Your Results
How to access your pathology results
We understand you may feel anxious waiting for your results. You are legally entitled to a copy of your pathology test results, but we strongly recommend you contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will:
- Explain what your results mean for your health
- Discuss any next steps of treatment.
Each doctor has their own process for releasing results, so it is best to contact them directly.
Getting a copy of your results
To protect your privacy, PathWest cannot release your results over the phone.
If you would like a copy of your results, your doctor or healthcare provider can request this on your behalf, or you can access your results from My Health Record.
My Health Record (MHR) is a national digital system that provides a secure summary of your health information, including pathology test results. Most people have a My Health Record unless they have chosen to opt out.
Important update: access to your pathology results is changing
From 1 July 2026, most pathology results will be uploaded to My Health Record shortly after they are released, unless a defined exception applies.
This means you may see your results before speaking with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Doctors and healthcare provider are the best people to explain what results mean.
What you need to know
- some result types may still take longer to appear
- doctors or healthcare providers are the best people to explain what results means
- if you are worried about your results or have questions, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider
Managing your information
You can manage your information through My Health Record.
For more information regarding this change, please visit the My Health Record - Australian Digital Health Agency site and see the FAQ below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is changing?
From 1 July 2026, a new national law known as "Sharing by Default" means PathWest must upload most pathology test results to My Health Record within 24 hours of being finalised, unless there is a valid reason not to. This means you may be able to see you results sooner than before.
What does "Share by Default" mean?
"Share by Default" means pathology providers must upload results to My Health Record within 24 hours of completion, unless:
- you have chosen not to have a result uploaded
- you do not have a My Health Record
- a PathWest doctor decides it could pose a serious risk to your safety
- there is a technical issue
When will I be able to see my results?
The timing of uploading is based on when the result is finalised, not when the sample is collected. Many 'routine' blood test results will be visible in My Health Record within ~24 hours of collection while other, more complex, blood tests may take several days to be visible. Some results, such as biopsies (cytology and histology) and genetic tests, take longer to appear. These are usually visible to patients 5 days after the result is finalised. These tests are often more complex and may need careful clinical interpretation.
Do I need to do anything?
No. If you have a My Health Record, most pathology results will usually be uploaded automatically. If you do not want a result uploaded, tell your doctor, collection staff or hospital staff as early as possible.
Can I stop my results being uploaded?
Yes. You can either:
- opt-out of My Health Record entirely by cancelling your My Health Record
- for a specific pathology request, ensure the opt-out box is ticked on your pathology referral form. No tests from this request will be uploaded to My Health Record
- during a hospital admission, ask hospital staff to record your preference not to upload results for tests done during that admission
What if I asked for a result not to be uploaded, but it was uploaded anyway?
We are sorry if this happens. PathWest processes a high volume of tests and test results, and requests not to upload a specific set of results must be handled manually. In some rare cases, a result may be uploaded before your request has been recorded or actioned.
If this happens, you can remove the test from your My Health Record. This link (Hide or remove documents from a record) outlines the steps you can take to remove the test. You can also call the 24/7 My Health Record Help Line on 1800 723 471 for help. Once removed, the result will be deleted from the My Health Record system.
Will the results still exist anywhere else?
Yes. Removing a result from My Health Record does not remove it from:
- PathWest laboratory systems
- your doctors' clinical records
- hospital medical records, where relevant
Why might I not be able to see a result?
You may not be able to see a result because:
- it is not yet finalised
- you have asked for it not to be uploaded
- a PathWest doctor has decided not to upload it for safety reasons, or
- there have been system/technical issues preventing upload
Who can see my results?
You can see your results in your My Health Record. Healthcare providers involved in your care may also be able to access them. You can manage access settings in your My Health Record account, including hiding documents, removing documents, or limiting access for specific providers. PathWest does not control access to your My Health Record.
Will my doctor still get the results directly?
Yes. Your doctor will continue to receive pathology results through the usual clinical systems. My Health Record does not replace the normal process for sending results to your treating doctor.
Why might I see results before my doctor explains them to me?
This change was legislated to give people faster access to their health information. Test results can be complex, however, and you may see partial, amended or supplementary results, cancellation notes, or results that still need clinical interpretation and explanation. Your doctor is responsible for interpreting your results and explaining their meaning to you.
Can results ever be withheld for safety reasons?
In rare cases, a PathWest doctor may decide not to upload a result if they believe seeing it could cause serious harm to an individual. Your doctor will still receive these results, as usual, and will be able to discuss the findings and next steps, if any.
What should I do if I'm worried about a result?
If you are worried about a laboratory result, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider. Pathology results can be complex and have to be interpreted and understood in the context of your overall health, including other test findings.
