Diagnostics onsite.
On-site pathology collection at all three SMSG centres. Blood tests, urine samples, and other specimens collected during your visit and processed by the pathology partner services, with results returned to your medical practitioner.
Ordered, collected, reported.
Pathology is the range of laboratory tests your doctor uses to investigate, diagnose and monitor health conditions. Blood tests are the most common, but pathology also includes urine tests, microbiology cultures, cytology, histology (tissue examination), and other specimen analysis.
At SMSG, pathology collection is available on-site. Your medical practitioner orders the test, and you have your sample taken either at the collection room or during your consultation, and the sample is processed by the pathology partner. Results are returned directly to the ordering doctor for review and follow-up.
For samples that need to be taken in a specific way or at a specific time (fasting bloods, morning cortisol, timed samples), instructions are provided at the time of ordering.
Blood, urine, and beyond.
Two paths.
If your medical practitioner orders pathology during your appointment, the sample can often be taken on the day. For tests that require specific preparation such as fasting, you may return for the sample on another day.
If you already have a request form from a previous consultation or from an external doctor, you can attend the collection room during the pathology service opening hours to have the sample taken. For specific tests (for example glucose tolerance or Holter Monitor), pre-booking may be required. Please confirm with the pathology partner prior to your test.
Some tests require fasting (no food or drink other than water) for a set period beforehand, and are typically taken first thing in the morning. Others must be taken at specific times of day (early morning cortisol) or under specific conditions. Your GP will explain the timing and preparation for your particular tests.
All three centres.
Transparent fees, independent billing.
SMSG operates independently from its pathology partners and does not determine pathology billing arrangements. Any applicable fees will be advised by the pathology provider before your sample is collected. If pathology is ordered during a consultation, your medical practitioner will advise you if a private fee applies to a specific test.
Please note that your medical practitioner consultation fee is separate from any pathology fee if applicable.
Back to your doctor.
Results are returned to the ordering doctor, typically within 1 to 5 business days for standard tests. More specialised tests take longer. For non-urgent results, book a follow-up appointment with the ordering doctor to discuss them.
See our Results Policy for details on how results are managed at SMSG. The practice nursing team can confirm whether a result has arrived and whether your doctor has reviewed it, but only the doctor can provide clinical advice and interpretation about them.
Common questions.
Do I need to make an appointment for pathology?
Not usually. If you have a request form, you can attend the collection room during their opening hours. Some specialised tests may require an appointment, please confirm with pathology collector if you are unsure.
Can I have pathology done at any SMSG centre?
Yes. If your request form was written by an external doctor, you can still have the sample taken at any SMSG centre.
How long do results take?
Standard blood tests: 1 to 3 business days. Specialised tests: 1 to 5 business days. Some specialised pathology, including histology and genetic testing, can take up to 2 weeks.
