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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 19 results

Rubella | Pathology Tests Explained

Rubella is a viral infection that causes a fine red rash and flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headache and a general feeling of being unwell. T

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Asthma | Pathology Tests Explained

Asthma is a chronic (long term) inflammatory lung disease characterised by wheeze, shortness of breath, cough or chest tightness that varies over time and ex

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Blood group | Pathology Tests Explained

A blood group is commonly performed as part of a group of tests. These tests include ABO and RhD blood groups, a blood group antibody screen and a crossmatch

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Blood group antibody screen | Pathology Tests Explained

A blood group antibody screen is a group of tests that includes the ABO and RhD blood groups, a blood group antibody screen and identification of any blood g

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Fragile X gene | Pathology Tests Explained

Fragile X CGG repeat sizing is routinely performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with fluorescently labelled primers. The labelled pieces of

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Maternal screening | Pathology Tests Explained

The maternal serum screening tests involve the measurement of different pregnancy-associated hormones, which are found in all pregnancies. 

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Prolactin | Pathology Tests Explained

Prolactin is a 23kD sized hormone produced by the lactotroph cells of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Normally prese

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Testosterone | Pathology Tests Explained

Testosterone is a steroid hormone (androgen) made by the testes in males. Its production is stimulated and controlled by luteinising hormone (LH), which is m

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Toxoplasmosis | Pathology Tests Explained

Toxoplasmosis testing is performed in order to detect and diagnose a current or past Toxoplasma gondii infection. T. gondii is a microscopic parasite that in

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Urinary tract infection (UTI) testing | Pathology Tests Explained

A UTI is an infection of one or more parts of the urinary tract. The urinary tract consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. The kidney

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