After your doctor has written you a request form, there are a
number of questions you may have regarding your tests.
Whilst the majority of our tests are from blood samples, other
tests may be performed on samples of tissue, urine, stools (faeces)
or other body fluids and secretions.
The collection staff at Hobart Pathology are extensively trained
to ensure a professional encounter.
Some of the questions you may have, are answered below:
• What do I need to bring for my
test?
• Do I need to
fast?
• What does
'fasting' involve?
• Do I still take
my medications?
• I need to have a
blood test - what does this involve?
• I am nervous
about having my blood taken - is it really necessary?
• Am I at risk of
catching anything by having my blood taken?
• I have to give a
urine/sputum/stool test - how do I do this?
• How do I know
that my samples will not be mixed up in the laboratory?
• I have very
difficult veins. How can I be sure your collectors can get the
sample?
• I have recently
had major surgery and cannot get to a collection centre. How can I
get my test done?
• When will my
results be ready?
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY TEST?
You will need to bring with you to one of our collection
centres a Hobart Pathology Request Form - which has been signed by
your doctor.
If you are on a pension or Health Care card, you should bring your
Medicare card with you. You will also need to show your Health Care
or Veteran's Affairs card. This will enable us to bill you
correctly.
________________________________________
DO
I NEED TO FAST?
Not all tests require fasting beforehand. However, there are some
tests which will require you to fast for 10 - 16 hours, for example
cholesterol, lipids, fasting glucose. Fasting should not exceed 16
hours. For these tests we recommend that you fast overnight. You
can drink water during this time and take any medication you would
normally take, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Your doctor will inform you of any
tests that require fasting or you may contact Hobart Pathology for
advice.
WHAT
DOES "FASTING" INVOLVE?
If fasting is required, you should not have anything to eat or
drink for 10 - 16 hours before your test. You may drink water only.
Unless advised by your doctor you should take all regular
medication.
If you are diabetic or have any concerns, please contact your
doctor before fasting.
Please notify us if you have fasted for longer than 12 hours as
prolonged fasting may affect your results.
________________________________________
DO I
STILL TAKE MY MEDICATIONS?
Your doctor will advise if you are to stop taking your medication.
Please check with your doctor if you are unsure.
________________________________________
I
NEED TO HAVE A BLOOD TEST- WHAT DOES THIS INVOLVE?
A blood test involves taking blood from a vein in your arm. Our
specimen collection staff are extensively trained in this skill.
All of our equipment is sterile.
It is vital that we make sure all of your personal details are
correct. Our staff will ask for your name and date birth and they
will also check your contact details, the doctor's details and
other questions that are specific to the testing (for example "Have
you fasted for 10 - 16 hours?"). Please let our staff know if you
are on a pension or Health Care card.
It is important that we obtain all of this information on each
occasion, even if you are a regular patient, to ensure that we have
the correct information on our records. It is helpful if you can
let us know if you have moved. This will assist us to maintain one
consistent record on each patient.
Once your details have been confirmed, the specimen collector will
examine your arm to find a suitable vein. If you feel
uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to inform our collector. You
may prefer to lie down if you are feeling faint or nervous.
Once a suitable vein is found, the collector will cleanse the skin
with an alcohol swab and then insert a sterile needle into your
vein to obtain the sample.
Different tubes are required for different types of tests, so
there may be more than one tube of blood collected. All tubes will
be labelled with your name and date of birth.
After the blood has been drawn and the needle has been removed,
pressure should be applied to the site to minimise bleeding. A
cotton wool ball and/or bandaid will be applied. If you are aware
of any allergic reactions to alcohol swabs or tapes please let our
collector know and we will find an alternative.
It is important that you avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise
in the following 24 hours to avoid bruising or bleeding.
If you have any concerns at all, please do not hesitate to contact
us prior to attending one of our collection centres or discuss them
with our collectors.
See Blood Collection (Venepuncture) -
Pre-Testing Information.
________________________________________
I AM
NERVOUS ABOUT HAVING MY BLOOD TAKEN - IS IT REALLY
NECESSARY?
Our collection staff are extensively trained and will endeavour to
make you feel at ease. We encourage you to lie down for the
procedure if you are feeling uncomfortable. Relaxation techniques
such as deep breathing may also prove helpful. Please inform our
collection staff if you are feeling nervous or anxious so that we
may assist you with the procedure.
Your doctor has requested the pathology tests to be carried out.
If you are concerned about the necessity of these tests, we
encourage you to discuss this with your doctor.
________________________________________
AM I AT
RISK OF CATCHING ANYTHING BY HAVING MY BLOOD TAKEN?
No... It is the policy of Hobart Pathology to utilise single use
sterile equipment when taking blood samples from patients. No
equipment is reused. Our specimen collection staff are trained in
infection control.
________________________________________
I HAVE
TO GIVE A URINE/ SPUTUM/STOOL TEST - HOW DO I DO THIS?
As tests vary, the collectors will give you written instructions
on how to collect the sample. If you have any further questions
please do not hesitate to contact us.
See also -
Pre-Testing
Information.
________________________________________
HOW DO I
KNOW THAT MY SAMPLES WILL NOT BE MIXED UP IN THE
LABORATORY?
Our collection staff will confirm your details with you at every
visit. This is to ensure we have all the correct information. Each
sample is carefully labelled after collection. A laboratory number
is given to your request form and samples to ensure they are not
mixed up. This number is unique and assists to ensure that the
correct tests are performed on each sample. We have other checks in
place throughout the testing procedure to ensure the testing is
performed at the highest possible standard.
________________________________________
I HAVE
VERY DIFFICULT VEINS. HOW CAN I BE SURE YOUR COLLECTORS CAN GET THE
SAMPLE?
All of our collection staff are extensively trained. They learn
how to take samples from a comprehensive range of patients,
including those with 'difficult' veins.
Our collection staff are advised to only have two attempts at
taking your blood. You may be requested to return at a later time
if we are unsuccessful. Although this may seem inconvenient, it
aims to reduce the risk of any problems and minimise discomfort for
our patients.
If you have any concerns about having your sample taken, we
encourage you to contact us before attending our centres.
Some of our staff are specially trained to collect samples from
small children under six years of age. If you are bringing your
child along for a blood test, we would suggest that you contact us
to enquire if an appropriately experienced collector will be
available at the centre you are intending to visit.
________________________________________
I HAVE
RECENTLY HAD MAJOR SURGERY AND CANNOT GET TO A COLLECTION ROOM. HOW
CAN I GET MY TEST DONE?
To ensure the highest level of patient care, we encourage all
patients to visit their closest collection centre. These are
conveniently located around the greater Hobart area and are listed
on the back of the request form.
Your doctor may request that our domiciliary collectors visit your
home - this is a limited service for those patients with a genuine
need.
________________________________________
WHEN
WILL MY RESULTS BE READY?
Routine test results are generally available within 2-3 days of
collection. However, some testing is more involved and may take
longer. To assist you in organising an appointment with your
doctor, we encourage you to ask your doctor when the results will
be available.