Common blood-test questions
Can an online GP organise common blood tests?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can order iron, thyroid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D blood tests. You can ask for a specific test, or talk through your symptoms or concerns and ask the GP what testing they recommend.
Can I ask an online GP about iron, thyroid, B12 or vitamin D tests?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can order iron, thyroid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D blood tests after discussing the reason for testing with you. You can ask for a specific test, or talk through your symptoms or concerns and ask the GP what they recommend.
Ask about a test or talk through your symptoms
Common symptoms such as tiredness or low energy can have many possible causes. Your GP will ask what the symptom feels like, when it began, how often it happens and how it affects your day. You can also discuss changes in periods, weight, sleep, mood, appetite, digestion, sensation or strength where relevant.
You may already have a particular test in mind, or you may simply want help working out what to check. You can ask the GP directly about the test, or talk through symptoms, previous results, diet, medicines, supplements, heavy periods or other concerns and ask what they recommend.
What different blood tests can help explore
Different tests answer different questions. Iron tests may help investigate concerns such as tiredness or heavy periods, while thyroid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D tests look at other possible contributors to how you are feeling. Your GP can explain which tests may be useful for you and why.
No single blood test explains every cause of fatigue, and more testing is not always more informative. You can ask what each recommended test is intended to help clarify.
What to bring to the appointment
You do not need to prepare a perfect medical history. Have any previous results and a list of your medicines or supplements handy, and think about what you have noticed and when it began.
You can also mention changes in your periods, diet, pregnancy or breastfeeding, family history or anything else that seems connected to the concern. If you have already started supplements, let the GP know so they can take that into account.
From a request to the collection centre
Once your GP has ordered the tests, HerDoc sends the pathology referral electronically through its provider integrations and emails the details to you. The GP will explain what has been requested and whether you need to prepare in a particular way. Some tests require fasting or specific timing, while others do not.
Ask the doctor or collection centre if you are unsure. Do not stop or change medicines, food or supplements unless a doctor has told you to do so.
Plan how you will discuss the result
Results from HerDoc-requested tests are generally returned to HerDoc, and you will be notified when they arrive. You can then book a separate appointment to discuss the result with a GP. Each HerDoc consultation has its own fee.
If symptoms continue, change or worsen, do not rely on the report alone. The next step might involve explanation, repeat testing, a different test, treatment discussion or an examination.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Symptoms needing immediate tests
- Concerns that require a physical examination first
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical help for severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms rather than waiting for a routine blood-test discussion. A GP may recommend in-person care first if you need an examination, immediate tests or assessment of significant bleeding, fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, breathing difficulty or new neurological symptoms.
- Significant bleeding or fainting
- Severe weakness
- Chest pain or breathing difficulty
- New neurological symptoms
Ask about the blood tests on your mind
Talk with a HerDoc GP about what you have noticed, what has changed and whether you have a particular blood test in mind.
Related pages
FAQs
Can an online GP order an iron test?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can order iron tests after discussing your symptoms, history and any previous results. They can recommend ferritin, broader iron studies or other tests depending on the question being investigated.
What is the difference between ferritin and iron studies?
Ferritin is one measure within the broader iron picture and reflects stored iron. Iron studies can include ferritin as well as measures of circulating iron, iron transport and transferrin saturation, so the GP may use more than one value to understand the result.
Can I ask for thyroid-function tests online?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can order thyroid-function tests after talking through your symptoms, medicines and any previous thyroid results. They can explain which thyroid tests they recommend and why.
Can an online GP request B12 or vitamin D tests?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can order vitamin B12 or vitamin D tests. You can ask for either test directly, or discuss your symptoms, diet, medicines, sun exposure, bone health or previous results and ask what the GP recommends.
Can I discuss fatigue or low energy before asking for blood tests?
Yes. Start with the fatigue itself: when it began, how it affects you and any other changes you have noticed. Because fatigue has many possible causes, the GP may ask broader questions before deciding whether blood tests would be useful.
Can heavy periods be a reason to discuss iron testing?
Yes. Heavy periods can contribute to iron loss. Your GP will ask how heavy the bleeding is, how long it lasts and whether you feel tired, dizzy, breathless or unwell before recommending any assessment or tests.
Can several blood tests be requested at the same time?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can order several blood tests together when they help investigate the concern. They will recommend the tests that answer useful questions for you rather than relying on the same broad panel for everyone.
Will the GP order every test I request?
Your GP will consider the test you have asked for and explain what they recommend. They may order that test, suggest a different one or explain why another next step would be more useful.
Why might the GP suggest a different test or no test?
A different test may answer the question more directly, while testing may add little when symptoms, timing or previous results point to another first step. The GP should explain the reasoning and what to watch or do next.
Do I need to fast before a blood test?
It depends on the test or combination of tests. Follow the instructions from your doctor or collection centre, and ask before changing food, medicines or supplements.
Where do I have the blood taken?
Blood is usually taken at a pathology collection centre after your GP orders the test. Follow the instructions provided with the request and check whether you need to prepare before attending.
Can I use a pathology collection centre near me?
HerDoc provides the referral details after sending the request electronically through its pathology-provider integrations. You can then choose a convenient collection centre that performs the tests ordered for you.
Are pathology and collection fees included in the HerDoc consultation fee?
Each HerDoc consultation has its own fee. Pathology and collection services are separate; the provider can tell you whether Medicare applies and whether you may have a fee.
Who explains the results?
Results from HerDoc-requested tests are generally returned to HerDoc. You will be notified when the result arrives, then you can book an appointment for a GP to explain it in the context of why the test was ordered and your broader health.
Will I need another consultation after the test?
Yes. You book a separate HerDoc appointment to review the result with a GP, and each consultation has its own fee. This gives you time to discuss the report, ongoing symptoms and what happens next.