Why am I having this test?

Your doctor has asked that you to provide a sample of Faeces or Urine (your doctor will specify) for examination by the laboratory.

Please note: You will need to have ice or an ice brick available to deliver the specimen to one of the hospital ACT Pathology collection centres.

Faeces

If your doctor did not give you a faeces container you can pick one up for free from an ACT Pathology Collection Centre.

A small amount of faeces is all that is needed for this test. Your sample should be collected by:

• Using a clean container to pass a sample into (a clean ice cream container).
• Using the scoop provided inside the jar, to scoop a small amount of faeces into the jar.
• Screw the lid on firmly and write your full name, date of birth and date/ time of collection on the label.
• Place the sample inside the plastic zip bag supplied and place the request form in the side pocket of the bag.
• Put the specimen on ice and deliver it to either Canberra Hospital or North Canberra Hospital ACT Pathology collection rooms within 30 mins of collection.
• If there is going to be a delay of more than 30 minutes before you deliver specimen to a collection centre, please place the sample in your freezer and carry the sample to either of the hospital collection centres with ice or an ice brick.

Urine

If your doctor did not give you a urine container, you can pick one up for free from any ACT Pathology collection centres.

• Before you begin collecting the sample, clearly label your container with your full name, date of birth, and the time and date of collection.
• Collect a midstream urine sample only. To do this, pass a small amount of urine into the toilet and then start collecting your urine into the container—do not touch the inside of the container. You do not have to fill the container to the brim.
• Finish emptying your bladder into the toilet.
• Once you have collected the sample, screw the lid on tightly.
• Place the sample inside the plastic zip bag supplied.
• Place the specimen on ice and deliver it to either Canberra or North Canberra Hospital ACT Pathology collection rooms within 30 mins of collection.
• If there is going to be a delay of more than 30 minutes before you deliver specimen to laboratory, please place in freezer and deliver the sample on ice when you are able to.

For further information, please contact one of the following ACT Pathology collection centres:

Canberra Hospital Building 10 Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 12:15pm. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Canberra Hospital, Gilmore Cres, Garran (next to Centenary Hospital for Women and Children
Phone (02) 5124 2816.

North Canberra Hospital Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
North Canberra Hospital, 1st Floor, Marian Building, Bruce (Maternity entrance)
Phone: (02) 5124 3815.