Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests are one way healthcare providers can find out important information about your health. Blood tests, urine tests and some swab tests are commonly done in the community.
When you might need a test
Laboratory tests are used for many reasons, such as to:
- assess your general health
- check for an infection
- help diagnose a health condition
- check how well certain organs (such as your kidneys and liver) are working
- screen for disease.
Your healthcare provider uses the latest information to decide which tests you might need. They will discuss this with you.
If you think you might need a test, talk to your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider has the right not to order the test for you if they:
- think the test is unnecessary
- think the test could harm your health
- do not feel comfortable interpreting the results.
Requesting tests
Your healthcare provider usually requests the tests by providing a paper or electronic form to a laboratory.
Allied health providers (such as dietitians and podiatrists) and some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners (such as naturopaths and medical herbalists) can also recommend or request tests. You may need to pay for these tests.
If you are aged 16 or over you may request certain tests yourself from a laboratory, but you will need to pay for these tests.
If you decide to request a test yourself, you need to think carefully about what you will do with the results.
Specific test instructions
You may need to follow special instructions for some tests. This includes:
- how to collect a clean urine sample
- how to do a self swab
- fasting before a blood test.
Costs of laboratory tests
If you are eligible for public health services in Aotearoa New Zealand and your samples are taken or collected at the laboratory, there will be no cost to you. There may be a cost if you get a test taken at your healthcare provider — ask them about any costs.
Guide to eligibility for public health services — Health New Zealand
If you are not eligible for public health services, the laboratory collection centre can tell you about costs and payment options.
If you request a test yourself or you need a test for work, insurance or travel purposes, you will have to pay. You may also need to pay if your test is requested by an allied health provider or complementary and alternative medicine practitioner.
Getting your test results
The healthcare provider who orders the test will be sent the results. Ask them about how you will be told about the results.
Self-requested tests will be reported to you by email or by post.