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Pathology

Pathology Test Referrals Online

Medically reviewed by Dr Aifric Boylan — FRACGP · AHPRA-registered · Updated 18 Sep 2026

  • Request a pathology referral online after a genuine video or phone consultation with an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor.
  • Download your request form and take it to your chosen local pathology collection provider.
  • Consultations from $39.99 for focused tests, with a full GP consultation available for other blood tests.
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Choose the pathology test you need

Select a focused test below, or book a full GP consultation if you need another blood test or are unsure which request is appropriate.

From $39.99

STI test — urine or urine and blood

Request testing for common sexually transmitted infections. Choose urine testing or the broader urine-and-blood pathway.

Get startedAbout STI testing

$42.99

Plant-based diet and vegan blood tests

Request focused testing for iron, vitamin B12, thyroid function, vitamin D and zinc.

Get startedAbout this test

$42.99

Fasting glucose and cholesterol

Request fasting glucose and cholesterol testing to check where your numbers currently sit.

Get startedAbout this test

$49.99

Other blood tests

Book a full GP consultation for broader health concerns, another pathology request, or help choosing the right test.

Get startedAbout GP consultations

Consultation fees cover the doctor’s assessment and pathology request where clinically appropriate. Collection-provider or laboratory charges may apply separately. See all pathology prices.

How online pathology referrals work

  1. Choose your testSelect a focused test above or start with a full GP consultation.
  2. Answer health questionsProvide the information the doctor needs to prepare for your appointment.
  3. Speak with a doctorHave a real-time video or phone consultation with an Australian doctor.
  4. Download your formIf appropriate, download and print your pathology request form.
  5. Attend locallyTake the form to your chosen collection provider; results return to your Qoctor account.
After your test

Review results in your Qoctor account and book a follow-up consultation if the doctor recommends one or if you would like to discuss your results.

Pathology and blood test FAQs

How do I get my pathology test results from Qoctor?

If a Qoctor doctor has issued you with a pathology test form, you can present it at any recognised pathology collection centre in Australia.

The timing of when you go for your test is totally up to you- Qoctor only becomes aware that you have had the test once we actually receive the result/report electronically from the lab.

When Qoctor receives a result, the following things happen:

  • the doctor checks the results and you’ll then receive an SMS letting you know we’ve received a result. If the doctor has marked the result abnormal or urgent, we’ll tell you to book a follow up appointment.
  • test results will also appear for you to view on your Qoctor profile and/or we will share digital copies of the reports with you.
  • you can book a follow up appointment with Qoctor to discuss the results (for some services, such as STI testing, a free follow up consultation may be included in the original booking fee). Where applicable, this follow up appointment can be accessed through your Qoctor profile, by using the button alongside the particular test result.

What should I do if I have not heard from Qoctor about my test results?

If a few business days have passed since your test and you have not heard from Qoctor via SMS or email, please let us know- email us at info@qoctor.com.au or use the live chat on our home page , as we may need to chase it up with the lab. Sometimes they may have sent the report to the wrong place. Once we get it, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Please note, there may be delays if your query is out of hours or over the weekend, as many labs close at those times- this is beyond our control- but we will do our best to chase it up for you, as soon as the lab is open again.

Can I order my own blood tests in Australia?

In Australia, most pathology laboratories/collection centres will only conduct a pathology test if you have a referral from a registered doctor. While some labs can perform a very limited number of specific tests if a patient “self refers” (see below for details), in the vast majority of cases, a pathology referral/request from a doctor is required.

Self requesting blood tests/pathology tests

Most labs do not offer testing based on “self referral” because tests are expensive, and results are often complex to interpret. However there are some limited exceptions:

Dorevitch– No self-referral for blood tests

Australian Clinical Labs– No self-referral for blood tests.

QML Laboratories: Self referral/self request available for Blood Group, Hepatitis serology, MMR (measles mumps rubella) serology, Varicella (Chicken Pox) serology, Quantiferon Gold, Mantoux test, drug screening, alcohol breath test, COVID-19 swab.

4Cyte Laboratories No self-referral for blood tests

Please note that labs may change their policies over time, and the above is a guide only. Check with your local lab for further details.

How quickly do pathology test results come back?

The time it takes for pathology test results to come back depends on a number of factors. In most cases, it will just take a few business days. This may vary slightly, depending on the type of test, as well as the processing time at the pathology collection centre/laboratory you used. When Qoctor receives your results, and the doctor has checked it, we’ll inform you via SMS and/or email. Most results will also then also appear on your own Qoctor profile, where you can view them.

If you have not received an SMS or email notification about your test result within 1 week (4-5 business days) of having the test, please email Qoctor at info@qoctor.com.au OR use the live chat function on our home page- let us know the laboratory/pathology collection centre you attended, the date of the test, as well as your name and date of birth, and we can chase it up with the lab on your behalf, as soon as possible.

Please bear in mind, that many labs have limited staffing at weekends, so if you contact us at the weekend, we may not be able to access the result for you until they re-open on Monday.

Why do I need a referral for a pathology test?

Can I order my own blood tests in Australia?

In Australia, most pathology laboratories/collection centres will only conduct a pathology test if you have a referral from a registered doctor. While some labs can perform a very limited number of specific tests if a patient “self refers” (see below for details), in the vast majority of cases, a pathology referral/request from a doctor is required.

Will I need to pay the laboratory for a blood test?

The Australian healthcare system subsidises the cost of most common pathology tests for Australians who have a Medicare card. Therefore, your Medicare details should be included on the pathology request form. This is to encourage people to speak to their doctor about their health concerns, and to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being used wisely.

Are all pathology tests covered by Medicare?

It’s important to note that some tests are NOT covered by Medicare, or will only be covered a certain number of times per year- your doctor will usuallly flag this with you in advance, and the pathology collection centre will generally draw your attention to this too.

Will I need to pay for a blood test if I don’t have Medicare?

If you don’t have Medicare, you can still get tested using a pathology request form, but you will be invoiced by the pathology laboratory afterwards (be sure to enquire about the cost beforehand). In this case, you may be covered by health insurance and can claim it back- check your policy.

How to get a valid pathology referral

A pathology referral can be obtained by speaking to a registered Australian doctor- this can be a face to face consultation or a telehealth appointment via phone call or video call. Some online providers only assess people via an online questionnaire or SMS, without a phone/video call- this is not best practice and may lead to issues with your Medicare rebates down the track- that’s why it is important to stick with providers who conduct a proper telehealth consult (as Qoctor does).

Self requesting blood tests/pathology tests

Most labs do not offer testing based on “self referral” because tests are expensive, and results are often complex to interpret. However there are some limited exceptions:

Dorevitch– No self-referral for blood tests

Australian Clinical Labs– No self-referral for blood tests.

QML Laboratories: Self referral/self request available for Blood Group, Hepatitis serology, MMR (measles mumps rubella) serology, Varicella (Chicken Pox) serology, Quantiferon Gold, Mantoux test, drug screening, alcohol breath test, COVID-19 swab.

4Cyte Laboratories No self-referral for blood tests

Please note that labs may change their policies over time, and the above is a guide only. Check with your local lab for further details.

 

Which STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can be detected on a blood test?

With Qoctor, you can request a blood test to screen for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis. These are all serious bloodborne infections, and require specialist treatment if detected. Many people wish to have these tests performed at the same time they are having their urine test for more common sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium.

Can I use any pathology collection service/ pathology provider for my test?

If you receive a pathology request form from Qoctor, you can download it from your Qoctor account, print it and take it to any accredited pathology collection centre of your choice. Your test results will get sent to us by the relevant pathology laboratory, usually a few days after you have the test. Once available, we will display your results on your Qoctor account. For privacy and security, you will need to log in to view results.

Approved Pathology Collection Centres (APCCs)

APCCs are facilities to where patients can take their pathology request form to have their sample/specimen collected for testing in a pathology laboratory. They are linked to accredited pathology laboratories and are subject to ongoing monitoring processes, ensuring the quality of pathology collection services. If you are unsure whether your Pathology Collection Centre is linked to an accredited laboratory, you can look for the NATA/RCPA logos or endorsement certificates, or ask the staff if the lab they work with has NATA/RCPA accreditation. Patients can also refer to the NATA website which lists all Medical Testing laboratories currently accredited in Australia (bearing in mind, the lab may not be in the same physical location as the collection centre).

What is the cost to request an STI test online?

With Qoctor, you can request to have a urine test for STIs, which checks for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium. The consultation fee is $39.99. Results are displayed and viewable on your Qoctor account, once the laboratory makes them available to us. The consultation fee includes a follow up doctor’s consultation with Qoctor within 30 days, if you wish to discuss your test results or if the results are abnormal in any way.  If you would also like to have blood tests to screen for HIV, Hepatitis B&C and Syphilis, the consultation fee is slightly higher, at $42.99. Again, a follow up visit is included if you wish to discuss your results or if anything comes back abnormal.

  • Simple (urine) UTI test $39.99.  Tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium.
  • Extended (urine and blood) STI test $42.99. Tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma Genitalium, HIV, Hepatitis B&C and Syphilis.
Which STIs can I get tested for?

STI Screening with Qoctor can involve tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma Genitalium (urine test). Blood tests for Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV are also possible.  “Screening” is when you get tested for something when you don’t have symptoms. If you are already unwell or have symptoms suggestive of an STI, you should attend a GP or sexual health clinic in person- requesting a test online is not suitable in those circumstances. But, if you just want a test to ensure you don’t have a silent STI infection, online assessment can be a convenient. effective and affordable option for many people. In Australia, pathology tests generally require you to have a request form from a registered doctor. So, once the doctor has carried out a brief consultation and provided a request form, you can print it and take it to your local pathology collection service. The test results, once made available to Qoctor by the laboratory, can be viewed on your Qoctor account, and/or you can speak to one of our doctors if you need to.

Pathology information and guides

Learn more about common testing pathways before you begin.

STI testing onlineCompare urine and blood testing pathways and learn what happens after your consultation.
Blood tests for plant-based dietsLearn which focused markers are included and why they may be useful.
Fasting glucose and cholesterolUnderstand this focused test and how to prepare for collection.
Clinical review & governance
Dr Aifric Boylan

Medically reviewed by Dr Aifric Boylan

MB BCH BAO · FRACGP · GP FOR 20+ YEARS

Co-founder, CEO & Medical Director of Qoctor — doctor-owned telehealth since 2016.

✓ AHPRA reg. MED0001912983 — verify on the public register◷ Last updated: 18 Sep 2026

Every Qoctor pathology request is considered after a real-time video or phone consultation with an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor. A request is issued only when clinically appropriate and is provided in line with the Medical Board of Australia’s telehealth guidelines.

Telehealth is not suitable in every medical situation. The doctor may recommend an in-person examination or care with your regular GP. In an emergency, call 000.

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