Blood Test & Pathology Referral Online Australia
Need a blood test or pathology referral? You can discuss your testing needs with an Australian-registered GP through an online consultation. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history and reason for testing, and determine whether pathology testing is clinically appropriate. If a pathology request is appropriate, your GP may provide the request electronically.
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Can I Get a Blood Test Referral Online?
Yes, a blood test or pathology referral may be suitable through telehealth. During your online GP consultation, you can discuss:
- Symptoms or health concerns
- Routine health checks
- Previous abnormal blood test results
- Monitoring of an existing health condition
- Medication monitoring
- Specific pathology tests recommended by another healthcare professional
- Other reasons you may need pathology testing
Your doctor makes the clinical decision
Your GP will determine which tests, if any, are clinically appropriate based on your individual circumstances. A pathology request is not guaranteed simply because a particular test has been requested — your doctor will make an independent clinical assessment.
How to Get a Blood Test Referral Online
Getting a pathology referral through telehealth generally involves these steps.
Book an Online GP Consultation
Choose an available appointment and provide the requested information when booking.
Speak With an Australian-Registered GP
Your consultation can take place by phone or video, depending on the available service.
Discuss Your Testing Needs
Tell your doctor about your symptoms, medical history, medications and the reason you are considering blood tests.
Clinical Assessment
Your GP will determine whether pathology testing is appropriate and which investigations may be suitable.
Receive Your Pathology Request
Where clinically appropriate, your pathology request may be provided electronically.
Attend a Pathology Collection Centre
Take your request to a suitable pathology collection centre. Check with the provider about opening hours, appointments, preparation requirements and any fees.
What Blood Tests Can a GP Request?
Depending on your symptoms, medical history and clinical circumstances, a GP may consider pathology tests such as:
The tests requested will depend on your individual circumstances. Your GP will determine which investigations are appropriate during your consultation.
Can I Request a Specific Blood Test?
You can discuss a specific blood test with your GP — for example, if you've been advised by another healthcare professional to arrange particular pathology tests, or you have concerns about a specific health issue.
Your doctor will review the reason for testing and determine whether the requested tests are clinically appropriate. Your GP may recommend different or additional investigations depending on your symptoms, medical history and clinical findings.
Routine Health Checks & Blood Tests
Blood tests may sometimes be used as part of preventive healthcare or to monitor an existing health condition. Depending on your age, medical history, symptoms and risk factors, your GP may consider tests such as:
- Cholesterol & blood glucose
- HbA1c & kidney function
- Liver function & iron studies
- Thyroid function
Not everyone needs routine blood testing. Your GP will consider your individual circumstances and determine whether testing is appropriate.
Do I Need a Referral for a Blood Test in Australia?
In Australia, a referral or pathology request from an appropriate healthcare professional is generally required for pathology testing. The request identifies the tests that have been ordered and provides information needed by the pathology provider.
During an online GP consultation, your doctor can assess whether pathology testing is appropriate and, where clinically appropriate, prepare a pathology request. Medicare eligibility and pathology costs can depend on the test, your circumstances and applicable Medicare requirements.
Pathology Referral
Digital pathology request where clinically appropriate — see the Pricing & Fees page.
Standard GP Consultation
Full telehealth consultation to discuss symptoms, history and testing needs.
What Happens at the Pathology Collection Centre?
Once you have received your pathology request, you can attend a suitable pathology collection centre. Before attending, check with the pathology provider whether:
- They accept your pathology request
- You need to make an appointment
- Fasting is required
- There are any preparation instructions
- There are any out-of-pocket costs
Some standard blood tests may not require an appointment, while some specialised tests may require advance booking.
Do I Need to Fast Before a Blood Test?
Some blood tests require fasting and others do not. If fasting is required, your doctor or pathology provider should provide instructions about preparation before the test.
Do not assume that you need to fast for every blood test. If you take regular medications or supplements, ask your doctor or pathology provider whether you should take them before your test.
What Happens to My Blood Test Results?
Pathology results are generally sent to the healthcare professional who requested the tests. Your doctor can discuss the results with you and determine whether further follow-up is needed — which may include no further action, monitoring, another consultation, additional testing, treatment, a specialist referral or a face-to-face medical assessment.
Can I get my blood test results online?
Your pathology provider will generally send the results to the requesting doctor or medical practice. If results are available to your NewTeleDoc Medical doctor, your doctor can review them and advise you about appropriate follow-up. Some tests may take longer to process than routine pathology tests. If you have questions about your results, speak with the doctor who requested the testing.
Remember: pathology results need to be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, medical history and overall health. A result outside a reference range does not necessarily mean that you have a medical problem.
What Should I Have Ready for My Consultation?
- Your current symptoms and when they started
- Relevant medical conditions
- Current medications & supplements
- Previous blood test results
- Relevant specialist reports & family history
- Any tests recommended by another healthcare professional
If another doctor or healthcare professional has recommended particular tests, have their information available — your GP can then assess whether those tests are appropriate.
When May an Online Consultation Not Be Suitable?
Telehealth is not suitable for every medical concern. Your doctor may recommend an in-person consultation if you need:
- A physical examination
- Urgent medical assessment
- Additional investigations or a procedure
- Care that cannot be safely provided through telehealth
If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or require urgent medical attention, seek appropriate face-to-face medical care. For a medical emergency, call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about online pathology referrals and blood tests.
You may be able to discuss your blood test or pathology needs through an online GP consultation. Your doctor will determine whether testing is clinically appropriate.
A GP may be able to request appropriate pathology testing following a telehealth consultation, depending on your individual circumstances.
Yes, you can discuss a specific test with your doctor. However, your GP will determine whether the test is clinically appropriate.
Some pathology requests may be suitable for telehealth. Your doctor will determine whether an online consultation is appropriate for your circumstances.
A pathology referral is $25. A standard telehealth GP consultation to discuss symptoms, history and testing needs is $49. See our full Pricing & Fees page for details.
Some tests require fasting while others do not. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pathology provider.
You can generally take your pathology request to a suitable pathology collection centre. Check with the provider before attending to confirm that they accept the request and whether an appointment is required.
The timeframe varies depending on the type of test. Some routine results may be available relatively quickly, while specialised tests can take longer.
Your doctor can discuss available results with you and explain what they may mean in the context of your health and medical history.
Some pathology tests may attract Medicare benefits when the relevant requirements are met. Your eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs can depend on the test and your circumstances.
Book an Online Blood Test & Pathology Consultation
Need to discuss blood tests or pathology testing? Book an online GP consultation with NewTeleDoc Medical — Australia-wide telehealth. Your doctor will assess your circumstances and determine whether pathology testing is clinically appropriate.