A "nursing home" patient considered at high risk of having COVID-19 has benefited like many others from NSW Health Pathology's courier service in Dubbo.
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NSW Health Pathology's Dubbo laboratory manager Monique Mintern reports of the regular courier service for Tottenham, Tullamore and Trundle helping to speed up turnaround times for pathology testing and results.
"With the introduction of NSW Health Pathology's dedicated courier service, the majority of samples collected for routine testing from these sites are delivered to our Dubbo laboratory, with results returned within 24 hours of the sample being collected," she said.
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The Dubbo laboratory has conducted more than 3500 COVID-19 diagnostic tests for communities in Western NSW, including one for the nursing home patient.
"We were contacted by a multi-purpose service for urgent COVID-19 testing of a patient who presented with flu-like symptoms," Ms Mintern said.
"As they were unable to get the swab to Dubbo urgently, we were able to send our courier to collect the sample and deliver it to our laboratory, with a result provided in under two hours.
"Fortunately, in that instance the result was negative.
"We continue to deal with high-risk patients in need of urgent testing, and having the dedicated NSW Health Pathology Dubbo courier service and onsite testing available for our local community can be life-saving."
NSW Health Pathology, which continues to test for COVID-19 across the state, is reminding patients to stay on top of their regular pathology treatment and tests as well.
"Being able to provide timely results for important blood tests and routine pathology work is vital for the medical needs of many of our residents in the community, especially those with chronic conditions who need regular checks," Ms Mintern said.
"For everyone in the community, no matter where you're located, if you require a pathology test to support your ongoing healthcare, please do not delay having your test."
The Dubbo laboratory undertakes a range of tests including blood chemistry and diabetes testing, full blood counts, blood clotting and thyroid function tests.
"Pathology tests are crucial to detecting, diagnosing and treating disease, as well as an important aspect of managing long-term medical conditions," Ms Mintern said.
"Being able to provide this service for our regional patients enables them to receive improved patient treatment and care."