Online pathology results explained

Pathology results from blood tests, swabs, and other samples are usually available within a few days. Your Abby clinician reviews them and explains what they mean during a follow-up consultation. Some results need urgent action; some are reassurance; some need watchful waiting. We explain all of these clearly.

How pathology testing works at Abby

During an Abby consultation, your clinician may order pathology tests. The request is generated electronically and you collect the sample at any Australian pathology collection centre. Most major networks (including Australian Clinical Labs, Sonic, Healius) accept Abby requests.

The pathology centre takes your sample, runs the test, and sends the result electronically to your Abby clinician. Most routine tests come back within one to three business days. Some specialised tests take longer.

When you get your results

Your Abby clinician reviews every result. You will be contacted to discuss the result, usually via the app or by a follow-up consultation. The timing depends on the urgency:

• Urgent or abnormal results: contacted within a working day.
• Routine results that need a follow-up consult: appointment offered as soon as results are in.
• Routine results that are reassuringly normal: a message confirming everything is in range.

You will not be left wondering. Every test we order, we follow up.

What reference range means

Pathology results are reported against a 'reference range', the typical range for healthy adults. A result outside the reference range is flagged. A flagged result is not automatically a problem. Many people sit slightly outside the range for harmless reasons. Your clinician interprets the result in the context of you, not the chart.

Why you need a clinician to interpret results

Pathology results are not self-explanatory. The same value can mean different things in different contexts. A slightly elevated liver enzyme is one thing in a healthy 30-year-old and a different thing in someone on a new medication. A low ferritin matters more if you are also fatigued than if you are well. A clinician interprets the result in light of your full picture.

This is also why Abby does not just hand you a PDF and call it done. The result is a starting point for a conversation about what to do next.

Common follow-up steps

Pathology often leads to one of these next steps:

• No action needed (reassurance).
• Repeat test in a defined window (watchful waiting).
• Treatment for an identified issue, for example iron supplementation for low ferritin or thyroid medication for hypothyroidism.
• Referral to a specialist for further investigation.
• Imaging or further pathology.

Your clinician will explain which path makes sense for your result and answer your questions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see my results before the clinician explains them?

Yes, your results are available in your Abby account once they are released. The clinician's review and explanation usually follows shortly after.

What if my result is abnormal?

You will be contacted by an Abby clinician. Urgent findings prompt urgent contact. Routine abnormal findings are discussed at the follow-up consultation.

How much do pathology tests cost?

Most Medicare-rebated pathology tests are bulk billed by the major networks for eligible patients. Some specialised tests have out-of-pocket costs which the pathology centre will quote before they take the sample.

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