Frequently Asked
Questions

Use our location finder by entering your suburb or postcode to locate the most convenient collection centre. Clinical Labs has pathology collection centres covering VIC, NSW, QLD, WA, SA, the ACT and the NT.   

Most pathology tests do not require an appointment. However, some tests, such as Glucose Tolerance Testing (GTT), Holter monitoring and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, do require a booking. Holter monitoring and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring services are available at select locations. For collection centre locations, contact details, and opening hours, visit our Locations page.

Opening hours vary by location. Please check our location finder for the most accurate information.   

• Fasting tests: Come in as early as possible to complete your test.  
• Non-fasting tests: Consider visiting later in the day, as mornings tend to be busier.  

Please check the opening hours using our location finder before attending, as they may vary on public holidays.   

Your doctor will advise you if fasting is required.   

Fasting is generally done overnight. If fasting is required, please follow these guidelines to ensure the accuracy of your test: 

• Do not eat or drink for 10-12 hours prior to your blood test. 
• Drinking water before your blood test is permitted and may help reduce the risk of fainting, as well as make it easier for the collector to locate your veins. 
• Medications should only be stopped on the instructions of your doctor. Take them with water only.  
• Avoid smoking for 2 hours before the test. 
• If you are living with diabetes, please consult your doctor before fasting.  
• If you are prone to fainting, please inform the collector before the procedure. 

Caution: Do not fast for longer than 16 hours before your blood test is performed. 

Drinking water before your blood test is permitted and may help reduce the risk of fainting. It can also make it easier for the collector to locate your veins by improving blood flow. 

Medications should only be stopped on the instructions of your doctor. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor for guidance. Stopping medication prior to testing is only required for a handful of pathology tests such as Urea Breath Testing and Stool Antigen Testing for H. pylori or for testing to obtain a base level of the medication. For this, you will need to withhold the medication and advise the collector when the last dose was taken.  

Visit our Preparing for Your Test and Blood Collection for Children webpages for helpful tips. Staying well-hydrated (water only for fasting tests) may help reduce the risk of fainting, as well as make it easier for the collector to locate your veins. For preparation instructions for specific tests, such as Glucose Tolerance Testing (GTT), urea breath testing for H. pylori, semen analysis, Holter monitoring and others, please refer to our Test Instructions page.  

All pathology tests require a valid request form. Speak with your doctor about which tests may be appropriate for you. 

• Your pathology request form – Clinical Labs accepts all valid referrals, including those from other Australian pathology providers. Both paper and electronic referrals (e.g. eRequests) are accepted.  
• Your valid Medicare card or Veterans' Affairs card – to confirm your eligibility for bulk billed testing.  

At Clinical Labs, your care is our priority. In the privacy of the collection room, our collector will:  

• Request to see your Medicare or Health Card (if required)  
• Wash or sanitise their hands  
• Ask you to state your full name and date of birth and confirm other details with you  
• Wear gloves for the procedure  
• Label your specimen(s) in your presence  
• Ask you to confirm your details on the specimen labels  
• Provide you with aftercare information if required   

Please be assured that your personal information is treated with privacy and confidentiality at all times.  

Visit our Preparing for Your Test webpage for helpful tips on how to calm your nerves before and during your next blood test. If you are prone to fainting, please inform the collector before the procedure. 

For advice on how to best prepare your child for a blood test, and tips to support them during the procedure, visit our Blood Collection for Children webpage. 

To ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone, Clinical Labs enforces a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse. Physical or verbal abuse towards our staff will not be tolerated. Our team reserves the right to refuse service if they feel unsafe. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe space for both staff and patients.  

For the privacy of both patients and staff, filming or photography is not permitted in our collection centres. Thank you for respecting this policy.  

For guidance on how to reduce the likelihood of side effects such as bleeding, discomfort, swelling, or bruising after your blood test, visit our Aftercare Instructions webpage.        

On rare occasions, patients may need to return to a collection centre for additional samples related to their requested tests. In these cases, Clinical Labs may notify you via SMS. If you receive an SMS from Clinical Labs asking for additional samples, you can click the link provided to find your nearest Clinical Labs collection centre. 

Turnaround times for pathology tests vary depending on the specific tests ordered. Your doctor will usually provide an estimate of when your results will be ready. Once available, your results will be sent directly to your referring doctor.  

Your results will be sent to your referring doctor. You can request a copy from them. It’s recommended that you discuss your results with your doctor to ensure proper understanding and follow-up.  

Most pathology tests are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. However, some tests may not be covered, may be only partially covered, have Medicare limits or may incur charges for other reasons. In such cases, patients will need to pay an out-of-pocket cost. The collector will inform patients of any tests that involve out-of-pocket costs. For certain tests, upfront payment is required at the time of collection via our secure online payment portal.   

There are many reasons why you may receive an invoice following your test at Clinical Labs. For example, the test may not be covered by Medicare, or Medicare may have rejected the claim due to eligibility issues. In these cases, Clinical Labs will seek payment for the services provided.   

If you have received an invoice from Clinical Labs, please click here to pay online. 

If your pathology tests included items not eligible for bulk billing, we may send you a payment reminder via SMS. Your invoice will have already been sent to your postal address.  

In Australia, a pathology referral is valid under Medicare until the requested tests have been completed. Once the requested services have been performed, the referral cannot be reused.    

Clinical Labs offers a comprehensive range of routine and specialised pathology tests, including: 

Routine pathology tests: 

• Blood tests 
• Respiratory pathogen testing 
• STI testing 
• Urine and stool sample analysis for pathogens  
• HPV screening for cervical cancer  
• Tissue analysis for cancer diagnosis  

Specialised genetic testing: 

• Bulk billed genetic carrier screening 
• Harmony non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) 
• Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing 
• EndoPredict for breast cancer  
• Other molecular cancer services, including Somatic Mutation and Aspect Liquid Biopsy 

Cardiac testing services – Available at select locations: 

• ECG 
• Holter monitoring  
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring  
   

Home Visits are available for patients who are unable to attend a Clinical Labs collection centre due to medical conditions or mobility issues. This service can only be arranged through our Home Visits department by your treating medical physician.