Understanding medical tests

It's vital to understand your medical test options and what each test involves. In some cases the benefit of a test is not clear cut. You may want to talk about the 'pros and cons' with your doctor.

Understanding medical tests
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Understanding medical tests

It's vital to understand your medical test options and what each test involves. In some cases the benefit of a test is not clear cut. You may want to talk about the 'pros and cons' with your doctor.

 
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What are my options?

Whether to have a test at all, and the choice of test for you, will depend on your situation. A test is often just one part of the picture. Your doctor may need other pieces of information to diagnose and treat your condition.

You can use medical tests for many reasons. They can be to:

  • screen for a common problem, or risk factor, in someone without any symptoms (eg, a cholesterol test)
  • help diagnose a problem or rule out likely causes (eg, a chest X-ray for someone with chest pain)
  • keep an eye on a health condition or the effects of treatment (eg, blood sugar testing for people with diabetes). 

Take an active role in your health choices. Talk about your medical tests with your health professional.

Questions to ask your health professional

Some tests, treatments and procedures offer little benefit. And in some cases, they may even cause harm.

Use the questions below. Make sure you end up with the right amount of care — not too much and not too little.

Are there other options?

  • What will happen if I don’t have the test?
  • Are there simpler, safer options?

Sometimes all you need to do is make lifestyle changes. This can be eating healthy foods or exercising more.

Do I really need this test or procedure?

  • Will the test guide or change my treatment?
  • What could the test results show?
  • How soon do I need to have the test?

With any medical test, procedure or treatment it’s always good to find out all your options. Sometimes ‘watchful waiting’ may be a valid choice. Asking about the likely outcomes if you do – or don’t – have the test is vital. This could affect your choice.

What are the likely risks and benefits?

  • What are the likely positive outcomes?
  • What are the likely negative outcomes?
  • How reliable are the results likely to be?

Positive outcomes include a precise diagnosis of your condition, to help guide your treatment. A test may also help prevent problems as it can detect risk factors (eg, high cholesterol).

Negative outcomes include the risk of problems linked with doing a test. You may also feel nervous and concerned about having the test and its results.

Tests do not always give a clear-cut answer. This can lead to more testing or an unclear result.

What are the costs?

  • Is the cost covered by Medicare, my concession card or private health insurance?
  • Is the cost within reason or is there a cheaper choice?
  • Will I need to pay out-of-pocket costs on the day? 

What does the test involve?

  • How long will the test take?
  • How do I prepare for the test?
  • Are there any special instructions? (eg, fasting, or not driving after the test)

When can I expect to get the results?

  • When should I see my doctor again?
  • What is the next step?
  • Will further tests be likely?


It's okay to ask questions

Know your test history

It is good to ask for a copy of your test results to keep at home.

Your health professional may ask about your medical history. This includes any past tests and results. These may help your doctor know your current situation. It could lower the need for further tests.

Keep your test results (this includes the images or scans) in a safe place you can access with ease.

You can also ask your health professional to upload your test results online to My Health Record.

More information on medical tests 

NPS MedicineWise consumer information

The following websites have in-depth, reliable and easy-to-read information about medical tests. Use them to find out more about your test.

Resources and fact sheets

Medical imaging

Find out more about medical imaging (eg, X-rays, CT scans, MRI and ultrasounds)

Pathology

Find out more about pathology tests (eg, blood tests, urine tests and tests on skin samples)

Pathology Tests Explained (PTEx)