Did you know you can get online pathology referral?

Connect with an AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor within an hour. If suitable, your pathology referral is sent straight to your phone.

100% online, anywhere in Australia
Partner Doctors online 24/7
After hours and weekends, no extra cost
No appointment needed
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Most Common Pathology Tests

Choose a topic. No long scroll, no wall of text.

Swipe through five common tests. Your Partner Doctor decides which, if any, suit you.

Woman on the couch holding her lower back in discomfort before requesting a pathology referral online

Kidney Health Check

About 1 in 7 Australian adults show biomedical signs of chronic kidney disease.1

How often to test

A yearly check is recommended if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or are First Nations and aged 18+. With other risk factors, check every 2 years.2

Common risk factors

Smoking, a family history of kidney failure, or being over 60.2,3

Other factors

Most adults with signs of kidney disease don’t know they have it, as it often has no symptoms.1

Two people holding hands on the couch for support before a pathology test

STI/STD Screenings

The Australian Government recommends an STI test every 6 to 12 months if you’re sexually active, and whenever you have a new sexual partner.4

Often no symptoms

Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.4

More common than you think

About 1 in 7 Australians aged 16–49 have been diagnosed with an STI.5

Confidential and convenientRequest a pathology referral from home
Couple on the couch, one unwell under a blanket, looking at a phone to request a pathology referral online

Pre-Pregnancy Tests

When planning for a baby, it helps to know where you stand with your reproductive health.

Fertility changes over time

Fertility starts to decline in your early 30s and declines more quickly after age 35.6

Spot concerns early

Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can affect your ability to get pregnant.6

Plan with confidence

A check-up before you start trying is recommended, including a review of any supplements and medicines.6

Gloved hand holding three blood collection tubes used for a pathology test

Autoimmune tests

Your immune system protects your body from bacteria, viruses and moulds.7 If you’re often unwell or slow to recover, testing may help.

Often unwell?

Frequent or severe infections can be a sign of an immune disorder.8

Autoimmune conditions

Around 5% of people in Australia and New Zealand live with an autoimmune disease.7

Unwell woman wrapped in a blanket on the couch, considering an online pathology request

Anaemia & Fatigue

Anaemia is when you don’t have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin, which carry oxygen around your body.9

Common causes

The most common type is iron-deficiency anaemia, usually caused by low iron intake or absorption, or blood loss.9

Tiredness has many causes

Ongoing fatigue isn’t always anaemia. Tests can help rule out conditions with similar symptoms.

A simple blood test

Tests for anaemia may include a full blood count and iron studies.9

Most common pathology tests

Five common tests. Your Partner Doctor decides which, if any, suit you.

Kidney Health Check

About 1 in 7 Australian adults show biomedical signs of chronic kidney disease.1

How often to test

A yearly check is recommended if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or are First Nations and aged 18+. With other risk factors, check every 2 years.2

Common risk factors

Smoking, a family history of kidney failure, or being over 60.2,3

Other factors

Most adults with signs of kidney disease don’t know they have it, as it often has no symptoms.1

Request a ConsultPartner Doctors online 24/7

STI/STD Screenings

The Australian Government recommends an STI test every 6 to 12 months if you’re sexually active, and whenever you have a new sexual partner.4

Often no symptoms

Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.4

More common than you think

About 1 in 7 Australians aged 16–49 have been diagnosed with an STI.5

Confidential and convenientRequest a pathology referral from home
Request a ConsultPartner Doctors online 24/7

Pre-Pregnancy Tests

When planning for a baby, it helps to know where you stand with your reproductive health.

Fertility changes over time

Fertility starts to decline in your early 30s and declines more quickly after age 35.6

Spot concerns early

Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can affect your ability to get pregnant.6

Plan with confidence

A check-up before you start trying is recommended, including a review of any supplements and medicines.6

Request a ConsultPartner Doctors online 24/7

Autoimmune tests

Your immune system protects your body from bacteria, viruses and moulds.7 If you’re often unwell or slow to recover, testing may help.

Often unwell?

Frequent or severe infections can be a sign of an immune disorder.8

Autoimmune conditions

Around 5% of people in Australia and New Zealand live with an autoimmune disease.7

Request a ConsultPartner Doctors online 24/7

Anaemia & Fatigue

Anaemia is when you don’t have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin, which carry oxygen around your body.¹

Common causes

The most common type is iron-deficiency anaemia, usually caused by low iron intake or absorption, or blood loss.9

Tiredness has many causes

Ongoing fatigue isn’t always anaemia. Tests can help rule out conditions with similar symptoms.

A simple blood test

Tests for anaemia may include a full blood count and iron studies.9

Request a ConsultPartner Doctors online 24/7

Why choose Updoc for pathology tests?

Older man at his kitchen bench checking his phone for his online pathology request

Connect with an AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor who can help you with online pathology referrals. Request a consultation 24/7, from anywhere in Australia.

No appointments needed
Request a consult any day, any time
Delivered to your phone
Get your pathology referral, if approved
Provided by an AHPRA Registered Partner Doctor
Available 24/7
Convenient and confidential
Consult from the comfort of your own home
Request Pathology Referral

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my pathology results online?

If your pathology request is approved, it will be delivered to your phone. You can visit your preferred pathology lab when it’s convenient. In some cases, you will be able to access your pathology results online, or your Partner Doctor may request a follow up consultation to discuss your results.

How do online STI/STD tests work?

With Updoc, it’s convenient and easy to get a referral to get an STI test from the comfort of your own home. Complete a brief online medical questionnaire. Your AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor will review your request and connect with you. If suitable, your STD pathology request will be sent straight to your phone.

From there, you can get tested at a pathology clinic at your convenience. A test might include blood tests, swabs, urine tests, or a combination of medical tests. Once your results are in, you can book in a follow-up consultation to discuss your pathology results.

Is pathology the same as a blood test?

Healthcare professionals use pathology tests to help them diagnose disease. A pathology report might include blood test results, as well as results from other tests such as urine tests or biopsies.

When will I receive an outcome from my consultation?

Many requests are reviewed within an hour, but wait times vary with demand and aren't guaranteed. At busy times, your Partner Doctor may contact you the following day.

How long to fast before a blood test?

Always follow the instructions on your request form or from your pathology provider, as many blood tests don't require fasting. When fasting is needed, such as for a fasting glucose test, it usually means no food for 8 to 12 hours beforehand, and water is allowed.

How long are blood test referrals valid for in Australia?

There's no single national expiry date for a pathology request in Australia, and validity can vary between pathology providers. Some providers accept requests for around 6 months from the date they were written. Check with your pathology provider or doctor, and have the test done as soon as practical so your doctor gets timely results. If your request has expired, you'll need a new one. You can request a telehealth consultation for a pathology referral online through Updoc, and a Partner Doctor will decide whether testing is clinically appropriate.

How long does it take for blood test results to come back?

It depends on the pathology test and the laboratory. Laboratories aim to process common tests within about an hour of the sample being registered, and routine results are commonly reported by the next working day, while specialised tests can take several days or weeks. Results are usually sent to the doctor who requested the test, and the collection centre can tell you when to expect them.

How long does a blood test take?

The blood draw itself usually takes only a few minutes. Allow around 10 to 15 minutes at the collection centre, plus any waiting time. It may take longer if veins are hard to find, you feel anxious or you need several samples.

Can you drink water when fasting for a blood test?

Usually, yes. Water is generally allowed while fasting for a blood test, but requirements vary between tests and providers, so always follow the instructions on your request form, whether it's a paper or online pathology request, or from your pathology provider. Check with them before having coffee, other drinks or alcohol before your test.

Did You Know You Can Get a Pathology Referral Online?

Get your pathology request delivered straight to your phone.

Connect to an AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor within an hour to get your pathology results online quickly.

Partner Doctors are online 24/7.

No appointment needed.

Available after-hours and on weekends at no extra cost

Request a consult now

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What Type Of Pathology Request Would You Like To Consult With A Partner Doctor About?

With Updoc, you can connect with an AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor about pathology requests online within an hour.

Health Check

Are you looking to check that everything is functioning normally or just a check in? Connect with a Partner Doctor about your concerns.

Request a Consult

Specific Screening Tests

If you’re looking to screen for something specific (online STDs or STI tests, for example), connect with a Partner Doctor from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Request a Consult

Why Choose Updoc For Pathology Tests

Connect with an AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor who can help you with online pathology requests.

Request a consultation with a Partner Doctor 24/7, from anywhere in Australia.

Available after hours and on weekends, at no extra cost.

Get your pathology request delivered straight to your phone, if approved, meaning you can get your pathology results online quickly.

Convenient and confidential – get in touch with a Partner Doctor from the comfort of your own home.

Request a Consult

Most Common Pathology Tests

Common Pathology Tests: Kidney Health Check

Kidneys play a vital role in the human body. They clean blood and create urine to expel toxins and waste. Kidney health tests help doctors understand the function and state of your kidneys. 

How often you should test your kidneys depends on your medical history and lifestyle, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Blood pressure
  • Current or past smoker/vaper
  • Your weight
  • Family history
  • Age
  • Background

Common Pathology Tests: Pre-Pregnancy Tests

When planning for a baby, it’s important to know where you stand in terms of your reproductive health. Fertility changes over time. Early testing gives you insight into your hormonal balance, egg health, and any underlying issues that might affect conception.

With the right information, you can plan your journey to parenthood with confidence, and take steps to address any concerns early.

Common Pathology Tests: Immune Function Test

A strong immune system is the key to staying healthy. It defends the body from infection. If you're frequently feeling unwell or are slow to recover, you may be in the 5% of Australians with an autoimmune disease. Testing can help you identify and manage issues early on.

Common Pathology Tests: Anaemia & Fatigue

Anaemia is defined as a lack or low level of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin (red blood cells) in the blood. This causes people to experience fatigue and heart problems, and they may be susceptible to infections. Approximately 12% of Australian women are anaemic. Anaemia can be diagnosed by a simple blood test.

Common Pathology Tests: STI/STD Screenings

It is essential for sexually active individuals to get tested regularly for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and/or STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). This is especially important if you have new or multiple partners. Remember: many STIs and STDs don’t cause symptoms, which is why you should get tested on a regular basis.

‍

Take the guesswork out of your sexual health, stay safe, and request a referral to get tested with Updoc. It’s confidential, convenient, and you can get a pathology request from the comfort of your own home.

‍

How often you should get tested will depend on your sexual activity and other health risk factors. Around 16% of Australians will have an STI in their lifetime – they’re more common than you might think. Early detection is key for treatment and management.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my pathology results online?

If your pathology request is approved, it will be delivered to your phone. You can visit your preferred pathology lab when it’s convenient. In some cases, you will be able to access your pathology results online, or your Partner Doctor may request a follow up consultation to discuss your results.

How do online STI/STD tests work?

With Updoc, it’s convenient and easy to get a referral to get an STI test from the comfort of your own home. Complete a brief online medical questionnaire. Your AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor will review your request and connect with you. If suitable, your STD pathology request will be sent straight to your phone.

From there, you can get tested at a pathology clinic at your convenience. A test might include blood tests, swabs, urine tests, or a combination of medical tests. Once your results are in, you can book in a follow-up consultation to discuss your pathology results.

Is pathology the same as a blood test?

Healthcare professionals use pathology tests to help them diagnose disease. A pathology report might include blood test results, as well as results from other tests such as urine tests or biopsies.

When will I receive an outcome from my consultation?

Many requests are reviewed within an hour, but wait times vary with demand and aren't guaranteed. At busy times, your Partner Doctor may contact you the following day.

How long to fast before a blood test?

Always follow the instructions on your request form or from your pathology provider, as many blood tests don't require fasting. When fasting is needed, such as for a fasting glucose test, it usually means no food for 8 to 12 hours beforehand, and water is allowed.

How long are blood test referrals valid for in Australia?

There's no single national expiry date for a pathology request in Australia, and validity can vary between pathology providers. Some providers accept requests for around 6 months from the date they were written. Check with your pathology provider or doctor, and have the test done as soon as practical so your doctor gets timely results. If your request has expired, you'll need a new one. You can request a telehealth consultation for a pathology referral online through Updoc, and a Partner Doctor will decide whether testing is clinically appropriate.

How long does it take for blood test results to come back?

It depends on the pathology test and the laboratory. Laboratories aim to process common tests within about an hour of the sample being registered, and routine results are commonly reported by the next working day, while specialised tests can take several days or weeks. Results are usually sent to the doctor who requested the test, and the collection centre can tell you when to expect them.

How long does a blood test take?

The blood draw itself usually takes only a few minutes. Allow around 10 to 15 minutes at the collection centre, plus any waiting time. It may take longer if veins are hard to find, you feel anxious or you need several samples.

Can you drink water when fasting for a blood test?

Usually, yes. Water is generally allowed while fasting for a blood test, but requirements vary between tests and providers, so always follow the instructions on your request form, whether it's a paper or online pathology request, or from your pathology provider. Check with them before having coffee, other drinks or alcohol before your test.

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