Pathology | Eastern Health

Test & Collection Guide

Pathology staff view

PLEASE NOTE: Recent changes have been made to this Test

Recent changes for Alzheimers screen (blood)

Recent changes for Alzheimers screen (blood)
Date	Field	Changed From	Changed To
21st September 2026	Assay name	Alzheimer's Screen (blood)	Alzheimers screen (blood)
	Processing Instructions	Spin and separate plasma within 6 hours of collection .Sample can remain at 4C for up to 7 days.	Spin and separate plasma within 6 hours of collection. Sample can remain at 4C for up to 7 days.
	External Transport Instructions	If the sample will not arrive at NDDL within 7 days from collection, freeze the sample immediately and send on dry ice. Otherwise send refrigerated	If the sample will not arrive at NDDL within 7 days from collection, freeze the sample immediately and send on dry ice. Otherwise send refrigerated. Do not send on weekends/public holidays.
21st September 2026	Assay name	Alzheimer's Screen (blood)	Alzheimer

Alzheimers screen (blood)

Ordering information:

There is no medicare rebate for this test, and a change may be sent directly to the patient.

Plasma phospho-tau181: $250

Plasma phosph-tau217: $350

Neurofilament light (NfL): $250 ($200 if combined with pT181p or pT217p)

A SPECIAL COLLECTION PACK, CONTAINING K2 EDTA TUBES AND NDDL BLOOD BIOMARKER TESTING SPECIMEN DATA SHEET, IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TEST AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM PATHOLOGY.

National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory | Scientific facilities and research services | The Florey

Alternate names:

NfL, phospho tau, pT181p, pT217p

Laboratory:

Referred Test

Test Code:

BMISC

Specimen types:

Plasma

Container types:

EDTA

Collection Instructions:

K2 EDTA must be used for pT217p testing. Please refer to the special collection kit available from the lab.

Minimum Adult Volume:

4 mL

Frequency:

Weekly

Result Turnaround Time:

3-4 weeks

Reference Interval:

Please contact the National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory (9035 7243) for any information regarding results for this test.

Laboratory Use Only

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions

Feedback

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