Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Pathology Tests Explained

Pathology Tests Explained (PTEx) is a not-for-profit organisation managed by a Board composed of representatives from professional bodies in pathology. PTEx provides a website information service for the public about pathology tests.

Vision and mission

PTEx's aim is to provide the public with information about pathology testing that you can rely on as being accurate and authoritative. Importantly, they take steps to maintain their independence. Their funding comes from a range of professional organisations and government sources, and they do not accept or post any advertising. In this way they are able to provide evidence-based information that is free from commercial interest.

How Pathology Tests Explained can help

If your health carer has asked you to go and have some blood tests you can find information about those tests on www.pathologytestsexplained.org,au. You will find information about why your doctor has requested the tests, what you may need to do as part of collecting the blood or other sample, and what the results of the tests will mean. All information is written by professionals working in Australian pathology laboratories.

Information lines / help lines

Email: info@pathologytestsexplained.org.au

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Pathology Tests Explained.

Last reviewed: May 2025

Information from this partner

Found 19 results

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) | Pathology Tests Explained

hCG is a protein hormone produced in the placenta of a pregnant woman. A pregnancy test is a specific blood or urine test that can detect hCG and confirm pre

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Iron studies | Pathology Tests Explained

Iron is needed to help form adequate numbers of normal red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron is a critical part of haemoglobin, the p

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) | Pathology Tests Explained

There are DNA fragments circulating freely in our bloodstream (also known as cell-free DNA) which are released by cells during normal cell turnover. During p

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Platelet count | Pathology Tests Explained

Platelets (thrombocytes) are tiny cells derived from very large cells called megakaryocytes that are made in the bone marrow. These cells (about 2-3 microns

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Cervical screening test | Pathology Tests Explained

A cervical screening test detects the presence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) strains that are known to be a high risk for causing cancer of the cervix.

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Asthma | Pathology Tests Explained

Asthma is a chronic (long term) inflammatory lung disease characterised by wheeze, shortness of breath, cough or chest tightness that varies over time and ex

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Blood group | Pathology Tests Explained

A blood group is commonly performed as part of a group of tests. These tests include ABO and RhD blood groups, a blood group antibody screen and a crossmatch

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Blood group antibody screen | Pathology Tests Explained

A blood group antibody screen is a group of tests that includes the ABO and RhD blood groups, a blood group antibody screen and identification of any blood g

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Fragile X gene | Pathology Tests Explained

Fragile X CGG repeat sizing is routinely performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with fluorescently labelled primers. The labelled pieces of

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Maternal screening | Pathology Tests Explained

The maternal serum screening tests involve the measurement of different pregnancy-associated hormones, which are found in all pregnancies. 

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.