withhold medication on the day of testing unless advised otherwise by your doctor
- Take medication as normal on day before test
- Withhold taking medication until after blood test (it is possible to bring medication into collection centre if preferred)
- Recommended to have blood test early in morning so that medication regime is not disturbed
- Minimum withholding period is 8 hours
These instructions should be adhered to unless advised otherwise by your doctor.