PATHOLOGY COLLECTION GUIDE
Your pathology
visit, step by
step.
Got your request form? Here's exactly what to expect at the collection centre, and the few things to do before you go.
Before you go
1
Bring your request form and Medicare card
The name and details on your form must match your Medicare card exactly.
2
Don't urinate for at least 1 hour
The name and details on your form must match your Medicare card exactly.
3
Fasting? Only for a General Health Check
Water only for 8–16 hours (12 is ideal). Every other blood test can be done any time, no fasting.
How to read your request form
Your doctor only ticks the tests you need, so your form may look different. Each test tells you which sample to give.
SURNAME
GIVEN NAMES
Doe
Jane
ADDRESS
123 Street Address, NSW 2000
DATE OF BIRTH
01/01/2001
MOBILE
0412 345 679
MEDICARE CARD NO. & IRN
0123 45678 9 / 1
1
2
TESTS REQUIRED
[HIV – blood] [Syphilis – blood] [Hepatitis B – blood]
[Chlamydia – first pass urine] [Gonorrhoea – throat swab]
[Chlamydia – vaginal swab PCR] [vaginal swab MCS]
3
1
Your details
The name and details on your form must match your Medicare card exactly.
2
Medicare number
This is how your tests are bulk billed, so check it's your current card.
3
Tests required
The word after each test is the sample type, e.g. "first pass urine". Find it in the sample guide below.
This is an example of tests that may or may not be requested by your doctor depending on your sexual health history.
Please ensure the details on your request form match your medicare card
What's on your form?
Tap the tests listed on your form and we'll highlight the samples you'll give. Some tests can use more than one sample type; your form says which one your doctor chose for you.
Blood Test
Taken from a vein in your arm
HIV
Syphilis
Hepatitis A / B / C
Fertility, pregnancy & PCOS
WHO COLLECTS
The collector
PREPARATION
None needed
No fasting needed.
Wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily.
Takes a couple of minutes.
First pass urine
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea & more.
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Mycoplasma genitalium
Trichomonas
WHO COLLECTS
You, in private
PREPARATION
No wee for 1 hour
It doesn’t need to be your first wee of the day: any time works.
Catch only the first 20–30 mL of your stream, not midstream.
On your period? Insert a tampon before collecting.
Vaginal or anal swab (PCR)
Self-collected in most labs.
Gonorrhoea
Chlamydia
Mycoplasma genitalium
Trichomonas
WHO COLLECTS
The collector
PREPARATION
None needed
The collector gives you a swab and simple instructions.
A self-collected swab is as accurate as one taken by a doctor.
Genital swab (MCS)
Culture test for infections
Gonorrhea
BV / Thrush / Strep
WHO COLLECTS
Usually you
PREPARATION
None
The collector gives you a swab and instructions.
Some labs collect it for you instead.
Tip: Testing for vaginal chlamydia or gonorrhoea too? Ask for two swabs, one PCR and one culture, so no test is missed.
Throat swab (PCR)
Pharyngeal swab
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
WHO COLLECTS
You or the collector
PREPARATION
None
Your choice: the staff can do it, or ask to self-collect.
If self-collecting, they’ll give you the swab and instructions.
General Health
Check bloods
The only test that needs fasting
General Health Check
WHO COLLECTS
The collector
PREPARATION
Fast 8-16 hrs
Nothing to eat or drink except water beforehand.
About 12 hours of fasting is ideal.
A morning appointment makes this easiest.
Collector says they don't have swabs, or that your doctor should provide one?
SISTR is telehealth only, so we can't hand out swabs in person. Please take your request form to a different collection centre.
After your visit
2-5 days
Results processed
Most results are back within 2 to 5 days of your visit.
SMS/email
Sent straight to you
Nothing yet? Check your junk folder first.
$0 extra
Follow-up included
Your price already covers a follow-up with our doctors once results are ready.