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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

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Found 127 results

von Willebrand factor | Pathology Tests Explained

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) testing measures the quantity of the protein present in the blood and how well it functions. vWF is a blood-clotting protein and

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LDL cholesterol | Pathology Tests Explained

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Kidney function tests | Pathology Tests Explained

The kidney function tests are a group of tests performed to assess how well your kidneys are working. They measure levels of various substances, including se

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Vitamin B12 and folate | Pathology Tests Explained

These are two tests that measure the levels of vitamin B12 and folate in your blood. They are usually ordered if you have had an abnormal result from a Full Blo

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UTI (Urinary tract infection) testing | Pathology Tests Explained

Urine tests can help find out if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinalysis and urine culture (MC/S) look for the bacteria that cause infection and se

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Oestradiol (oestrogen) | Pathology Tests Explained

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Antenatal group and screen | Pathology Tests Explained

All pregnant women are screened and reviewed during their pregnancy to establish their ABO and RhD blood group and identify if there are any red cell antibodies

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Zinc protoporphyrin | Pathology Tests Explained

The zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) test is a blood test that can identify a disruption in the formation of haem. Haem is an essential component of haemoglobin, th

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White cell count | Pathology Tests Explained

A white blood cell count and white cell differential is used to screen for or diagnose a wide range of conditions that change the number of white blood cells (W

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Vitamin D | Pathology Tests Explained

Vitamin D is vital for the growth and health of bone; without it, bones will be soft, malformed, and unable to repair themselves normally, resulting in the d

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