Other services
Pathology
We understand how important pathology is in modern medicine. Accurate pathology results are key to diagnosing illnesses, monitoring chronic conditions and guiding treatment. That’s why we offer on-site pathology to our patients, so you can access a range of essential medical tests.
General Pathology Testing
Our clinic offers comprehensive pathology testing for all aspects of your health:
Blood Tests
We can do many blood tests – from routine blood counts to hormone and genetic tests.
Swabs
Throat swabs for strep throat, wound swabs for infection and sexual health swabs.
Stool Tests
For gut issues, parasites and colorectal cancer screening.
Urine Tests
For UTIs, kidney problems and metabolic disorders.
Skin Scrapes and Nail Clippings
For fungal infections and other skin conditions.
Urea Breath Testing
Non-invasive test to detect H. pylori infection in the stomach.
24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring
Continuous blood pressure tracking to assess daily patterns and detect hypertension.
24 Hour Holter Monitoring
Portable ECG device that records heart activity over a full day.
These tests help our doctors diagnose and monitor many conditions, from common to more complicated matters.
Having all these tests on-site means we can provide more complete and efficient patient care.
Fast Turnaround Times
Having an on-site pathology laboratory means we can often provide faster results. This is especially important for urgent tests or when quick diagnosis is critical for treatment.
Some tests may still need to be sent to external labs, but many routine tests can be done purely on-site.
Before Your Pathology Test
Proper preparation is very important for accurate results. If your doctor has ordered pathology tests, your GP will inform you of any requirements you need to know of.
This may include:
- Fasting for certain blood tests
- Best time of day to have the test done
- Medications to avoid before the test
- Specific collection instructions for certain samples (e.g. urine or stool samples)
Please follow the instructions given to you carefully. If you have any questions, please contact our staff or your doctor.
Getting Your Pathology Testing Results
Your test results will be sent to your doctor, who will interpret them in the context of your overall health and discuss them with you.
We advise booking a follow-up appointment to go over your results, even if they are normal, so that you can better understand what the results mean for you, ask any questions you might have and discuss any changes that could occur to your treatment or management plan.
If we receive abnormal or concerning results in any way, we’ll contact you to book a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
Walk-In Sample Collection
This service ensures that our community has easy access to essential pathology services. This can be useful for urgent tests or if you remember you need a test done while you’re already at the clinic. However, patients with appointments will be seen first.
Privacy, Confidentiality, and Patient Safety
We take your medical information, privacy, and confidentiality very seriously. All pathology samples and results are handled with care to protect your privacy.
Our systems comply with all relevant privacy legislation and medical information security standards.
High-Quality Standards
Our pathology lab follows strict quality control procedures to ensure all test results are accurate and reliable. These procedures are crucial for maintaining patient safety and trust in our services. Audits and proficiency testing are done regularly to maintain our high level of service.
Continuous Improvement
We’re committed to being at the forefront of medical care. Our commitment to research ensures that we stay at the forefront of medical advancements.
We review and update our pathology services provider regularly to incorporate new tests and new methodologies as they become available. This means our patients have access to the latest diagnostic tools.
Patient Education
We listen. We care.
We believe in informing our patients about their health. Our staff undergo continuous training to provide the best care and information to our patients. Our doctors and pathology staff will always explain the purpose and process of any tests you have done.
We also have educational materials about common tests and conditions to help you understand your health.
At Picton Family Medical Centre, we’re committed to full-scope general practice. Our on-site pathology is just one way we try to make your healthcare experience as easy, quick, and effective as possible.
We want to help you achieve and maintain good health by offering a variety of tests, experienced staff, fast turnaround times and integrated care.
Bookings & Questions
If you want to get a test done for yourself or have any questions, give us a call on this number: 02 4677 0533 or book an appointment with us.
To book an appointment, you can:
- Call us on 02 4677 0533 during business hours
- Book online through our website or the Auto Med App
- Walk-in (subject to availability)
We offer bulk billing and private billing. All patients under 16 and over 65 with a valid Medicare card will be bulk billed.