COVID-19 information

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing information for patients

Testing for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is available through Mater Pathology. To be eligible for testing patients must present with a completed pathology request form from their clinician.

If you have a request form, here’s what you need to know:

Before arrival:
- Please contact Mater Pathology on 07 3163 8500 to notify our team that you are coming.
Upon arrival:
- Make yourself known to the collection staff.
- Ensure you have a mask on or ask for one immediately.
- Have your referral form from your GP/Specialist with you.

Where to go for testing

COVID-19 test collection centres are located at:

• Mater Pathology Cleveland
  46 - 50 Middle Street
• Mater Pathology Coorparoo
  Cnr Old Cleveland Road and French Street
• Mater Pathology Yamanto
  512-514 Warwick Road
• Mater Pathology South Brisbane
  600 Stanley St

*Remember - you must have a request form from a Clinician for us to collect your sample. Whilst the locations above are specifically designed to cater for COVID-19 testing, we do offer drive up and COVID-19 Collections at many of our remaining rooms. A full list of Mater Pathology collection centres can be found here or contact our customer service team on (07) 3163 8500.
 
Where is the testing performed?

Testing will be performed by Mater Pathology at our South Brisbane laboratory. Once the sample is tested at the laboratory, results will be released to your referring doctor. All coronavirus requests are reported to the Queensland Government Public Health unit.
 
How much does it cost?

The government has released a Medicare rebate for the test so there is no charge for those citizens who hold a Medicare card. If you do not hold a valid Medicare card, please ring our customer service team on (07) 3163 8500 for more information.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing information for doctors

Testing can be performed on samples collected on-site in general practice, via Mater Pathology drive up facilities or via our collection centre network.

Criteria for testing

Advice and criteria for testing may change subject to public health advice. The latest guidelines should be referred to, and are available through the Information for Queensland clinicians and Healthcare Workers website. 

Where to send your patient for testing

Safety is our utmost priority. If your nearest collection centre is not listed below, please seek confirmation that testing can be performed at that site prior to sending patients.

Mater Pathology may be able to perform respiratory testing at most collection centre sites, however the collection centres listed below have been specifically set up for COVID-19 specimen collection.

COVID-19 testing centres are located at:

• Mater Pathology Cleveland
  46 - 50 Middle Street
• Mater Pathology Coorparoo
  Cnr Old Cleveland Road and French Street
• Mater Pathology Yamanto
  512-514 Warwick Road
• Mater Pathology South Brisbane
  600 Stanley Street

Mater Pathology may also be able to provide drive up testing for your patients. If this is an option they would prefer please direct them to our customer service team on 07 3163 8500 and we will assist them with booking their visit.

Information on referring patients for testing

If referring a patient for testing at one of our centres:
•    Ask your patient to contact the Mater Pathology customer service team on 07 3163 8500 to book a test. This will allow us to maintain social distancing in our rooms.
•  Ensure your patient has a referral form—this may be faxed ahead to our customer service team on 07 3163 8783.
•    Ensure your patient has been provided with a suitable face mask if possible.

Collecting samples in your practice

Information relating to safe collection procedures can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health site.  
Samples accepted:
•    Dry viral swabs (for example, flocked swab)
•    Collect at least one from the nasopharynx
•    If possible, please also collect one from the oropharynx (throat)

Public health unit notifiable diseases

COVID-19 is classified as a notifiable disease to the public health unit. If your patient meets the current criteria for suspected COVID-19, please notify the appropriate public health unit for your area. 

For any questions or enquiries related to this service, please contact:
Deb Hornsby, General Manager Mater Pathology
0401 216 477 or email deb.hornsby@mater.org.au;  or

General enquiries:

Phone: 07 3163 8500
Fax:      07 3163 8783

Related articles: 

• 27/07/2020 Mater Pathology updates Respiratory Virus Panel

Asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 

In response to an increase in demand for asymptomatic testing across Queensland, Mater Pathology can offer packages for organisations seeking to test their staff for COVID-19.

Our tertiary hospital laboratory is accredited to national standards by both the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA). 

Why would this benefit my organisation?

•    Provide staff with assurance and confidence as they interact with customers including vulnerable groups.
•    Provide customers with the assurance that your organisation is performing regular staff screening. 
•    When added to a Covid-safe work plan, testing will provide organisations with peace of mind that they are acting in staff and customers best interests.

Organisations can choose for staff to be tested just for COVID-19, or COVID-19 plus a full respiratory virus PCR panel (including influenza).

How we can assist?

•    Mater Pathology can meet to discuss the needs of the organisation and work through testing options.
•    Mater Pathology has an extensive network of collection centres that can be accessed. Other options including worksite or residential visits.
•    Results will be made available to the employer within 48-72 hours.

For enquiries please email pathology.enquiries@mater.org.au