Get a lipid panel test referral online. Bulk billed

What is a lipid panel?

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the amount of fats (lipids) circulating in your blood. The standard markers include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (often called the less favourable type), HDL cholesterol (generally considered protective), and triglycerides. Some panels also report non-HDL cholesterol and cholesterol ratios to help with risk assessment.

Abnormal lipid levels can contribute to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Lipids are influenced by genetics, diet, physical activity, weight, and other medical conditions, so your GP will interpret your results alongside other risk factors rather than looking at the numbers in isolation.

When a lipid panel is ordered

Your GP may recommend a lipid panel as part of an absolute cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly if you are aged 45 and above (or 35 and above for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), have a family history of heart disease, live with high blood pressure, diabetes, or are overweight. Lipid testing is also commonly ordered to monitor people already taking lipid-lowering therapy.

If you have been told you have high cholesterol, your GP will often repeat the test at intervals to track your response to lifestyle changes or medication. A telehealth appointment is a convenient way to arrange this without visiting a clinic.

How to get a lipid panel referral online

Book a telehealth consultation with a NewDoc GP and discuss your cardiovascular risk factors, family history, and any symptoms. If your GP determines a lipid panel is clinically appropriate, the pathology referral will be emailed to you after the consultation. You then attend any pathology collection centre in Australia for the blood draw.

Your GP may also order an HbA1c and kidney or liver function tests alongside the lipid panel to give a more complete picture of your overall risk. The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, and pathology tests are covered by Medicare when ordered on clinical grounds.

What to expect at the collection centre

If fasting is required, plan for 8 to 12 hours without food or drink other than water before your blood draw. Morning appointments are often easiest, as you can fast overnight and eat afterwards. Many pathology centres open early specifically for fasting tests. Most centres accept walk-ins or bookings.

Results are sent electronically to your NewDoc GP, usually within a few business days. Your GP will then contact you to discuss the findings and any recommended next steps. Staying well hydrated with water during the fast can make the blood draw easier.

Understanding your lipid results

Your NewDoc GP will interpret your lipid results together with your blood pressure, blood glucose, age, sex, smoking status, and family history to estimate your overall cardiovascular risk. This is sometimes called an absolute risk calculation and helps guide decisions about treatment. Numbers that look borderline on their own may be more or less concerning once the broader picture is considered.

Management may include lifestyle changes such as dietary modification, physical activity, weight management, and smoking cessation. In some cases, lipid-lowering medication may be recommended, subject to clinical appropriateness. Repeat testing after any change allows your GP to assess the response and adjust as needed.

When telehealth may not be suitable

Telehealth works well for arranging lipid pathology referrals, reviewing results, and discussing lifestyle or medication options. However, if you develop symptoms such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech, you should seek urgent in-person or emergency care. Book a bulk billed telehealth consultation to discuss whether a lipid panel is right for your situation.