Pathology
Laboratory examination of blood, body fluids and tissues to investigate, monitor and treat disease
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:
- Anatomical Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Laboratory Haematology
- Microbiology
- Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service (VNLS)
- Transfusion medicine
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
Resources
All patient resources-
Group B Streptococcus Sterile Swab Instructions
Instructions for patients attending Alfred Health pathology
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Alfred Health - AFB Culture Urine / Sputum
Instructions for patients completing this pathology test.
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Alfred Health - Faeces Culture
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Alfred Health - Faecal Occult Blood
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Alfred Health - Fasting Blood Test
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Alfred Health - Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
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Alfred Health - Paediatric urine collection
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Alfred Health - Sputum Culture
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Alfred Health - Urine for Cytology
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Alfred Health - Urine Microscopy and Culture Mid Stream Urine (MSU)
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Pathology: 24 Hour Urine Collection (ACID BOTTLE)
Instructions for patients completing the pathology test.
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Pathology: 24 Hour Urine Collection (ACID BOTTLE) 5-HIAA
Instructions for patients completing the pathology test.
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Pathology: 24 Hour Urine Collection (CARBONATE BOTTLE) Urate (Uric Acid)
Instructions for patients completing the pathology test.
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Pathology: 24 Hour Urine Collection (Plain Bottle)
Instructions for patients completing the pathology test.