Pathology Specimen Handbook

Recent changes for all departments


 Recent changes for ANDROSTENEDIONE

Recent changes for ANDROSTENEDIONE
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
5th June 2025Collection & Request Instructions

Gel tubes are not suitable for analysis.

 Recent changes for ANTI HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70 ANTIBODIES

Recent changes for ANTI HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70 ANTIBODIES
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
18th March 2025Volume (Adults)5 mLnull mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volume2 mLnull mL
Preferred Specimen TypeBloodTest Not Available
Preferred Container TypeSerum - Gel tube - Contains Clot ActivatorTest Not Available
Collection & Request Instructions

Please note that this test is no longer available. 

FrequencyOn requestNot applicable

 Recent changes for Arrhythmia NGS Panel

Recent changes for Arrhythmia NGS Panel
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
24th April 2025Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL

 Recent changes for BCR ABL TRANSLOCATION GENE REARRANGEMENT

Recent changes for BCR ABL TRANSLOCATION GENE REARRANGEMENT
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
18th July 2025Preferred Container TypeEDTA Whole Blood
EDTA Bone Marrow
PAXgene (Blood RNA)
EDTA - Genetics
EDTA Bone Marrow
PAXgene (Blood RNA)
17th June 2025Minimum/Paediatric Volume2.50 mL9 mL
28th February 2025Collection & Request Instructions

PAXgene collections: collect via butterflies instead of a vacutainer due to the possible backflow of liquid inside the PAXgene if a vacutainer is used. 

Collections for BCR ABL testing must be collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube and must NOT be put through any analysers. 

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.

If using a PAXgene tube also collect an additional 9mL EDTA whole blood sample. If PAXgene tubes are not available then collect only 1 x 9mL EDTA tube.

Test must be performed within 48 hours of specimen collection. Do not collect blood or bone marrow for this test on days preceding public holidays. Collections on Fridays or days preceeding a public holiday must arrive at the Clayton laboratory by 12pm. Samples collected after 12pm on a Friday or a day preceeding a public holiday or on a Saturday will not be accepted.

Test requests for rare translocations are referred to SA Pathology and these samples must be accompanied by a completed referral form, link below:

https://www.sapathology.sa.gov.au/testcatfiles/PUB-0556.pdf

 

 

Collections for BCR ABL testing must be collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube and must NOT be put through any analysers. 

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.

If using a PAXgene tube also always collect an additional 9mL EDTA whole blood sample.

If PAXgene tubes are not available then collect only 1 x 9mL EDTA tube.

PAXgene collections: collect via butterflies instead of a vacutainer due to the possible backflow of liquid inside the PAXgene if a vacutainer is used. 

Test must be performed within 48 hours of specimen collection. Do not collect blood or bone marrow for this test on days preceding public holidays/long weekends. Collections on Fridays or days preceding a public holiday/long weekend must arrive at the Clayton laboratory by 12pm. Samples collected after 12pm on a Friday or a day preceding a public holiday/long weekend or on a Saturday will not be accepted.

Test requests for rare translocations are referred to SA Pathology and these samples must be accompanied by a completed referral form, link below:

https://www.sapathology.sa.gov.au/testcatfiles/PUB-0556.pdf

 

 

26th February 2025Volume (Adults)3 mL9 mL
Preferred Container TypePAXgene (Blood RNA)
EDTA Bone Marrow
EDTA Whole Blood
EDTA Bone Marrow
PAXgene (Blood RNA)
Optional Container TypeEDTA Whole Blood
19th February 2025Collection & Request Instructions

PAXgene collections: collect via butterflies instead of a vacutainer due to the possible backflow of liquid inside the PAXgene if a vacutainer is used. 

Collections for BCR ABL testing must be collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube and must NOT be put through any analysers. 

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.

If using a PAXgene tube also collect an additional 9mL EDTA whole blood sample. If PAXgene tubes are not available then collect 1 x 9mL EDTA tube.

Test must be performed within 48 hours of specimen collection. Do not collect blood or bone marrow for this test on days preceding public holidays. Collections on Fridays or days preceeding a public holiday must arrive at the Clayton laboratory by 12pm. Samples collected after 12pm on a Friday or a day preceeding a public holiday or on a Saturday will not be accepted.

Test requests for rare translocations are referred to SA Pathology and these samples must be accompanied by a completed referral form, link below:

https://www.sapathology.sa.gov.au/testcatfiles/PUB-0556.pdf

 

 

PAXgene collections: collect via butterflies instead of a vacutainer due to the possible backflow of liquid inside the PAXgene if a vacutainer is used. 

Collections for BCR ABL testing must be collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube and must NOT be put through any analysers. 

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.

If using a PAXgene tube also collect an additional 9mL EDTA whole blood sample. If PAXgene tubes are not available then collect only 1 x 9mL EDTA tube.

Test must be performed within 48 hours of specimen collection. Do not collect blood or bone marrow for this test on days preceding public holidays. Collections on Fridays or days preceeding a public holiday must arrive at the Clayton laboratory by 12pm. Samples collected after 12pm on a Friday or a day preceeding a public holiday or on a Saturday will not be accepted.

Test requests for rare translocations are referred to SA Pathology and these samples must be accompanied by a completed referral form, link below:

https://www.sapathology.sa.gov.au/testcatfiles/PUB-0556.pdf

 

 

4th February 2025Collection & Request Instructions

PAXgene collections: collect via butterflies instead of a vacutainer due to the possible backflow of liquid inside the PAXgene if a vacutainer is used. 

Collections for BCR ABL testing must be collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube and must NOT be put through any analysers. 

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.

If using a PAXgene tube also collect an additional 9mL EDTA whole blood sample. If PAXgene tubes are not available then collect 1 x 9mL EDTA tube.

Test must be performed within 48 hours of specimen collection. Do not collect blood or bone marrow for this test on days preceding public holidays. Collections on Fridays must arrive at the Clayton laboratory by 2pm and samples collected after this or on a Saturday will not be accepted.

Test requests for rare translocations are referred to SA Pathology and these samples must be accompanied by a completed referral form, link below:

https://www.sapathology.sa.gov.au/testcatfiles/PUB-0556.pdf

 

 

PAXgene collections: collect via butterflies instead of a vacutainer due to the possible backflow of liquid inside the PAXgene if a vacutainer is used. 

Collections for BCR ABL testing must be collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube and must NOT be put through any analysers. 

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.

If using a PAXgene tube also collect an additional 9mL EDTA whole blood sample. If PAXgene tubes are not available then collect 1 x 9mL EDTA tube.

Test must be performed within 48 hours of specimen collection. Do not collect blood or bone marrow for this test on days preceding public holidays. Collections on Fridays or days preceeding a public holiday must arrive at the Clayton laboratory by 12pm. Samples collected after 12pm on a Friday or a day preceeding a public holiday or on a Saturday will not be accepted.

Test requests for rare translocations are referred to SA Pathology and these samples must be accompanied by a completed referral form, link below:

https://www.sapathology.sa.gov.au/testcatfiles/PUB-0556.pdf

 

 

 Recent changes for BRODIFACOUM (RAT POISON WARFARIN) ASSAY

Recent changes for BRODIFACOUM (RAT POISON WARFARIN) ASSAY
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
24th March 2025Alternative namesWARFARIN ASSAY
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL

 Recent changes for CALPROTECTIN

Recent changes for CALPROTECTIN
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
11th July 2025Collection & Request Instructions

Non-CMBS test

 Recent changes for CD62L

Recent changes for CD62L
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
20th February 2025Volume (Adults)9 mL6 mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volume9 mL6 mL
Collection & Request Instructions

Tuesdays early mornings only.

Specimen must be collected by 8.30am and sent immediately to Pathology Reception for courier to reach The Royal Children's Hospital before 11am on Tuesdays only. 

This is a time critical test. Please liaise with the immunopathologist on-call before ordering or collection. 

Tuesday early morning only.

 

 Recent changes for CEFAZOLIN

Recent changes for CEFAZOLIN
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
28th March 2025FrequencyOn requestDaily

 Recent changes for CONNEXIN/DFNB1

Recent changes for CONNEXIN/DFNB1
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
12th June 2025Preferred Specimen TypeBloodBlood
Saliva
Optional Specimen TypeSalivaChorionic Villus Sample (CVS)
Amniotic Fluid

 Recent changes for DEXAMETHASONE

Recent changes for DEXAMETHASONE
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
11th July 2025Collection & Request Instructions

This a send-out test to Queensland Pathology.

This a send-out test to Queensland Pathology.

Dexamethasone Suppression test requests should be referred to the Chemical Pathologist.

 Recent changes for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia NGS Panel

Recent changes for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia NGS Panel
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
24th April 2025Assay nameFamilial Hypercholesterolaemia Gene PanelFamilial Hypercholesterolaemia NGS Panel
Alternative namesLDLR, APOB, PCSK9, ApoB, FH, hereditary hypercholesterolaemiaFH, hereditary Hypercholesterolaemia, NGS, Next Generation Sequencing
Preferred Specimen TypeBloodBlood
Saliva
DNA
Collection & Request Instructions

MBS-funded. Must be requested by a specialist or consultant physician.

 

 

 

 

 

24th April 2025Alternative namesLDLR, APOB, PCSK9, ApoB-100, FH, hereditary hypercholesterolaemiaLDLR, APOB, PCSK9, ApoB, FH, hereditary hypercholesterolaemia
Request GroupMISCGENGENTRAN
Collection & Request Instructions

MBS-funded. Must be requested by a specialist or consultant physician.

MBS-funded. Must be requested by a specialist or consultant physician.

 

 

 Recent changes for Familial Mediterranean Fever

Recent changes for Familial Mediterranean Fever
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
20th February 2025Volume (Adults)3 mL4 mL
Collection & Request Instructions

Collect 1 x 3mL EDTA Blood

Collect 1 x 8mL EDTA Blood

 Recent changes for HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS PCR

Recent changes for HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS PCR
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
27th May 2025Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
27th May 2025Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
Collection & Request Instructions

Please note: HPV PCR is only available for samples collected from mucosal membranes or genital sites. Specimens from superficial sites are no longer suitable for this assay.

 

Please note: HPV PCR is only available for samples collected from mucosal membranes or genital sites with clinical presentation of lesions. Specimens from superficial sites are no longer suitable for this assay. 

 

 Recent changes for INTERLEUKIN-6

Recent changes for INTERLEUKIN-6
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
27th March 2025Request GroupMISCIMTest no longer available
Preferred Specimen TypeBloodTest Not Available
Preferred Container TypeSerum - Gel tube - Contains Clot ActivatorTest Not Available
Collection & Request Instructions

Request must be discussed with on-call Immunologist prior to collection.

This test is not covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule. The patient will be responsible for the cost of the test and will be sent a bill directly from the referral laboratory.

A "Consent for Payment" form must be signed by the patient before collection. Please note: This consent form is not required for hospital inpatients or clinical trials patients.

The current cost of the test is $28 (as of 19/03/2025). Please note that this may change.

A dedicated tube is required for this test.

 

This test is no longer available. Please contact the Immunopathologist on-call or the Immunology Laboratory for any questions.

FrequencyOn requestNot applicable

 Recent changes for KARYOTYPE - BLOOD

Recent changes for KARYOTYPE - BLOOD
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
25th March 2025Assay nameCHROMOSOME STUDIES - BLOOD (CONSTITUTIONAL)KARYOTYPE - BLOOD
Alternative namesKARYOTYPE - BLOOD, G-bandCHROMOSOME STUDIES - BLOOD (CONSTITUTIONAL), G-band

 Recent changes for LIPOPROTEIN (a)

Recent changes for LIPOPROTEIN (a)
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
20th May 2025Collection & Request Instructions

Lp(a) Test is not Medicare rebatable.

 Recent changes for MEASLES SEROLOGY

Recent changes for MEASLES SEROLOGY
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
14th April 2025Alternative namesMeasles IgG (Screening for immunity) Measles IgG and IgM (Clinical infection i.e. rash, fever)Measles IgG Measles IgG and IgM
14th April 2025Alternative namesMeasles IgG, Measles IgG and IgMMeasles IgG (Screening for immunity) Measles IgG and IgM (Clinical infection i.e. rash, fever)

 Recent changes for MITOTANE

Recent changes for MITOTANE
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
11th July 2025Collection & Request Instructions

Collect 4-5 mL blood in EDTA tube ( keep on ice) at following times (according to treatment plan in protocol):

-Baseline (Prior to mitotane) or at 1 week

-2 weeks (after dose increase)

-4 weeks

-then every 2-4 weeks (until a therapeutic plasma level is achieved)

-then every 2-3 months

Note: samples should be collected prior to that day's treatment (for trough level assessment)

Supplied by Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital.

Mitotane Plasma request form must be filled out prior to collection.

Refer to Chemical Pathologist.

Collect 4-5 mL blood in EDTA tube ( keep on ice) at following times (according to treatment plan in protocol):

-Baseline (Prior to mitotane) or at 1 week

-2 weeks (after dose increase)

-4 weeks

-then every 2-4 weeks (until a therapeutic plasma level is achieved)

-then every 2-3 months

Note: samples should be collected prior to that day's treatment (for trough level assessment)

Supplied by Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital.

 Recent changes for Myeloid NGS Panel

Recent changes for Myeloid NGS Panel
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
24th April 2025Assay nameMYELOID NGS PANELMyeloid NGS Panel
Collection & Request Instructions

Must be a separate collection tube for moleculoar testing

Must be a separate collection tube for molecular testing.

 Recent changes for NEUROTRANSMITTERS (CSF)

Recent changes for NEUROTRANSMITTERS (CSF)
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
11th July 2025Collection & Request Instructions

CSF must be collected into special tubes (available from the Chemical Pathologist) and placed immediately into dry ice.

CSF must be collected into special tubes (available from the Chemical Pathologist) and placed immediately into dry ice.

Refer all requests to Chemical Pathologist for special tubes.

11th July 2025Collection & Request Instructions

CSF must be collected into special tubes (available from the Chemical Pathologist) and placed immediately into dry ice.

CSF must be collected into special tubes (available from the Chemical Pathologist) and placed immediately into dry ice.

 Recent changes for Pan-Cancer RNA Fusion panel (Solid tumour)

Recent changes for Pan-Cancer RNA Fusion panel (Solid tumour)
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
22nd April 2025Assay namePan-cancer RNA fusion panel (solid tumour)Pan-Cancer RNA Fusion panel (Solid tumour)
Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
22nd April 2025Assay nameRNA fusion panel (solid tumour)Pan-cancer RNA fusion panel (solid tumour)
Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
22nd April 2025Assay nameRNA fusion panelRNA fusion panel (solid tumour)
Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
22nd April 2025Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL

 Recent changes for PENICILLIN G

Recent changes for PENICILLIN G
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
14th February 2025Alternative namesBENZYLPENICILLIN
Request GroupnonePENEG1
Volume (Adults)5 mL1 mL
Preferred Specimen TypeRefer to collection instructionsBlood
Preferred Container TypeRefer to collection instructionsHeparin Plasma (No Gel)
Optional Container TypeSerum (No Gel)
EDTA Plasma

 Recent changes for PLATELET AGGREGATION STUDIES

Recent changes for PLATELET AGGREGATION STUDIES
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
14th February 2025Alternative namesPLATELET FUNCTION TESTSPLATELET FUNCTION TEST
Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
Collection & Request Instructions

(a) Full platelet aggregation studies must be approved by a haematologist. 

(b) Only available at Clayton Campus from 9am - 1pm, Mon-Fri, MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE WITH LAB OTHERWISE MAY NOT BE PERFORMED (Phone 95946751) 

(c) Tests for Paitents <1 year old must be approved by Paediactric Haematologist.

(d) Blood collection - Patient ; Collect 4 X 3.5 mL Citrate tubes - Controls ; Collect 3 x 3.5 mL Citrate tubes on a donor staff member (no medication during last 7 days). Place 'do not spin' stickers on the tube. Not to be sent via pneumatic tube.

Not suitable for pre-registration

(A) Only available at Clayton Campus. THIS TEST MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE WITH THE LAB. Please phone 9594 6751 BEFORE COLLECTION to ensure patient is booked.

(B) ALL REQUESTS FOR PLATELET AGGREGATION STUDIES (not PFA screening) IN PATIENTS <18yr MUST BE APPROVED BY A HAEMATOLOGIST PRIOR TO COLLECTION. Contact Haematology Laboratory Registrars on 9594 4340.

(C) Blood collection - Patient: Collect 4 x 3.5 mL Citrate tubes. Controls: Collect 3 x 3.5 mL Citrate tubes on a donor staff member (no medication during last 10 days). Place 'do not spin' stickers on the tube. Not to be sent via pneumatic tube.

Not suitable for pre-registration.

 Recent changes for Prader Willi Syndrome

Recent changes for Prader Willi Syndrome
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
9th May 2025LaboratoryGenetics & Molecular PathologyCytogenetics
Request GroupGMPTRANCYTOGEN
Collection & Request Instructions

If a karyotype is required please collect in heparin. For all other tests ie microarray and molecular tests please collect in EDTA tube.

 Recent changes for PREPAIR DNA

Recent changes for PREPAIR DNA
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
18th July 2025Collection & Request Instructions

VCGS is changing the way that its takes payment for prepair 3:

When the sample arrives at VCGS, patients will recieve an SMS to arrange payment.

Please ensure the patients' MOBILE NUMBER is included on the form.

Cost: $389 or bulk billed (no cost) for Medicare eligible patients (#73451).

If the patient is not eligible for medicare, when the sample arrives at VCGS, patients will recieve an SMS to arrange payment hence please ensure the patient's phone number is on the request form.

 

 Recent changes for PROTEIN S ASSAY

Recent changes for PROTEIN S ASSAY
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
10th April 2025Request GroupPROTSPROTSF

 Recent changes for RNA Gene Fusion panel (Haematology)

Recent changes for RNA Gene Fusion panel (Haematology)
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
22nd April 2025Volume (Adults)null mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL

 Recent changes for SARS-CoV-2 Serology

Recent changes for SARS-CoV-2 Serology
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
28th January 2025Request GroupWCVCOVSER
Collection & Request Instructions

Serology for COVID-19 should only be ordered with appropriate clinical presentation. Please refer to Public Health Laboratory Network Guidance for serological testing in COVID-19 or contact the Microbiology registrar to discuss.

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/08/phln-guidance-for-serological-testing-in-covid-19-phln-guidance-on-serological-testing-in-covid-19.pdf

FrequencyOn requestNot applicable

 Recent changes for TRYPTASE

Recent changes for TRYPTASE
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
16th April 2025Volume (Adults)5 mL2 mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volume2 mL1 mL
Collection & Request Instructions

Sample should be collected between 15 minutes and 3 hours after the suspected anaphylactic event.

Increased levels of Tryptase can normally be detected up to 3 to 6 hours after the anaphylactic reaction. Levels return to normal within 12—14 hours after release.

For acute settings, to help in the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, samples should be collected between 30 minutes and 4 hours after the suspected anaphylactic event. Where possible, a baseline sample is also recommended, for collection at least 24-48 hours following resolution of all allergic symptoms.

For the exclusion or monitoring of mast cell disorders, samples are best collected more than one week after resolution of any suspected allergic events.

Please note that sample viability is 7 days at 4oC, and 24 hours at room temperature. Add-on requests beyond this time frame are not possible.

9th April 2025Request GroupTTASE1TTASE2

 Recent changes for WARFARIN ASSAY

Recent changes for WARFARIN ASSAY
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
24th March 2025Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL

 Recent changes for Y-CHROMOSOME MICRODELETION STUDIES

Recent changes for Y-CHROMOSOME MICRODELETION STUDIES
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
3rd June 2025Volume (Adults)5 mL4 mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
Collection & Request Instructions

When both Y chromosome microdeletion and karyotype is requested, please collect an EDTA for the Y chromosome microdeletion assay and a LithHep sample for the karyotyping request.

When both Y chromosome microdeletion and karyotype is requested, please collect a 4mL EDTA blood sample for the Y chromosome microdeletion assay and a LithHep sample for the karyotyping request.

3rd June 2025Request GroupCYTOGENMISCGEN
Minimum/Paediatric Volumenull mL
Collection & Request Instructions

When both Y chromosome microdeletion and karyotype is requested, please collect an EDTA and a LithHep sample.

When both Y chromosome microdeletion and karyotype is requested, please collect an EDTA for the Y chromosome microdeletion assay and a LithHep sample for the karyotyping request.

Uncontrolled when downloaded or printed.
Date printed: 20th July, 2025 12:35:38