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Pathology

Double Bay Doctors offers onsite pathology collection with Douglass Hanly Moir (DHM). The collection centre is open by appointment on weekdays, so you can usually be seen with little wait and get back to your day.
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Pathology at Double Bay Doctors is by appointment only and we cannot accept walk-in patients. You are welcome to bring a referral from any doctor - all pathology referrals are accepted.
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What you need to know
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Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00AM-12:00PM, Tues & Thurs 8:00AM-4:00PM
Booking: book online via the button below
Bring: your request form (hard-copy or digital QR code), Medicare card, or any health-insurance details (for non Medicare card holders)

Tests we offer
 
+ Routine & fasting blood tests
+ Glucose tolerance tests (GTTs)
+ Urea breath tests (UBTs)
+ Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
+ 24hr Holter monitors

Unfortunately Double Bay Doctors does not have access to a 24/48 hour blood pressure monitor. Please refer to DHM's website for other locations where you can access this service.

To learn more about how to prepare for your test, click here.

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN REQUESTING TESTS

A pathology referral is a clinical decision your GP makes with you, based on what will genuinely help your health. GPs also work within Medicare guidelines, which means they can only request tests that are clinically relevant to your care - connected to your symptoms, history, examination, risk factors, or the diagnosis, treatment or monitoring of a health condition. Reviewing each test against this is a normal part of safe, evidence-based care.
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Tests suggested by external clinicians
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You're welcome to bring tests suggested by someone else - another practitioner, an online service, an employer or a wellness provider. Your GP will look at each one with you and may recommend some, suggest alternatives that suit you better, advise monitoring over time, or explain why a test isn't the right step.
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A note on costs and Medicare
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Your pathology tests are only covered by Medicare if you hold full Australian Medicare - and even then, some tests are never covered. If you don't have full Australian Medicare (for example, no Medicare , or reciprocal Medicare cover), it's important to tell your doctor at the time of your consultation.

Your DHM pathology collector will always run through the cost of your tests before collecting your sample, and in most cases will ask for pre-payment from you, or from your health insurer if you don't have Medicare.

If your doctor collects a sample during your consultation - for example, a urine sample or a swab - and the test isn't covered by Medicare, or you don't hold full Australian Medicare, DHM will send you an invoice in the mail.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TEST

Fasting blood test

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Fasting is usually done overnight, with your blood collected the next morning.

  • Fast for at least 8 and no more than 15 hours, unless your doctor says otherwise.

  • Can only be booked before 10am.

  • No food or drinks during the fast - water is fine, stay hydrated.

  • Keep taking your usual medication unless your doctor has told you to stop.


Glucose tolerance test (GTT) 

 

Before the test

  • No food after 9pm the night before; only water and usual medication in the final 12 hours.

  • Can only be booked before 8:30am.

  • A carbohydrate-rich diet for the 3 days before, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

  • If pregnant, you don't need the 3-day diet - follow your provider's advice.

  • No smoking on the day.

 

During the test

  • You'll stay at the practice for about 2 hours.

  • You'll drink a glucose drink and have blood taken at set times.

  • Generally no eating, smoking, exercise, caffeine or leaving unless approved.

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Urea breath test (UBT)

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Checks for Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to gastritis and ulcers. Simple and non-invasive: you swallow a capsule and give breath samples.

  • Allow about 30 minutes for your appointment.

  • Can only be booked before 8:30am.

  • Fast for 6 hours or overnight - no food or fluids, though you may clean your teeth.

  • No smoking for at least 2 hours before.

  • Many medications, particularly some acid-suppressing drugs and antibiotics, can interfere with the test. If possible, and with the agreement of your doctor, the following medications should be ceased prior to your test.

- Stop taking all antibiotics and bismuth-containing compounds 4 weeks prior to testing.

- Stop taking proton pump inhibitors 1–2 weeks prior to testing.

- Stop taking H2 receptor antagonists, antacids and cytoprotectives 6 hours prior to testing.

 

Please do not discontinue any medication without consulting your doctor.

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24hr Holter monitor

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A 24hr Holter monitor is a small device that records your heart's activity continuously over 24 hours as you go about your normal day.

  • An appointment is required to have the monitor fitted, and a second appointment to return it the following day. Please book both with the collection centre.

  • Come showered and dry. The device must not get wet, so shower before your fitting appointment. You won't be able to shower or bathe while wearing it.

  • Skip lotions, oils and powders on your chest, as they stop the device recording properly.

  • Wear a loose-fitting shirt for comfort over the monitor.

 

While you're wearing the monitor

  • You can use your mobile phone, but don't carry it right next to the monitor, as this can interfere with the recording.

  • CT and MRI scans can't be done while you're wearing the monitor.

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