Travellers set to launch class action against Histopath Diagnostic Services

Disgruntled travellers left out of pocket and stranded at airports after their pre-booked tests were cancelled are weighing up drastic action against the lab.

Disgruntled travellers left stranded at airports around the country on Boxing Day are launching a class action against the lab that bungled their supposedly express Covid tests.

Histopath Diagnostic Services promised commuters express 90-minute Covid PCR tests at Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney airports before boarding their flights, however hundreds of travellers were turned away from their $120 pre-booked tests without warning.

Prahran law firm Margalit Injury Lawyers has issued a public appeal for customers who were left out of pocket and without the negative test result required to travel interstate.

The “distressed” travellers want their booking fee reimbursed, as well as any money lost for flights and accommodation.

Margalit’s managing principal Michel Margalit said the number of customers coming forward about being left in the dark on why their appointments were knocked back was growing.

“There could be thousands of claimants for economic loss,” Ms Margalit said.

“It’s all been very poorly handled. My understanding is that refunds haven’t yet been issued,” she said.

A man receives a Covid test at the Histopath’s pre-departure clinic at Sydney Airport. Picture: Getty Images.

Ms Margalit said clients’ attempts to contact Histopath directly went unanswered.

“They are in distress with the money they had lost and are unsure how to proceed,” she said.

The lab’s website states travellers will receive the test if they arrive two hours before their scheduled check-in time.

The Herald Sun attempted to contact Histopath directly, but calls to the lab were terminated.

Ms Margalit said: “After the past two traumatic years people have endured, this was an appalling and cruel way to treat customers. They haven’t even received an apology yet or a refund”.