Urgent Samples & Extra Tests
Urgent Samples
When a result is needed for treatment of a patient within a minimal time period, the requesting medical practitioner must indicate clearly on the request form which tests are urgent, or telephone 6166 0150 .
Requests for Additional Tests
To request extra tests on a sample already dispatched to Pathology, please fax a request form for the additional tests to 6234 9815, or phone 6166 0150.
The following information will be required:
- Patient name
- Requesting Doctor
- Date of specimen
- Test(s) to be added
If there is sufficient suitable sample (see ‘Retention of Specimens’ below), the extra tests can be accommodated, otherwise a fresh specimen will be required.
NOTE: Testing for HIV on a previously received sample will require signed patient consent on the new form.
Retention of Specimens
Dissected biopsy specimens | 4 weeks |
Processed tissue from biopsies | Indefinitely |
Some non-routine endocrinology samples | 14 days |
Transfusion samples | 2 months |
Viral serology specimens | 12 months |