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Pathology Tests Explained

Pathology Tests Explained is a not-for profit organisation that provides information about pathology tests.

It is funded principally by the Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (AACB), one of pathology’s peak bodies representing many of the professionals who work in laboratories.

Vision and mission

The aim of Pathology Tests Explained is to provide you with information about pathology testing that you can rely on as being accurate and authoritative. The content is written by practicing pathologists and scientists including some of Australia’s leading experts who work in public or private pathology laboratories or hold appointments with professional societies, all in Australia.

How Pathology Tests Explained can help

Pathology Tests Explained can help by providing all you need to know about the pathology tests that will be used to diagnose, treat, and manage any illness you have.

They can help if you:

  • have been asked to have tests
  • have a diagnosis but aren’t sure what lies ahead
  • are managing a chronic illness
  • are caring for someone having tests
  • are a health professional looking for information to pass on to a patient or seeking a quick resource for yourself

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

Last reviewed: May 2022

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Found 26 results

Sweat Chloride Test - Pathology Tests Explained

Prenatal screening provides pregnant women with the option to refine the probability of having a fetus with a common fetal chromosomal anomaly such as Down syndrome or a structural defect such as spina bifida.

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CF gene mutation testing - Pathology Tests Explained

To detect cystic fibrosis (CF) genetic mutations, to establish CF carrier status or to establish the diagnosis of CF in an individual.

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Vitamin B12 and folate - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for vitamin B12 and folate

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Pregnancy and prenatal testing - Pathology Tests Explained

Pregnancy is the period of time when a fetus develops inside a woman's uterus and ends with the birth of the infant. The following pages contain information on some tests related to pregnancy that may be performed either to diagnose existing problems or screen for potential problems.

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Maternal screening - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for maternal screening

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Fragile X gene - Pathology Tests Explained

DNA testing for increases in the length of the CGG repeat region of the FMR1 gene is available in Australia and the cost is covered by Medicare, when the person being tested has intellectual disability, ataxia, neurodegeneration, or premature ovarian failure

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Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for FSH

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Full blood count - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for a full blood count

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Screening tests for newborns - Pathology Tests Explained

Screening newborn babies using laboratory blood tests is important for the early diagnosis and treatment of certain rare genetic and congenital disorders. This is usually done within a few days of birth when the disorders would otherwise not be clinically apparent at this early age.

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Semen analysis - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to have semen analysed

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