Get a liver function test referral online. Bulk billed

What is a liver function test?

A liver function test (LFT), sometimes called liver biochemistry, is a group of blood markers that helps your GP assess how well the liver is working and whether there are signs of injury or inflammation. Common markers include alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are liver enzymes released when liver cells are stressed, along with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), which can reflect bile flow.

Other components include total and direct bilirubin, total protein, and albumin, which give information about the liver's synthetic and excretory functions. Your GP looks at the overall pattern of these results rather than reacting to any one number in isolation.

When LFTs are ordered

Your GP may recommend an LFT as part of a general health check, to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, or unexplained fatigue, or to monitor people with known liver conditions. LFTs are also commonly used to keep an eye on the liver in people taking medications that can affect liver enzymes, such as some cholesterol-lowering, anti-seizure, or immune-modulating medications.

People who drink alcohol regularly, have metabolic risk factors for fatty liver, or have been exposed to viral hepatitis may benefit from periodic monitoring. Your GP will advise on the most appropriate testing schedule based on your individual circumstances.

How to get an LFT referral online

Book a telehealth consultation with a NewDoc GP and discuss your symptoms, medications, alcohol intake, and any relevant history such as hepatitis, liver conditions, or metabolic concerns. If your GP determines an LFT is clinically appropriate, the pathology referral will be emailed to you after the appointment.

If you take regular medications, your GP can also review how these might be influencing results and whether a repeat prescription is suitable during the same appointment. 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

Most LFT panels do not require fasting, but your GP may order fasting if other tests are included, such as cholesterol or blood glucose. You can then visit any pathology collection centre in Australia and present your referral. Most centres accept walk-ins or allow you to book ahead.

Results are sent electronically to your NewDoc GP, usually within a few business days. Your GP will then contact you to discuss the findings. Staying well hydrated beforehand can make the blood draw easier.

Understanding your LFT results

Your NewDoc GP will interpret your LFT results by looking at the overall pattern. For example, a rise in ALT that is greater than the rise in ALP may suggest a hepatocellular pattern (such as fatty liver or viral hepatitis), while a rise in ALP and GGT can suggest a cholestatic pattern (affecting bile flow). Many mildly abnormal LFTs have benign causes.

Depending on the pattern, your GP may recommend lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol, addressing weight or metabolic risk factors, repeating the test after a few weeks, arranging further tests including viral hepatitis screening or abdominal ultrasound, or referring you to a specialist. All treatment decisions are subject to clinical appropriateness.

When telehealth may not be suitable

Telehealth is well suited to arranging LFT pathology referrals, reviewing results, and coordinating further tests or specialist referrals. However, if you develop severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, vomiting blood, or confusion, you should seek urgent in-person assessment. Book a bulk billed telehealth consultation to discuss whether an LFT is right for your situation.