YOUR HORMONE TESTS

What are hormones?
What are hormone tests?
How are the specimens collected?
Who performs the laboratory tests?
What happens to your samples?
How are the tests reported?
Hormone tests may be requested for the following conditions
ENDOCRINE TEST CENTRE - Contact details
Blood Collection Hours

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers which control many important functions of the body, for example the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, calcium levels, growth, and reproduction.

Precise measurements are made of the very small quantities of hormones present within your body. Your Doctor may refer you to one of our Endocrine clinicians to assist with a diagnosis or to monitor treatment.

Hormone tests usually involve the taking and examination of blood or urine samples. Samples may be collected at your doctor' s rooms or at the Endocrine Test Centre, Ward 26, 2nd floor, Riverside block, Christchurch Hospital. Often we will be asked to collect samples for other laboratory tests at the same time.

Highly qualified technicians perform the tests in the Endocrine Laboratory (Endolab), using strictly quality- controlled methods in conjunction with modern equipment and technology. Tests are supervised by scientists who have researched and developed many of the methods used.

Left-over sample will be sterilized and discarded. However before this some sample may be used for quality control and/or quality improvement of the requested tests.

Most hormone results are posted from the Endolab to your doctor within one working day of the sample being received. More complex tests will take longer.

If you are seen at the Endocrine Clinic, your results will be discussed with you and a full written report sent to your doctor.

Our laboratory staff are not permitted to give test results directly to patients over the phone.

Your doctor is welcome to contact our endocrinologists to discuss your results.

diabetes & insulin disorders
gonadal disorders eg menstrual-irregularity or hair problems
short stature & growth disorders
calcium disorders
adrenal disorders
hypertension disorders
osteoporosis
pituitary disorders
thyroid disorders
other hormonal problems

WARD 26, 2ND FLOOR, RIVERSIDE BLOCK CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL

Our specially trained nurses offer

- a complete blood collecting service for both routine and specialised testing

- controlled conditions ensuring a valid result for sensitive hormones

Monday to Friday 7.30 am - 12 midday
and by appointment, midday - 4 pm Thursday
(Rolleston Avenue entrance is close to the Riverside Block)