Patient Information
What happens to my sample at the lab?
Histopathology
Your doctor refers a tissue specimen to PML for histopathological examination. These specimens are removed at the time of surgery or during a biopsy procedure. The specimen is picked up by our courier service and delivered to the laboratory. In the laboratory the sample is processed, and then examined by one of our specialist histopathologist who issues a written report back to your doctor.
Cytology
PML provides a comprehensive cytology service with the ability to examine a wide range of specimens. The two most commonly requested tests are cervical cytology (the cervical smear) and fine needle aspiration cytology. The cervical smear can be associated with a Thinprep vial. Thin Prep is not currently recognized by Medicare Australia, so no rebate is available for this part of the test and you will be billed $25 to cover the cost of performing this test. Your doctor may send you to our practice for a fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a palpable lump. The test involves placing a fine needle into the lump and sampling cells, which are then smeared onto a slide and examined by one of our pathologists. If the lump is not easily palpable, your doctor will send you to a radiology practice, where one of our pathologists will be called in to attend the procedure and evaluate the specimen on site.
Clinical Pathology
The laboratory performs tests in the following disciplines:- haematology, serology, immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, endocrinology and molecular biology. The specimens most commonly examined in the laboratory are blood, urine and faeces. The pathologists and the Medical Scientists perform the analyses and examinations, and a written report is issued back to your doctor.
