Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
Which Blood Tests Do You Need on GLP-1 Medications in Australia?
Blood tests are the foundation of safe GLP-1 monitoring. They are inexpensive, widely available through any pathology collection centre, and most can be bulk-billed when your GP provides a Medicare request form.
If you started Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro through a telehealth service, you may have been offered an optional panel — or no panel at all. This guide lists what Australian clinicians typically request, what each test checks, when to repeat it, and how to ask your GP for the right script.
Educational information only — your GP will tailor tests to your age, diagnosis, and existing conditions.
Published 2026-05-01 · Clinically reviewed 2026-05-31
Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
The Core GLP-1 Monitoring Panel
A single fasting blood draw can cover most monitoring needs. Ask your GP for the following as a baseline before or soon after starting treatment, then repeat…
A single fasting blood draw can cover most monitoring needs. Ask your GP for the following as a baseline before or soon after starting treatment, then repeat key items at 3 months and annually.
- Liver function: ALT, AST, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin — detects inflammation and cholestasis; used to calculate FIB-4.
- Full blood count: Haemoglobin, platelets — platelets are required for FIB-4; also screens for anaemia.
- Kidney function: Serum creatinine, eGFR; urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) on a morning urine sample.
- Thyroid: TSH — screens for hypothyroidism and documents baseline on GLP-1 therapy.
- Glucose control: HbA1c and fasting glucose — essential if you have type 2 diabetes; useful for weight-management patients with pre-diabetes.
- Lipids: Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides — cardiovascular risk monitoring.
- Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium — relevant if vomiting or diarrhoea during dose escalation.
- Optional: Vitamin B12 (especially if on metformin), iron studies if fatigued, fasting insulin or C-peptide only if your specialist requests them.
Liver Panel and FIB-4
Elevated ALT or AST on GLP-1 therapy does not automatically mean drug-induced liver injury. Many patients had fatty liver before starting; others see temporary enzyme rises during rapid weight loss as fat mobilises from the liver.
The FIB-4 index combines your age with ALT, AST, and platelet count to estimate advanced fibrosis risk. Your GP calculates it in seconds from the same blood draw — no extra needle required.
- FIB-4 below 1.3: low risk — repeat in 3 years per MJA 2025 guidance.
- FIB-4 1.3–2.67: indeterminate — consider liver elastography (FibroScan).
- FIB-4 above 2.67: high risk — hepatology referral.
Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
Kidney Tests
Serum creatinine and eGFR estimate filtration. UACR detects early diabetic kidney disease — important because GLP-1 drugs can slow kidney decline in type 2…
Serum creatinine and eGFR estimate filtration. UACR detects early diabetic kidney disease — important because GLP-1 drugs can slow kidney decline in type 2 diabetes, and you need a baseline to track benefit.
Repeat renal function sooner if you have prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, or signs of dehydration during dose increases.
Thyroid and Metabolic Panel
TSH is the standard screening test. Product information for semaglutide and tirzepatide notes rodent thyroid C-cell findings; routine TSH monitoring is prudent, especially if you have thyroid nodules or symptoms.
The metabolic panel (HbA1c, lipids, glucose) tracks the primary reasons most Australians are prescribed GLP-1 medications. Improvements here often correlate with cardiovascular and liver benefits.
Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
When to Have Blood Tests
Fasting is usually required for glucose and lipids. Check with your pathology lab; water and usual medications are generally fine unless your GP advises…
- Baseline (before or within first month): Full panel above.
- 6–12 weeks: If significant GI side effects or dehydration — repeat eGFR, electrolytes.
- 3 months: HbA1c, weight-related metabolic review, liver enzymes, eGFR, UACR.
- 6–12 months: Full annual panel including TSH and lipids.
- Ad hoc: Any new symptoms — jaundice, severe abdominal pain, neck swelling, palpitations.
Fasting is usually required for glucose and lipids. Check with your pathology lab; water and usual medications are generally fine unless your GP advises otherwise.
What to Ask Your GP — Script Wording
You can show your GP this list or say:
Could I please have a GLP-1 monitoring panel: LFTs, FBC, UEC, eGFR, urine ACR, HbA1c, fasting lipids, TSH — and can you calculate my FIB-4 from the results?
Medicare rebates apply to most items when clinically indicated. Private telehealth companies sometimes sell panels without Medicare — compare cost if you are paying out of pocket.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get blood tests without seeing a GP in person?
In Australia you generally need a request form from a medical practitioner for Medicare-rebated pathology. Some telehealth services provide forms after a video consult. A local GP can also issue a form from your last telehealth records.
My ALT is slightly high on Mounjaro — should I stop?
Mild enzyme elevations are common and often reflect pre-existing fatty liver or weight-loss-related changes. Do not stop medication without medical advice. Your GP will compare to baseline, calculate FIB-4, and decide whether repeat testing or imaging is needed.
Do I need to fast for all GLP-1 blood tests?
Fasting (typically 8–12 hours) is required for fasting glucose and lipid profile. Liver, kidney, thyroid, HbA1c, and FBC do not require fasting. Many patients do one morning fasted visit to cover everything.
How much do blood tests cost in Australia?
With a Medicare request and concession or safety-net eligibility, out-of-pocket cost is often low or zero for standard panels. Without Medicare indication, private panels may cost $100–$300 depending on the laboratory.
Will my telehealth provider review my results?
Policies vary. Some platforms review automatically; others expect you to follow up with your GP. Upload results to My Health Record or bring them to your GP so nothing is missed.
Reviewed against: MJA MAFLD consensus (2025, doi: 10.5694/mja2.70008); TGA Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro product information; RACGP guidelines on type 2 diabetes monitoring; FLOW trial (NEJM 2024) renal endpoints.
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a specialist about your individual health circumstances.
Next step
Find a liver elastography clinic near you
Search participating clinics across Australia, or talk to your GP about a baseline FIB-4 and elastography.