All samples from our various collection centres are tested 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.
The government has released a Medicare rebate for the test so there is no charge for those citizens who hold a Medicare card and have a GP referral form. If you do not hold a valid Medicare card, please see the section below, self-referred COVID testing.
People travelling overseas must undertake specific COVID-19 travel testing prior to departure (usually within 72 hours).
Travellers can book a COVID-19 test via our call centre on 07 3163 8500 and will be required to pay for their travel test prior to testing. Mater Pathology will provide to the traveller a covid certificate of the result of the test via email prior to their departure.
Please note: Travellers to China must undertake both COVID-19 PCR and COVID-19 IgM testing prior to departure.
If you or any of your family have been requested to test for COVID-19 under a Public Health Order, you are able to attend any of our collection centres located in your area without a request form, for all other testing, a request form referred by a General Practitioner is required.
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 by calling our customer service team on 07 3163 8500.
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.
A referral is required for COVID-19 testing at the collection centres listed above.
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
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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
We understand that the requirement for Medicare rebates for COVID testing requires a doctors referral. We know this may be sometimes difficult to obtain when you are sick. For this reason, Mater Pathology will provide symptomatic Respiratory Testing, with bulk billing available to Medicare Card holders.
However, if you are non-symptomatic and require a self-referred COVID test online, you will need to pay an upfront fee of $50 (extra for documentation).
You will receive an SMS with the result within 24 hours to your Australian mobile number provided at time of collection. All respiratory panel results will be provided by your My Health Record via the Australian Digital Health Agency.
Please call us on 07 3163 8500 to find a collection centre near you or for any further information.