Questions to Assist Understanding of Test Collection & Costs
1. Ordering & Costs of Tests
a) Can I have a test kit sent to me directly?
Yes or the kit can be picked up at our clinic
b) How much do the tests cost?
The costs of the tests vary, most allergy tests are under $300 although some of the ALCAT tests can over $300 – you will need to contact us for prices
c) Do I get any money back through Australia's Medicare system?
No – none of the tests listed here are Medicare rebateable,
d) Is there an extra cost having test kits shipped to me?
Generally all test kits to patients are shipped free of charge.
e) Are there any other costs involved?
Yes – Perpetual Wellbeing Pty Ltd reserves the right to charge a consultation fee for discussing the appropriateness of tests and organising the tests – a minimum fee of $30 will apply - a full consultation in regard to your condition and the tests will be $110 but we are registered with all Private Health funds and some of the consultation fee may be recoverable from your health fund.
2. Results and Technical Support
a) Do you have staff to answer any clinical interpretation queries I may have?
Yes. Our staff at Perpetual Wellbeing Pty Ltd are degree qualified naturopaths and nutritionists and can answer queries as part of their consultation services – for a consultation phone (07) 3218 2799 or email info@perpetualwellbeing.com.au
b) How long does it take to receive test results?
Result turnaround times vary depending on the test performed and its complexity. Perpetual Wellbeing will notify you by email as soon as the results are available
c) Can I receive the test results directly?
No – all results are returned to Perpetual Wellbeing and we notify you when they are available.
3. Sample Preparation & Transportation
a) General Guidelines
i. How do I do the tests?
Collection instructions and all items needed to perform the test are included in the test kit you will receive. We will notify you if there are any special recommendations for the test's specimen collection. Please also check the contents of the test kit once received and call us on (07) 3218 2799 if you believe items are missing.
ii. What if I don't understand the specimen collection instructions?
Ensuring that you understand the specimen collection instructions is important for producing a good sample for analysis.
We suggest that you read the specimen collection instructions from start to finish before the day that you would like to collect your sample. If there is something within the instructions that you still do not understand please feel free to call us on (07) 3218 2799
iii. Will my sample be stable when travelling to the testing laboratory via the Post or Courier? Is it perishable?
The majority of samples are stable enough to travel via the Post or standard courier. In many circumstances preservatives are added to the specimen and ensure that the sample reaches to the laboratory in ample time for analysis. In a couple of circumstances, blood samples must reach the lab within 24 hours; however special instructions for transportation are provided for these test kits. In all circumstances, clear instructions are given to ensure maximum specimen stability.
iv. One of the containers within my test kit had liquid or powder in them. While I was checking the contents of the test kit and ensuring I understood the specimen collection, I accidently spilt its content. What should I do?
Contact us for a replacement collection tube.
b) Urinary Tests
i. I am supposed to collect a urine sample first thing in the morning (a first morning void), however I often go to the bathroom during the night. What should I do?
The ideal situation is not to go to the toilet during the night. However if you cannot go through the night without emptying your bladder, collect all the urine produced during the night as well as the entire first morning void of urine into a clean container. Mix the two urine samples and collect a 10 ml portion in the monovette provided
ii. What am I supposed to do with the green monovette that is in the test kit?
The monovette container is used to hold and transport urine samples safely. It contains a preservative (a white powder) which helps keep the urine sample stable. The monovette is used like a syringe to suck up a 10 ml quantity of urine. To do this follow Figure 1 on the specimen collection instructions: 1) remove the stopper and keep for later use; attach the aspiration tip (yellow), 2) insert the aspiration tip into the 120ml container and fill the urine monovette up to the base line by pulling the piston 3) Empty the aspiration tip of urine, by holding the urine monovette in a vertical position, withdrawing the piston rod in a downward direction until it locks into position 4) Remove the aspiration tip, break off the piston rod and discard both. Finally replace the screw cap stopper on the monovette. Feel free to contact the us if you require further help with the monovette.
c) Salivary Tests
i. What time of the day should I collect my saliva sample?
The time of the day and quantity of saliva samples you collect is dependent on which test you are performing. Instructions are provided with each test. If in doubt, contact us on (07) 3218 2799
ii. How much saliva do I need to collect?
Completely fill the collection tube (5mL) with liquid saliva; make sure the saliva is not foamy. Tap the tube with your fingernail or on a hard surface to reduce bubbles. Please note an insufficient specimen may mean some tests can't be performed, and will require a recollection.
iii. What should I do if I am having trouble collecting enough saliva?
Producing enough saliva for testing can take some time; do not be surprised if it takes you 20 minutes to collect a sufficient quantity. If you have problems with saliva production however we suggest that you have a large drink of water five minutes prior to collecting your sample. Ensuring you are adequately hydrated will assist saliva production. Sugarless gum can also be used to assist saliva production, however, only use this option if absolutely necessary and please don't insert the gum in with the saliva in the specimen tube.
iv. I have just read the specimen collection instructions for the saliva test that I was supposed to do today. It says that I should not eat or brush my teeth before collecting the sample, however I have already done this today. Should I still collect my sample?
It is best to reschedule your specimen collection for another day. Brushing your teeth my produce very small injuries to your gums, blood can then get into the saliva sample and affect the results. Eating will affect the adrenocortex stress profile and the cortisol profile tests the most. If you are performing a hormonal test which needs to be collected on a specific day of the month, contact our technical staff for clarification.
v. I forgot to rinse my mouth out with water before collecting the saliva sample. What should I do?
If you have difficulty producing saliva or your sample must be collected on this day particular day of the month send us the sample you have already produced. However, it would be ideal if you collected another saliva sample into a new tube (after you have rinsed your mouth). Alternatively you could wash the used tube with hot water (no soap) and collect another sample into it once it has dried.
d) Hair Tests
i. How much hair do I need to provide for the hair mineral analysis test?
A 0.5g sample of hair is required for testing; ensure that you only collect the hair which is closest to the scalp for testing (not more than 4 cm away from the scalp). A hair sampling instructions card is supplied with your kit. It helps estimate the correct quantity of hair necessary.
ii. I have coloured or permed hair; can I still have a hair mineral analysis test performed?
Perming, bleaching and colouring treatment of the hair can interfere with test results. We suggest that you wait until 2.5-4 cm of regrowth has appeared and collect your hair sample before the next treatment. Another alternative is to collect axillary (armpit) or pubic hair for testing, however do not mix hair from different parts of the body. If coloured or treated hair was collected, please indicate that the hair is coloured or treated on the accompanying paperwork.
e) Special Diets, Medications & Testing
i. I have just read the specimen collection instructions for the test that I was supposed to do today. It says that I should be fasting, however I have already had some juice and coffee this morning. Should I still collect my sample?
It is best to reschedule your specimen collection until another day. If you are performing a hormonal test which needs to be collected on a specific day of the month, contact our staff for clarification.
ii. I have just read the specimen collection instructions for the test that I was supposed to do today. It says that I should keep off certain foods, however I have made a mistake and eaten one of the foods on the list. Should I still collect my sample?
Unfortunately the test results are only as accurate as the specimen you have provided. Therefore if you have not followed all of the collection instructions adequately it will affect the results. We suggest that you re-read the specimen collection instructions, ensure that you follow its recommendations and collect your sample on another day. If you require another set of collection tubes please contact us.
iii. I take vitamin supplements and prescription medications. Do I need to stop them prior to collecting my sample?
The specimen collection instructions found in the test kits provide a basic guide to which supplements or medications may need to be discontinued for each test. However, your doctor should advise you in regard to medications. Never discontinue any prescribed medications without the guidance of your doctor.