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What is Mater Pathology?

We offer a broad range of pathology services and can accept any pathology referrals (excluding commercial testing). Mater Pathology operates a highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art pathology laboratory featuring specialist medical, scientific and technical staff. The expertise of our staff means we can offer a full range of routine and specialised pathology services.

Mater pathologists, scientific and technical staff are highly skilled across a broad range of unique pathology specialities, diagnostic and consultative services so you can be confident you are receiving exceptional care.

Mater Pathology is the only Queensland not-for-profit pathology organisation. We have been providing services to patients for over 100 years.

For enquiries:
Home visit bookings:  07 3163 8500
Warfarin clinic enquiries: 07 3163 8378
Account enquiries: 07 3163 8636

 

As a patient, you can expect dedication, commitment and care.

We love to hear your feedback and are passionate about improving our services. If you have any compliments or complaints, please get in touch with our team:

We will respond to your feedback within two working days.

Find a collection centre

Whether you need a blood test or another type of pathology test, Mater Pathology has more than 40 collection centres within Brisbane and its surrounding communities to ensure you have access to our quality service. Collection centre opening times vary so please check for times that suit you. 

If these times do not suit you, we also offer a 24/7 collection service at our South Brisbane facility. Please present to Mater Hospital Brisbane Adult Emergency or Mater Private Emergency Care Centre after 5pm and a phlebotomist will be contacted and perform the required collection.

Find your nearest collection centre
 

Home collection service

Did you know that we also provide an efficient and bulk billed* home collection service for all patients throughout Brisbane, Ipswich and northern Gold Coast? If you are a cancer patient at Mater, or have attended one of our Mater hospitals (pre-op or post-op), we can come to you. If you are elderly and without transport, or are a parent with young children and have difficulty getting to one of our collection centres, we can come to you. Our service exists to support both Mater and St Vincent’s patients in our community to ensure you can access care when you need it.

Utilising a team of fully qualified collectors—specialising in the collection of specimens for general adult, maternity, paediatric and neonatal tests—our home service allows you to access our expertise from the comfort of your own home.

Operating hours:
Brisbane North: 7am to 3pm (Tuesdays and Fridays only)
Brisbane South, Bayside and Ipswich: 7am to 3pm (Monday - Friday)
Gold Coast (south to Hope Island): 7am to 3pm (Monday - Friday)

To book a home collection service or for further information please call our team on 07 3163 8500.

* Conditions may apply in some circumstances.

Pathology tests explained

If you are looking for more information about your blood test, Pathology tests explained is a great resource to help you understand your pathology test.

Pathology tests explained

Accounts and billing

Do you have queries about your medicare rebate or would like more information about accounts and billing?

Read more

Preparing for a test

Here are some things you can do to prepare for your test:

  • Bring your pathology test request form (we accept all pathology request forms, excluding commercial testing).
  • You will be asked about your current medications and doses, so you may find it helpful to bring in a list of your medications and give to the Mater Pathology staff member taking your collection.
  • Bring your valid Medicare card.
  • Unless advised otherwise, drink plenty of water prior to your test.
  • For fasting blood tests, it is recommended you eat your normal evening meal, then fast for preferably 8 to 16 hours (ideally 10-12 hours) before your morning blood test. Only water is permitted during the fasting period.

Some test require specific preparation and collection. If you need to do a special collection test click here for further information.

After your test

Following your blood collection, there are things you can do to prevent injury.

  • Rest your arm as much as possible and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 24 hours. 
  • Leave the dressing on for at least 15 minutes after your blood test but no longer than 2 hours
  • If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with your fingers over the venepuncture site and elevate the arm until the bleeding stops.
  • If you have discomfort or swelling of the arm, elevate your arm and place ice over the site for 10 minutes.
  • If you experience further concern after your blood test, contact your GP or the collection centre for advice.

 

Co-agreements with other specialist pathology providers

Mater Pathology has arrangements for collections which require specialist testing; you can read more information below:

 

Nursing homes

Our team continues to expand the scope of expertise provided by our mobile collection team to include aged care facilities across Brisbane’s greater south region.

Our aim is to provide quality pathology support to residents in the comfort of your own home. Our service is customised to meet patient needs and is particularly suited to the elderly or patients with mobility issues.

Our collectors are Certificate III and IV qualified and experienced in all aspects of pathology specimen collection, including adult, geriatric and dementia patients. All patients are bulk billed regardless of their health status or mobility.

Our team have a convenient, single contact phone number for all of your pathology enquiries—simply phone 07 3163 8500 between 7am and 8pm.

New Collection Centres

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Frequently asked questions

Read our frequently asked questions for more information on your test or how to prepare for it.

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Contact us

Do you have a question for our team or are you interested in more information?

Contact us

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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