Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
Fatty Liver Test Australia — How to Get Tested Near You
If you have been told you might have fatty liver disease, or you have risk factors and want to know your liver health status, this guide explains exactly what tests are available in Australia, what to ask your GP, and how to find a clinic near you.
Published 2026-05-31 · Clinically reviewed 2026-05-31
Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
The Two-Step Testing Pathway
Testing for fatty liver disease in Australia follows a two-step pathway recommended in the September 2025 MJA consensus statement:
Testing for fatty liver disease in Australia follows a two-step pathway recommended in the September 2025 MJA consensus statement:
Step 1 — FIB-4 score (done at your GP): A calculation using your age, ALT, AST, and platelets from a routine blood panel. Free, no extra tests needed if you have had a recent blood panel.
Step 2 — Liver elastography (if FIB-4 is indeterminate): A non-invasive 10–15 minute scan at a clinic near you. Measures liver stiffness (fibrosis) and liver fat content (CAP score).
Most patients only need Step 1 to rule out significant liver disease. If your FIB-4 is in the indeterminate range, Step 2 gives you the definitive picture.
Step 1 — Getting Your FIB-4 Score
Ask your GP at your next appointment: "Can you calculate my FIB-4 score from my blood tests?"
If you have had a recent blood panel including ALT, AST, and platelets, your GP can calculate the score immediately. If not, a standard metabolic blood panel will provide the necessary results.
You should ask for FIB-4 testing if:
- You have type 2 diabetes
- You are on a GLP-1 medication (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)
- You have obesity or significant central abdominal fat
- You have had elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) on any previous blood test
- You have a family history of liver disease
- You drink alcohol regularly with any metabolic risk factors
- You have metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL)
What the result means:
- FIB-4 below 1.3: Reassuring — low risk of significant fibrosis. Repeat in 3 years.
- FIB-4 between 1.3 and 2.67: Indeterminate — liver elastography recommended.
- FIB-4 above 2.67: High risk — ask for hepatologist referral.
Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
Step 2 — Liver Elastography Near You
If your FIB-4 is indeterminate, the next step is liver elastography — a non-invasive scan that measures liver stiffness and fat content.
If your FIB-4 is indeterminate, the next step is liver elastography — a non-invasive scan that measures liver stiffness and fat content.
What it involves:
- 10–15 minutes at a clinic
- Lie on your back, probe applied to right side of abdomen
- Mild vibration — completely painless
- No radiation, no injection, no hospital admission
- Results available immediately
Do you need a GP referral?
Several Australian clinics accept self-referred patients — no GP letter required. Others prefer or require a referral. Check with your specific clinic when booking.
What it costs:
Approximately $150–$300 at private clinics. No Medicare rebate currently for most MASLD indications. Check whether your private health insurance covers the procedure under extras cover.
How to find a clinic:
GLP-1 Australia lists liver elastography clinics and specialists across all Australian states and territories. Search by suburb, city, or state.
Other Tests Your GP May Order
Liver ultrasound: A standard abdominal ultrasound can detect significant fatty liver (the liver appears bright on ultrasound) but cannot measure fibrosis. Useful as an initial screen but not sufficient on its own for MASLD staging.
Full liver function panel: ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin. These blood tests indicate liver cell stress and function but do not directly measure fat or fibrosis.
Full blood count: Platelets — needed for FIB-4 calculation — are part of the full blood count.
Patient guide · Reviewed May 2026
What Happens After Testing
Normal result (FIB-4 below 1.3, elastography below 8 kPa): Reassuring. Your GP will advise monitoring — usually annual liver function tests. Address risk…
Normal result (FIB-4 below 1.3, elastography below 8 kPa): Reassuring. Your GP will advise monitoring — usually annual liver function tests. Address risk factors (weight, diabetes, alcohol) with lifestyle measures.
Indeterminate or elevated result: Your GP may refer you to a hepatologist or gastroenterologist for specialist management. Treatment options now include semaglutide (Wegovy) for patients with confirmed MASH at fibrosis stages F2–F3 under Australia's April 2026 TGA approval.
High risk (FIB-4 above 2.67, elastography above 13 kPa): Specialist referral recommended. Your hepatologist will determine the appropriate monitoring schedule and treatment plan.
Find a liver elastography clinic near you
Search by suburb or postcode to see accredited clinics offering FibroScan and guided liver elastography across Australia.
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Submit your details and we'll route your request to the most appropriate elastography clinic in your area. Most clinics respond within 1–2 business days.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get tested for fatty liver without seeing a GP?
The FIB-4 score requires a blood test which needs a pathology request from a GP or another registered healthcare provider. However, liver elastography can be self-referred at several Australian clinics — you can book a scan directly without a GP referral. The scan result will still need to be interpreted by a clinician.
How long does testing take?
The FIB-4 blood test uses results from a routine panel — if your GP already has recent bloods, the score can be calculated in minutes. If a new blood test is needed, results typically come back within 1–2 days. A liver elastography scan appointment takes 30–45 minutes including registration and the scan itself.
Is there a bulk-billed option for liver testing in Australia?
The FIB-4 blood panel can be bulk-billed as part of a standard GP consultation. Liver elastography does not currently have a Medicare item number — patients pay privately ($150–$300). Some private health insurers cover elastography under extras — check your policy.
What if I'm on Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Australian clinical guidelines recommend liver assessment for all patients on GLP-1 medications who have metabolic risk factors. Ask your GP for a FIB-4 calculation. If indeterminate, liver elastography is the recommended next step.
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 submit an appointment request and we will route you to the nearest available provider.