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Australian Health Survey – general information
Participation in the biomedical component – providing samples of blood or urine
Finding your nearest collection centre
Reimbursements
Pathology testing
Pathology test results
Confidentiality and consent
Pedometers and Daily Activity Records 
Australian Health Survey – general information
Who is conducting the Australian Health Survey?
Who will be in the survey?
What is involved? – The two parts to the survey
What sort of information will be collected during the interview?
What sort of questions will the interviewer ask?
Why are samples of blood and urine being collected?
Do I have to provide a sample of blood and urine?
What tests will the biomedical component include?
Who will be asked to volunteer to give samples?
Why should I take part?
My child has been selected to participate in the AHS. Do they need to be present for the interview?
I am going away shortly, what should I do?
What if I change phone numbers before I am contacted for my telephone interview?
Who is conducting the Australian Health Survey?
The ABS is conducting the survey in close consultation with the Department of Health and Ageing. The survey will be funded through the combination of ABS health survey program funding and additional funds from the Department of Health and Ageing and the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Who will be in the survey?
The survey will include about 50,000 randomly sampled adults and children from all across Australia.
What is involved? – The two parts to the survey
There are two main parts to the Australian Health Survey. Firstly, a trained ABS interviewer with an official ID card will conduct a survey interview at each home selected. Medical records will not be required. Next, the ABS will invite respondents to provide biomedical (blood and/or urine) samples – if you choose to participate you will receive a referral to a collection centre to provide your sample(s). While this component is voluntary, the statistical information it will provide is extremely valuable. The privacy provisions of the Census and Statistics Act 1905 will also protect this information provided to the ABS.
What sort of information will be collected during the interview?
The questions in the survey were developed and chosen in consultation with health professionals, research organisations and State, Territory and Commonwealth health authorities. This survey will gather an in-depth picture of the health of Australians and give researchers, academics, clinicians, governments and health professionals a rich source of information to help provide the right kind of services and develop ways of helping all Australians to be healthier.
What sort of questions will the interviewer ask?
There are some general questions about your age, birthplace, employment, income and education; these add vital background to the key questions in the survey, including:
- Your health
· Long-term health conditions
· Visits to doctors
· Medications
· Injuries and other health problems
- Physical activity
· Exercise
· Sport and leisure activities
- Diet and nutrition
· Food
· Drink
· Supplements
- Body measurements
· Height
· Weight
· Waist
- Blood pressure
Why are samples of blood and urine being collected?
Blood and urine samples provide a lot of information about a person's health status, such as information on nutrition status or chronic disease risk. Combining information obtained from testing the blood and urine samples with the information provided at the household interviews will provide significant opportunities to better understand the health of Australians. Providing blood and urine samples is a voluntary part of the Australian Health Survey.
Do I have to provide a sample of blood and urine?
No, providing samples of blood and/or urine is voluntary. You may choose whether or not to volunteer in this part of the survey. If you choose to participate you may withdraw at any time if you feel unable to continue.
What tests will the biomedical component include?
The biomedical component will test blood and urine samples for markers of chronic disease, such as high or low levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and kidney function, markers of nutritional status, as well as markers of exposure to chemicals such as nicotine.
Who will be asked to volunteer to give samples?
All persons selected in each household aged over five years will be asked to provide a sample of urine and persons over the age of 12 years will be invited to provide a sample of blood as well as urine. Parental consent will be sought for children aged under 16 years.
Why should I take part?
The AHS will provide a better understanding of the health of Australians, assisting:
- Governments and researchers to monitor trends in health including emerging issues;
- Researchers and academics to examine how lifestyle patterns are related to our health and to inform research into making Australians healthier and live longer more productive lives;
- Governments to target health services and programs to appropriate population subgroups, to decide on policies and programs to help promote health and wellbeing and prevent illness, as well as assessing current policies;
- Food regulators to better understand what the population is eating in order to set standards to protect the safety of the food supply and health professionals to put in place health, nutrition and physical activity programs that will inform the public about healthier lifestyle choices.
My child has been selected to participate in the AHS. Do they need to be present for the interview?
Your child should be present for at least a part of the survey. Their input can be helpful, and we need them to be present to have their height, weight and waist measured. If you would prefer to conduct the measurements, that is fine, but this should be done with the equipment provided by the ABS Interviewer.
Your child will not be identified in any way when the data is published. Your child represents many other children in Australia, so his or her contribution is very valuable.
I am going away shortly, what should I do?
You will be called by the ABS Interviewer and you can inform them that your availability has changed. Alternatively, you can call the office in your state and inform them that your availability has changed and they will pass that on to the ABS Interviewer. You can find your ABS Population Survey Operations state or territory office on the Contact Us page.
What if I change phone numbers before I am contacted for my telephone interview?
Please call the office in your state and inform them about the change of number and they will pass that on to the ABS Interviewer. You can find your ABS Population Survey Operations state or territory office on the Contact Us page.
Participation in the biomedical component – providing samples of blood or urine
I have recently had blood tests; can the results of those tests be used instead?
My friend/colleague/relative really wants to take part as well. How can they sign up?
I am overweight/smoke cigarettes/drink alcohol/am a drug user - do you still want me to take part?
Can I discuss this invitation with my relative/partner/friend/GP before deciding and let you know?
I don’t like having blood taken, can I take part without giving a blood sample?
I have a permanent catheter; can I still give a urine sample?
I take prescribed drugs can I still take part?
I am pregnant, can I still take part?
Will you arrange for me to take time off work to give a sample?
I have recently had blood tests; can the results of those tests be used instead?
No, unfortunately not. The types of tests that your doctor requested may have been different to the tests that will be undertaken on the blood and urine samples collected for this survey, as some of these tests are not routine. Also, it is important that everyone’s blood samples are collected and analysed in the same way to ensure that the survey results are of the highest quality and can be compared across the whole population. This is why we ask that you provide new blood and urine samples for the survey.
My friend/colleague/relative really wants to take part as well. How can they sign up?
Sorry, it is not possible for people not selected in the survey to volunteer. The ABS has selected a random sample of Australians to participate and the information provided by these people will represent the whole Australian population. For statistical reasons these are the only households who are able to take part in the survey.
I am overweight/smoke cigarettes/drink alcohol/am a drug user - do you still want me to take part?
Yes, of course. The ABS is interested in the lifestyle and habits of people from all across the population and will ask you questions about these. If any of the questions in the survey make you feel uncomfortable you do not need to give an answer and the interviewer will move on to the next question. The ABS will not make judgements about any aspect of your health or lifestyle, or offer advice. If you have any particular worries about any of these issues, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Can I discuss this invitation with my relative/partner/friend/GP before deciding and let you know?
Yes, of course, we would encourage you to do so. If you require more information before making your decision please contact the ABS on 1800 904 314.
I don’t like having blood taken, can I take part without giving a blood sample?
Taking part by completing the household interview is still very valuable and, if possible, giving a urine sample would still be useful.
I have a permanent catheter; can I still give a urine sample?
Yes.
I take prescribed drugs can I still take part?
Yes, you can. Staff at the collection centre may ask you about specific medications you may take that are liable to affect test results at the time of the sample collection.
I am pregnant, can I still take part?
Yes, you can. Staff at the collection centre will ask if you are pregnant.
Will you arrange for me to take time off work to give a sample?
No, many collection centres are open early and on weekends, so you should be able to visit the collection centre at a time to suit you before or after work, or on the weekend. See the Collection Centre Locator to find out details of locations and opening hours.
Finding your nearest collection centre
How do I find my closest collection centre?
Where is my nearest collection centre?
Can I visit a collection centre on list that is closer to school/shopping/work etc.?
Can I go to my own doctor or another pathology service provider to have my tests done?
I can’t travel but I would like to take part, can you come to my house?
How do I find my closest collection centre?
Your interviewer can assist you with information about your local collection centre or you can call the ABS on 1800 904 314. Sonic Healthcare is the national pathology provider for the Australian Health Survey. You can view the locations of Sonic Healthcare collection centres via the Collection Centre Locator which contains direct links to the providers in each state.
Where is my nearest collection centre?
You can enter your suburb or postcode into the Collection Centre Locator and search for collection centres within 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50kms of your location. Once you find the location of collection centres, details of opening times and maps are available. If you do not have a collection centre within 50 km of your location or have any other trouble locating your nearest collection centre, please call the ABS on 1800 904 314 for information about other options.
Can I visit a collection centre on the list that is closer to school/shopping/work etc?
Yes. Sonic has collection centres in many locations. If you wish to find a collection centre which is more convenient for you, you can use the Collection Centre Locator.Can I go to my own doctor or another pathology service provider to have my tests done?
No, unfortunately not. It is important that everyone’s blood samples are collected and analysed in the same way to ensure that the survey results are of the highest quality and can be compared across the whole population.
I can’t travel but I would like to take part, can you come to my house?
If you have a health or other condition that prevents you from travelling you may be eligible for a home visit if you are located within the home visit area of a collection centre. Please call the ABS on 1800 904 314 for more information. Please note that participants who receive a home visit are not entitled to the $50 reimbursement for costs incurred in attending a collection centre.
Reimbursements
What is the reimbursement for?
Who is eligible for the reimbursement?
How do I claim my reimbursement?
How much money will I get?
Why isn't the reimbursement payment in my bank account yet?
It has been over 10 business days and the reimbursement money still isn't in my bank account, why's this so?
Can I have my reimbursement payment paid into a bank account other than my own?
Can I receive a cheque or cash instead of providing bank account details?
I don't have a bank account, how do I get the reimbursement payment?
I have lost my mail back reimbursement claim form. Can I still claim a reimbursement and if so, how?
I have lost my referral form with my patient attendance record information on it. Can I still claim a reimbursement and if so, how?
Will participants be paid?
Will I still receive $50 if I, or my child, only gives a urine sample?
Is the reimbursement considered to be taxable income?
I wasn't provided with a Lab ID at the Pathology Collection Centre, how do I obtain it?
What is the reimbursement for?
The reimbursement is a one off payment intended to assist in covering your costs, e.g. child care or travel expenses, in attending the pathology collection centre to provide your samples. You will not be charged for the tests.
Who is eligible for the reimbursement?
Children aged 5 years and over are eligible to participate in providing samples, in some form, and hence able to receive a reimbursement payment.
How do I claim my reimbursement?
After attending a pathology collection centre you will be given a receipt that includes your AHS Reference Number and the Laboratory ID number. Call the AHS Reimbursement line on 1800 143 967 and provide your receipt details over the phone. You will be asked to provide details of an Australian bank account (i.e. BSB number or branch, account number and name on the account) and a direct deposit of $50 should be made within 2-3 weeks. If you do not receive your payment within that time, please call the AHS Reimbursement Line again to enquire about the delay. Note that reimbursements can only be paid by direct deposit. Cash or cheques will not be issued.
How much money will I get?
· $50 per adult
· $50 per child
Why isn't the reimbursement payment in my bank account yet?
Please allow 10 business days for your reimbursement to be deposited into your nominated bank account.
It has been over 10 business days and the reimbursement money still isn't in my bank account, why is this so?
Please call 1800 143 967 and an operator will investigate what is causing the delay with your reimbursement payment.
Can I have my reimbursement payment paid into a bank account other than my own?
Yes, you can. The does not have to be in your name but please note that the reimbursement payment cannot be paid into a credit card, mortgage or loan account, regardless of whose name the account is in.
Can I receive a cheque or cash instead of providing bank account details?
No. The only available payment method is via a direct credit into your nominated bank account.
I don't have a bank account, how do I get the reimbursement payment?
Please provide bank account details for someone you trust, e.g. a family member or close friend, so that they can receive the reimbursement on your behalf.
I have lost my mail back reimbursement claim form. Can I still claim a reimbursement and if so, how?
Yes, you can still claim a reimbursement. Please call 1800 143 967 for assistance. You will be able to provide your details over the phone (please have your AHS Reference Number and Lab ID number ready along with your details) or if you prefer, another form can be mailed to you.
I wasn’t provided a Lab ID at the Pathology Collection Centre, how do I obtain it?
Contact the Pathology Collection Centre that you visited and provide them with your name and the date of your visit. The Collection Centre will be able to provide you with your Lab ID. Alternatively, if you have elected to receive a copy of your test results and are prepared to wait until you receive your results, your lab ID will be will be clearly outlined on the test result report.
I have lost my referral form with my patient attendance record information on it. Can I still claim a reimbursement and if so, how?
Yes, you can still claim a reimbursement. Your details required to claim a reimbursement are also on your pathology test results which you should have received by mail. If you do not have either of your Patient Attendance Record or test results you will need to call the collection centre where you had your tests to ask for another report of your test results.
Will participants be paid?
You will not be paid for giving your samples, although you can claim a $50 reimbursement for possible costs incurred in attending a collection centre by calling the AHS Reimbursement line on 1800 143 967. You do not have to provide receipts for your expenses, just details from the record of attendance slip provided by the collection centre.
Will I still receive $50 if I, or my child, only gives a urine sample?
Yes, you will still be entitled to claim a flat fee $50 reimbursement for costs incurred in attending a collection centre.
Is the reimbursement considered to be taxable income?
No. The ABS has consulted with the Australian Taxation Office and confirmed that the reimbursement is not assessable income and thus payment summaries will not be provided. 
Pathology Testing
Do I need to make an appointment for my tests?
Can I claim on my health insurance for my tests?
What does fasting involve?
Do I have to fast?
What do I need to bring for my test?
When should I have my blood test?
Do I still take my medications?
What does the blood test involve?
Are there any risks in having my samples taken?
I have very difficult veins, how can I be sure the collector will get a sample?
My child will be getting a blood test, what do I do?
How much blood will be taken?
I take blood-thinning medications. Will this affect the result?
Can I be tested for my blood type?
Can a member of my family come with me and stay with me while I am getting my tests done?
How do I give a urine sample?
What will my urine be used for?
Will the urine sample be tested for drugs?
Should I drink a lot of water before I give my urine sample?
Will I have to remove my clothes?
What tests will be performed?
Will I see a doctor?
Will the ABS pay for my doctor’s appointment?
Are there any physical tests (e.g. running on treadmill, eyesight, etc)?
How long will it take to provide my samples?
Do I need to make an appointment for my tests?
No. The opening hours of your nearest collection centre will be given to you, so that you can determine a time to attend that suits you. Most collection centres do not take appointments for blood and urine tests but are open early, which best suits those people fasting overnight.
Can I claim on my health insurance for my tests?
No. The results from the tests are being provided to you free of charge, so you will not be able, or need, to make a claim from your health insurance provider.
What does fasting involve?
Fasting involves no food for a period of time before the collection of your blood sample. This includes coffee, tea, juice, milk, etc., that is nil by mouth other than water for at least 8-12 hours leading up to the blood sample collection. For many people, overnight is the best time to fast, after which you can attend the collection centre early in the morning to limit disturbance to your daily routine.
Do I have to fast?
You are encouraged to fast as this gives us the best possible results about your health from your blood sample. However, if you have concerns about fasting due to a specific medical condition please check with your doctor or call the collection centre to discuss your concerns before your visit to the centre. You do not need to fast if you are providing a urine sample only.
What do I need to bring for my test?
You will need to bring your AHS referral form and the name and contact details of your regular doctor (if you want them to receive a copy of your results). Your Medicare card is not required, however you will be asked to show some identification.
When should I have my blood test?
It is recommended to have the test early in the morning (after fasting overnight) but whenever is practical for you to attend will be fine.
Do I still take my medications?
Yes, absolutely. If you need to take your medication with food, try to schedule your appointment so as it will still be possible to do this. For example, set your appointment for early morning so you can have breakfast afterwards and take your medication then. The collection centre staff may ask you about specific medications that are known to affect test results at the time of the sample collection.
What does the blood test involve?
A blood sample will be taken in the usual way. Once a suitable vein is found, the collector will cleanse the skin with an alcohol swab and then insert a sterile needle into the vein to obtain the sample. Separate vials are required for different types of tests, so there will be more than one vial of blood collected from the single needle inserted. All vials will be labelled with your AHS reference number. After the blood has been drawn and the needle removed, you will be asked to apply slight pressure to the site to minimise bleeding. It is important to maintain this pressure until the bleeding has stopped. A cotton wool ball and/or bandaid will be supplied. If you are aware that you have any allergy to alcohol swabs or tapes please let the collector know and they will find an alternative. It is important that you avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise in the following 24 hours to avoid bruising or bleeding.
Are there any risks in having my samples taken?
The medical risk of providing blood and urine specimens is minimal. While giving your blood sample, you may experience some discomfort, slight bruising, and in same very rare cases some individuals may develop an infection at the site of the needle insertion. Occasionally some people experience dizziness or feel faint. However, your pathology collector is professionally trained to manage these risks.
I have very difficult veins, how can I be sure the collector will get a sample?
The collectors are trained professionals and have most likely dealt with difficult veins before. Let the collector know when you arrive that this may be a problem
My child will be getting a blood test, what do I do?
A blood sample will be taken from children aged 12 years and over in the usual way. If you have any concerns about bringing your child along for a blood test, the ABS would suggest that you contact the collection centre prior to your visit.
How much blood will be taken?
Up to four vials will be taken for testing for the survey. This sounds like a lot, but equates to only a few tablespoons of blood - less than 40 ml total.
I take blood-thinning medications. Will this affect the result?
The AHS survey will collect information regarding the medications that you currently take and specific medications that affect the results will be asked about at the time of the collection and will be taken into account.
Can I be tested for my blood type?
No. This survey will not be collecting information on blood types.
Can a member of my family come with me and stay with me while I am getting my tests done?
Absolutely. You may have someone come with you if you feel uncomfortable going on your own.
How do I give a urine sample?
You will be asked to take a specimen jar to the bathroom at the collection centre where you can take a sample of your urine as instructed.
What will my urine be used for?
Your urine will be used for testing a number of nutritional factors including sodium, potassium and iodine levels. The urine will also be tested for indicators of kidney function. Will the urine sample be tested for drugs?
No. Your samples will only be tested for markers of nutrition status and kidney function.
Should I drink a lot of water before I give my urine sample?
No, just drink normally. If in doubt, try to stick to one glass of water per hour as a general guide.
Will I have to remove my clothes?
No. You will be asked to roll up your sleeve so the collector can get to your vein for the blood sample, but other than this you will not be asked to remove any clothing.
What tests will be performed?
In general, blood samples will be tested for indicators of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease. Blood samples will also be tested for levels of iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D and nicotine exposure. Urine samples will be tested for kidney function as well as iodine and sodium levels. For more detail on the tests and why they were chosen for inclusion in the Australian Health Survey - see the list of included Biomarkers on the AHS Overview and Current Events page.
Will I see a doctor?
No, but the test results will be forwarded to your regular doctor if you request it.
Will the ABS pay for my doctor’s appointment?
No. You have received the pathology tests free of charge, and been given a copy of the results. These provide you with information about your health. Sonic Healthcare may encourage you to see a doctor to discuss your results, especially if your results are outside of the normal range and of clinical significance. However, the choice to act on the information you have received is ultimately yours.
Are there any physical tests (e.g. running on treadmill, eyesight, etc)?
No. Only blood and urine tests are included in the biomedical component of the survey.
How long will it take to provide my samples?
It should only take around ten to fifteen minutes for the samples to be taken. Please make sure you take into account travel time and possible wait periods at the collection centre if you are attending during busy periods. If you are worried about this please contact your local collection centre for information on busy periods.
Pathology Test Results
What results will I receive?
When will my results be ready?
Will I be told any genetic information the tests reveal?
Will I be told if the tests show I have something wrong with me?
What will happen if the tests show I have something seriously wrong with me?
If the tests show something wrong with me, will I be referred for treatment?
Does my doctor have to be told about my results?
What if I don't have a doctor?
What results will I receive?
You will be given the results of all tests undertaken on your samples. The pathology report will state the levels found of specific nutrition and chronic disease indicators, such as folate, cholesterol, blood sugar, and you will be told if your results were outside the range for normal healthy levels. It is best to contact your doctor or another health professional for interpretation and advice regarding your results.
When will my results be ready?
The results from your tests will take approximately 3 weeks to be completed and will then be forwarded to you by post. If you have not received your results within 4 weeks please call the AHS Helpline on 1800 904 314 and let us know. If there are any medically significant results found you will be contacted as soon as possible and advised on what action to take.
Will I be told any genetic information the tests reveal?
No. Genetic testing will not be conducted for this survey.
Will I be told if the tests show I have something wrong with me?
The pathologist will be checking for a number of different health indicators. If any of these are too low or too high you will be notified by a qualified health professional. However, this survey is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or treating any health problems you may have. Participation in this survey does not take the place of visits to a doctor or other health professionals.
What will happen if the tests show I have something seriously wrong with me?
If your test results show a significantly high or low result which is dangerous to your health you will be contacted immediately by a health professional and advised on the best course of action.
If the tests show something wrong with me, will I be referred for treatment?
No. If requested by you at the collection centre, the results from your tests will be forwarded to your regular doctor who can interpret them and advise on the best course of action.
Does my doctor have to be told about my results?
No. It is completely up to you whether you would like your doctor to receive a copy of your results. However, you are encouraged to provide your doctor’s contact details so that if any medically significant results are found they may be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor’s knowledge of your clinical history will be invaluable in assisting the health professional assessing your results in deciding whether you need to be contacted and what you should do next.
What if I don't have a doctor?
For further information on your pathology test results you should discuss them with a medical professional. Your state's Health Service can help with general health information and direct you to local health services (see the contact details below). The services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide general health advice. They are not diagnostic services and do not replace medical consultation. In an emergency always dial 000.
Confidentiality and consent
Will the information collected during my interview remain confidential?
Will my information provided at the collection centre and results be confidential?
Will current or future employers be able to gain access to this information?
Will anyone be able to access my medical records?
Can my relatives get access to my information?
Can insurance companies find out about my results?
Will the information collected during my interview remain confidential?
Yes, the answers you provide will be treated confidentially. The ABS is required by the Census and Statistics Act 1905 to maintain the secrecy of all information provided. The ABS also complies with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 when collecting and using personal information. No information will be released in a way that would enable an individual or household to be identified. The ABS is widely respected for its long-standing record for maintaining the secrecy of the information it receives.
Will my information provided at the collection centre and results be confidential?
Yes, Sonic Healthcare will hold all results in confidence under the Privacy Act 1988. In the case where a clinically significant test result is found, you or your nominated doctor may be contacted by a senior clinician from the pathology company. Once your test results are provided to the ABS they remain confidential under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and your name, address and date of birth will be removed once the survey is complete.
Will current or future employers be able to gain access to this information?
No. During the AHS, all information is confidential and will not be available to anyone but the ABS, yourself and your doctor.Will anyone be able to access my medical records?
No. All relevant medical information required for the AHS will be collected directly from you during the survey.
Can my relatives get access to my information?
No. All information is confidential even to family members. However, you may share this information if you wish.
Can insurance companies find out about my results?
No. All information collected from your sample will be kept in the strictest confidence.
Pedometer and Daily Activity Records
What do I do if I lose my pedometer or my Daily Activity Record Sheet?
Unfortunately pedometers cannot be replaced, however we are still interested in any information you record from wearing the pedometer, even if it is not the complete eight days. When your interviewer calls for the follow-up telephone interview, they will ask you if you filled out your daily activity record sheet. At this point, you can inform them that you filled some of it out and you will have the opportunity to report any information you have recorded.
If you lose your Daily Activity Record Sheet, you can print off a new copy here:
 AHS Daily Activity Record Sheet.pdf
Instructions for your pedometer can be found on our Resources - Information to download and print page.
 If you cannot find an answer to your question on this page please contact us.
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