Medical tests
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Medical tests can detect, diagnose or assess your risk of developing a medical condition. The results can help you and your doctor decide on treatment. Screening tests can provide early warning of health risks.
Information in your language
Information in your language on medical
- Bowel cancer screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) offers kits for free to Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age.
- Breast screening
Information on breast screening - who is eligible for free breast screens and when, and how to arrange a mammogram (breast screen) in Victoria.
- Cancer screening
The aim of cancer screening is to find cancer in its early stages.
- Cervical screening
Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screening (every 5 years). Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women or people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have been sexually active.
- Endoscopy
An endoscope or fibrescope is a long, usually flexible tube with a lens at one end and a video camera at the other.
- Genetic testing for inherited cancer
A predisposition to certain cancers can be inherited via altered genes.
- Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer can be treated in a variety of ways, so discuss treatment options with your doctor.
- Blood and pathology tests
Pathology tests cover blood tests, and tests on urine, stools (faeces) and bodily tissues
- Eye tests
Regular eye tests or check-ups detect problems early, so you can have early treatment to minimise any permanent damage to your eyes.
- Health checks for men
Men should see their doctor for regular medical check-ups.
- Health checks for women
A woman at high risk of a particular disease should be checked more frequently and/or at an earlier age.
- Hearing tests
A ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus), or people complaining that you talk too loudly are signs you may need to have your hearing checked.
- Barium tests
Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux, narrowing or ulceration.
- Bone density testing
Most procedures that measure bone density are quick and pain-free.
- Bushfire preparation advice
Being prepared for a bushfire helps you cope better in an emergency.
- Coronary angiogram
A coronary angiogram is the most accurate diagnostic test for a range of heart problems, including coronary heart disease.
- CT scan
The CT scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays and digital computer technology to create detailed images of the body.
- ECG test
A doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram for patients who may be at risk of heart disease because of family history, smoking, overweight, diabetes or other conditions.
- Endoscopy
An endoscope or fibrescope is a long, usually flexible tube with a lens at one end and a video camera at the other.
- MRI scan
The MRI scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures inside the body.
- PET scan
PET scans are tests that show how an organ or tissue is working.
- Talking to children about bushfires
Talking to children openly in a way that suits their age, while also involving them in decisions regarding bushfire preparation and response, will help them feel emotionally secure and confident.
- Ultrasound scan
Ultrasound is a scan used to study internal body structures.
- X-ray examinations
An x-ray examination uses a special machine to take two-dimensional pictures of internal body structures to help diagnose conditions or injuries.
- Biopsy
Before a biopsy, you need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor or surgeon.
- Blood and pathology tests
Pathology tests cover blood tests, and tests on urine, stools (faeces) and bodily tissues
- Blood count
The full blood count (FBC) test looks for abnormalities in the blood, such as unusually high or low numbers of blood cells.
- Egg freezing
You can freeze your eggs for medical reasons or for reasons that are more to do with your life circumstances.
- Medical procedures - non-surgical
Non-surgical procedures are used to diagnose, measure or treat problems such as disease or injury
- Newborn bloodspot screening
Every newborn baby in Australia is offered a test for the rare medical conditions of phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Pregnancy tests - maternal serum screening
Maternal serum screening can indicate increased risk of abnormalities in the unborn child, but is not a diagnosis.
- Testing for COVID-19
How to get a test for COVID-19 in Victoria.
- Diabetes - gestational
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears when the pregnancy is over.
- Egg freezing
You can freeze your eggs for medical reasons or for reasons that are more to do with your life circumstances.
- Newborn bloodspot screening
Every newborn baby in Australia is offered a test for the rare medical conditions of phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Pregnancy - tests and scans
A range of tests and scans are available to pregnant women to confirm pregnancy and monitor the baby's development in the womb.
- Pregnancy testing
Sometimes, a home pregnancy test may be positive when a woman isn’t pregnant.
- Pregnancy tests - maternal serum screening
Maternal serum screening can indicate increased risk of abnormalities in the unborn child, but is not a diagnosis.
- Pregnancy tests - ultrasound
Ultrasound is used during pregnancy to check the baby's development and to help pick up any abnormalities.
- Pregnancy tests – chorionic villus sampling
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a pregnancy test that checks the baby for some abnormalities.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022