What are a standard routine blood tests in Australia?

Blood tests are one of the most common diagnostic tools used by doctors in Australia. They help monitor overall health, detect diseases early, and guide treatment decisions. Whether it’s part of a general check-up or to investigate specific symptoms, blood tests provide valuable insights into what’s happening inside your body. So, what are the standard routine blood tests in Australia? How often should you get them? And what do they actually test for? Let’s take a look.

What are routine blood tests in Australia?

Routine blood tests are commonly requested by GPs to assess your overall health. Here are nine to ten standard tests you might encounter:

1. Full Blood Count (FBC)

• What it identifies: Measures different components of blood, including red blood cells (that help carry oxygen through your blood), white blood cells (that help fight against infections), and platelets (that helps your blood to clot and prevent bleeding).
• Why its needed: Detects infections, anaemia, clotting disorders, and some blood cancers.
• Frequency: As part of a general health check or when symptoms suggest a blood disorder or infection.

2. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)

• What it identifies: Levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and TG (triglycerides).
• Why its needed: Helps assess heart disease risk and guides dietary and medication decisions.
• Frequency: Every 4-5 years for healthy adults; more frequently for those with high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and in the elderly.

Also read: Common pathology tests in every age 

3. Blood Glucose Test (Fasting or HbA1c)

• What it identifies: Measures blood sugar levels to assess diabetes risk.
• Why its needed: Diagnoses and monitors diabetes or pre-diabetes.
• Frequency: Every 3 years for adults over 40 or more frequently if at risk.

4. Liver Function Test (LFTs)

• What it identifies: Enzymes and proteins that indicate liver health.
• Why its needed: Detects liver disease, fatty liver, hepatitis, or the effects of medications/alcohol.
• Frequency: As part of a general check-up or if symptoms suggest liver issues

Test Name	What it identifies	Why it's needed	Frequency/When to test
Full Blood Count (FBC)	Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.	Detects infections, anaemia, clotting disorders, and some blood cancers.	As part of a general health check or when symptoms suggest a blood disorder.
Lipid profile (Cholesterol test)	Levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides (TG).	Assesses heart disease risk and guides dietary/medication decisions.	Every 4-5 years for healthy adults; more frequently for high-risk groups.
Blood glucose test (Fasting or HbA1c)	Measures blood sugar levels.	Diagnoses and monitors diabetes or pre-diabetes.	Every 3 years for adults over 40 or more frequently if at risk.
Liver Function Test (LFTs)	Enzymes and proteins indicating liver health.	Detects liver disease, fatty liver, hepatitis, or medication effects.	As part of a general check-up or if symptoms suggest liver issues.
Kidney Function Test (UECs - Urea, Electrolytes & Creatinine)	Assesses kidney function and electrolyte balance.	Essential for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease risk.	Every 1-2 years or more frequently if kidney disease is suspected.
Thyroid Function Test (TFTs)	Measures thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4).	Diagnoses hypothyroidism (underactive) or hyperthyroidism (overactive).	If experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or heart palpitations.
Iron studies	Measures iron, ferritin (storage), and transferrin (transport).	Diagnoses iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload conditions.	If experiencing fatigue, dizziness, or unexplained weakness.
Vitamin D test	Measures vitamin D levels in the blood.	Important for bone health and immune function.	If at risk of deficiency due to lifestyle, diet, or medical conditions.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test	Measures inflammation levels in the body.	Detects infection, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation.	If there are signs of infection or inflammatory conditions.
Electrolyte panel	Assesses levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride.	Essential for hydration, kidney function, and overall health.	Often included in routine blood tests or if dehydration/kidney problems are suspected.

5. Kidney function test (Urea, Electrolytes & Creatinine - UECs)

• What it identifies: Checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining electrolyte balance.
• Why its needed: Essential for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease risk.
• Frequency: Every 1-2 years or more frequently if kidney disease is suspected.

6. Thyroid Function Test (TFTs)

• What it identifies: Measures thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) to assess thyroid function.
• Why its needed: Diagnoses hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid).
• When to test: If experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or heart palpitations.

7. Iron studies

• What it identifies: Levels of iron, ferritin (iron storage), and transferrin (iron transport).
• Why its needed: Diagnoses iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload conditions.
• When to test: If experiencing fatigue, dizziness, or unexplained weakness.

8. Vitamin D test

• What it identifies: Measures vitamin D levels in the blood.
• Why needed: Important for bone health and immune function, particularly in those with limited sun exposure.
• When to test: If at risk of deficiency due to lifestyle, diet, or medical conditions.

9. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test

• What it identifies: Measures inflammation in the body.
• Why its needed: Detects infection, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
• When to test: If there are signs of infection or inflammation.

10. Electrolyte panel

• What it identifies: Levels of key minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride.
• Why needed: Essential for assessing hydration, kidney function, and overall health.
• When to test: Often included in routine blood tests or if dehydration or kidney problems are suspected.

Why are routine blood tests important?

Routine blood tests are crucial for early disease detection, monitoring existing conditions, and assessing overall health. They help:

• Identify health issues before symptoms appear.
• Track the effectiveness of treatments and medications.
• Provide a baseline for long-term health monitoring.
• Detect risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

Even if you feel healthy, regular blood tests can catch silent health conditions like high cholesterol or pre-diabetes before they become serious.

Other non-routine blood and pathology tests

While routine blood tests cover many aspects of health, your doctor may order additional tests depending on your symptoms or medical history. These include:

• Hormone tests (e.g., testosterone, oestrogen, cortisol)
• Coagulation studies (for blood clotting disorders)
• Infectious disease tests (e.g., HIV, hepatitis, COVID-19)
• Autoimmune panels (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis markers)
• Genetic tests (for inherited conditions)
• Allergy and food sensitivity tests

Also read: Routine blood tests in Australia: GP approved - Hola Health

How to get a blood test in Australia?

1. See your GP – Your doctor will assess your health and order the necessary tests.
2. Visit a pathology collection centre – Blood tests are conducted at pathology labs.
3. Results and follow-up – Your doctor will review your results and discuss any necessary treatment or lifestyle changes.

Medicare covers most routine blood tests if they are medically necessary. However, some specialised tests may require an out-of-pocket fee.

How can telehealth help for standard routine blood tests in Australia?

Telehealth makes it easier to manage routine blood tests in Australia by providing quick access to medical services without needing an in-person visit. Here’s how it helps:

• GP referrals: Get an online referral for standard blood tests, including cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver function tests.
• Convenience: Book a telehealth appointment with an AHPRA-accredited doctor or medical practitioner anytime, 24/7, from home.
• Instant prescriptions: Receive online scripts for follow-up treatments if needed.
• Medical certificates: Obtain a medical certificate online if your test results indicate the need for rest.
• Follow-up consultations: Discuss your test results with a doctor via telehealth services and receive expert advice.
• Access anywhere: Whether you’re in a city or a remote area, telehealth ensures you get medical support easily.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Which blood tests do I need and why?
• How often should I have routine blood tests?
• What do my results mean for my health?
• Should I be concerned about any abnormal results?
• Do I need to fast before my test?

Where to get help?

• Your GP – The best place to start for routine blood tests.
• Pathology Clinics – Local pathology labs
• Medicare (servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare) – Information on test coverage and rebates.

Final thoughts

Routine blood tests play a key role in keeping you healthy. Whether it’s a general check-up or investigating symptoms, these tests provide vital information that can guide your healthcare decisions. If you haven’t had a blood test in a while, consider discussing it with your doctor—it’s a simple step that can have a big impact on your long-term well-being.