Pathology

Laboratory examination of blood, body fluids and tissues to investigate, monitor and treat disease

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The Alfred Pathology Service (APS) provides laboratory services to The Alfred, Caulfield and Sandringham Hospitals.

What we do

We offer a range of diverse services for investigation and diagnosis of disease. These include:

Find out more information about warfarin management and dosing.

Find out more information about bone marrow biopsies.

Some tests require special preparation prior to taking the test. Make sure you follow the pre-test instructions prior to arriving at the collection centre.

Who we care for

We can a provide service for any patient who has had a pathology request slip completed by their GP and/or specialist.

Your doctor may suggest the most appropriate pathology service for your needs.

Patient Choice legislation allows patients to take a pathology request to an approved pathology practitioner or approved pathology authority of your choice, unless the requesting practitioner specifies an approved pathology practitioner for clinical reasons.

If you are still unsure, contact your doctor, or our patient enquiries number to discuss your needs with a staff member.

Commonly asked questions

What time are the collection centres open?

The Alfred

Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm

Closed weekends

The Alfred Centre

Mon - Fri

By appointment

Caulfield Hospital

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm

Weekend by appointment

Sandringham Hospital

Mon - Thurs 8.00am - 4.30pm

Fri - 8.00am - 3.30pm

Weekend by appointment only

Will I be charged for my pathology tests?

Wherever possible patients will be bulk billed to Medicare.

Do I have to make an appointment?

Alfred Hospital Pathology Collection Centre

Please make an appointment through the Patient Portal for your pathology test in our collection centre at the Alfred Hospital. Upon arrival, proceed to reception and check in, then take a seat and you will be called at the time of your appointment. If you do not make an appointment, speak to staff at reception upon arrival to receive an appointment time. You will then be asked to return to the Collection Centre at the time of your appointment. Note, extended tests such as Glucose Tolerance Tests must have an appointment made by telephone only prior to attending. There may be significant delays if you arrive without an appointment in the event of busy periods in our collection centre.

If you are experiencing problems with the Patient Portal or prefer to make a booking by telephone, please call (03) 9076 3576 to make an appointment.

Caulfield and Sandringham Collection Centres

Caulfield and Sandringham Collection Centres do not require an appointment except for extended tests such as Glucose Tolerance Tests (GTT) which require an appointment made by telephone.

For Caulfield GTT appointments only, telephone (03) 9076 6712.
For Sandringham GTT appointments only, telephone (03) 9076 1555.

Do I contact Pathology for results?

Please contact your doctor as Pathology is not authorised to release results to patients directly.

Who can use the Pathology service?

It is a patients right to choose their pathology provider so unless specified by your doctor we are able to accept referrals from any service

How to access this service

Referral from your GP

We accept requests from GPs and specialists. Your doctor needs to complete an Alfred Pathology Request form and either fax it to the service or give it you to bring in with you on the day of your procedure.

What to bring

Every time you come

  • Medicare card
  • Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
  • Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
  • Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
  • Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
  • Medicines you need to take while you are here
  • List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed
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In the case of an emergency, call 000