Laboratory Haematology

What we do

We offer two main services to patients:

• Wafarin dosing
• Bone marrow biopsies

Warfarin dosing

Warfarin is a prescription medication which interferes with blood clotting (also known as an anticoagulant). It is recommended to patients who are at risk of harmful blood clots.

As many things such as diet and other drugs can affect how warfarin works, regular blood tests (to monitor INR) are needed for all patients on warfarin. This is to be sure that the drug is effective but is not likely to cause dangerous bleeding.

Alfred Pathology offers a warfarin dosing service to patients taking warfarin who regularly attend the hospital or live close by. Referrals to the service are made by your general practitioner or specialist.

How does the Alfred Pathology warfarin dosing system work?

Blood can be taken at The Alfred, Sandringham Hospital or Caulfield Hospital blood collection areas during collection centre opening hours. If possible, the test should be taken in the morning.

You will be contacted by phone on the same day as the test, with the recommended dose and next date of testing. Both warfarin dosing and phone calls are made by the Haematology laboratory.

Any questions about the warfarin dosing service can be made on (03) 9076 3075 during business hours.

Bone marrow biopsies

Where are these performed?
The Haematology/Oncology Centre is in South Block, Level 1.

When are biopsies done?
Monday to Thursday mornings between 8.30am and 12 noon. Appointments are made directly by the Laboratory Haematology Registrars after discussion with the treating team.

Who will be doing the procedure?
All biopsies are performed by the four Laboratory Haematology Registrars (doctors in their final years of specialist training in haematology) based in Alfred Pathology.

How can I find out more information about bone marrow biopsies?
For more information we have a patient information booklet. This gives essential information about the test which you need to know before coming to the hospital.

Who we care for

We can a provide service for any patient who has had a pathology request slip completed by their GP and/or specialist.

Your doctor may suggest the most appropriate pathology service for your needs.

Patient Choice legislation allows patients to take a pathology request to an approved pathology practitioner or approved pathology authority of your choice, unless the requesting practitioner specifies an approved pathology practitioner for clinical reasons.

If you are still unsure, contact your doctor, or our patient enquiries number to discuss your needs with a staff member.

How to access this service

Referral from your GP

We accept requests from GPs and specialists. Your doctor needs to complete an Alfred Pathology Request form and either fax it to the service or give it you to bring in with you on the day of your procedure.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed