pathology
Your pathology | A goldmine you probably haven't recognised.
Would you like to get more out of your pathology? Then read on!
Pathology is an incredible investigative tool that 60% of Australians utilise each year. Between 2020 and 2021 this was a whopping 150.9 million services (not pathology tests - multiple services may be provided with one pathology draw).
Your pathology results can be a goldmine of information, but to get the most out of them, the first thing you need to do is prepare for your testing correctly.
How to prepare for your blood tests
These are general recommendations! Please consult with your healthcare team to find out if there are any specific considerations for your personal case or the tests you are having conducted:
FASTING (nothing except water) for at least 8 hours and no more than 12 hours (e.g. overnight)
RESTED as exercise in the last 72 hours prior to your testing can shift results
HYDRATED with at least 1-2 glasses of water in the hours prior to your pathology draw (blood test)
TAKE A BREAK from supplements for at least 3 days prior to your pathology draw (this is a general recommendation! Consult with your personal healthcare team). Obviously, do NOT stop your medications unless your doctor or specialist has instructed you to do so.
CONSIDER WAITING if you have had significant changes to your typical routine (e.g. major stress, trauma, night out, acute infection, drugs, high alcohol intake)
ASK your health care professionals if there are any recommendations they suggest for your particular tests (E.g. female hormonal panel is best done on days 2-5 of your cycle)
Medicare Criteria for pathology
Please be mindful that there are Medicare Criteria set for testing. If your case does not meet the criteria, you will not be able to get the tests under medicare. You may have the option of paying for the specific tests that your doctor or other specialists recommend. Discuss this with your healthcare team for further guidance.
Your results
The general process is that your doctor will review your pathology with you. In some cases, you may only receive a reviewing appointment if there is a concern in your pathology (a result that is out of range) that your doctor needs to discuss with you. You may ask for a printed copy for your records, or if you have "My Health Record" set up via mygov, you should have access to your pathology results and past pathology history online.
Unfortunately many people feel that whilst they are experiencing chronic symptoms, their pathology does not seem to be revealing the issues. This is due to a number of factors including:
Pathology not being collected under optimal circumstances
How pathology ranges are set and their relevance to your personal case
Low-normals and high-normals that are "in range" but could be improved
Pathology evaluation
Is primarily done by your doctor, but other healthcare practitioners such as nutritionists and naturopaths (if properly qualified!) may also provide valuable insights.
I personally love evaluating pathology and am undergoing further professional development to gain deeper research-based insight into pathology. I take note of the subtle shifts, low-normals, high-normals, appropriate reference ranges for your personal presentation (age, sex, health history, etc.), and so much more! If the records are available, I like to evaluate several years worth of pathology to get a feel for what your personal "norms" are and to identify shifts. I work with your doctor and your current healthcare team to ensure your best clinical outcomes.
If you are keen to optimise your health or dig deeper into your pathology, book in for a consult, I'd love to help you uncover the goldmine in your pathology.
Medical Disclaimer: none of the above is a substitute for consultation, diagnosis, supplementing advice, or medical treatment by your doctor. See your doctor and/or other health professionals before changing anything in your lifestyle, diet, or supplement/medical habits.
