I have an old pathology request form that I didn’t use. Can I still use it?

Yes - in most cases, you can still use an old pathology request form.

Pathology request forms remain valid until you attend for your specimen collection, unless your doctor has advised otherwise or the form has been replaced with a newer referral.

Medicare guidance

According to Medicare:

“A written pathology request, in general, remains valid regardless of the time period between the service being requested and the patient presenting for the provision of the pathology service. Once the requested services have been completed, the request is no longer valid.”

When you may need a new request

A new referral may be required if:

• your doctor has changed the tests required
• the test is time-sensitive (e.g., pregnancy tests, glucose tolerance tests, drug levels)
• there is clinical information that must be updated
• your doctor has issued a new referral that supersedes the old one

If you are unsure whether your old form can still be used, bring it to your nearest collection centre or ask your doctor.