In short: Reliance Care Medical Centre has on-site pathology collection provided by Australian Clinical Labs in Truganina — collection hours differ from GP opening hours. Most routine tests are bulk billed through Medicare.
On-Site Pathology with Australian Clinical Labs
Australian Clinical Labs operates an on-site pathology collection centre at Reliance Care Medical Centre in Truganina. You may be able to have your blood test or other pathology sample collected during the same visit as your GP consultation if the collection centre is open. Pathology collection hours differ from GP opening hours. Check the Australian Clinical Labs collection centre listing or call (03) 9958 6699 to confirm before attending.
Having pathology on-site is especially convenient for patients who need regular blood tests to monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or kidney function. It also makes it easier for families — parents may be able to have their own tests done while children are seen by the GP or paediatrician, during pathology collection hours.
- On-site pathology collection during collection centre hours
- Most routine pathology tests are bulk billed through Medicare
- Results sent to the requesting clinician; timing depends on the test
- Convenient for regular monitoring of chronic conditions
- Walk-in collection during confirmed pathology collection hours
Common Blood Tests and Pathology
Your GP may order blood tests for a variety of reasons — from routine health checks to investigating specific symptoms. Common pathology tests collected at our Truganina clinic include:
- Full Blood Count (FBC) — Assesses overall blood health, checks for anaemia, infection markers, and more
- Iron Studies & Ferritin — Measures iron levels to check for deficiency or overload
- Thyroid Function Tests — Checks thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4) for underactive or overactive thyroid
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs) — Assesses liver health and enzyme levels
- Kidney Function (UEC) — Checks kidney health including electrolytes, urea, and creatinine
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol) — Measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides — fasting may be required
- Blood Glucose & HbA1c — Used to screen for or monitor diabetes — fasting is needed only for some glucose tests, not HbA1c
- Vitamin D & B12 — Checks vitamin levels that can affect energy, mood, and bone health
- Hormone Panels — Includes testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones as clinically indicated
- STI Screening — Confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections as part of sexual health checks
_This is not an exhaustive list. Your GP will determine which tests are appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history. For more information, visit healthdirect.gov.au._
How It Works
- Book a GP Appointment — Book online or call (03) 9958 6699. If you know you need a blood test, mention it when booking so we can advise on any preparation needed (such as fasting).
- GP Consultation — Your GP will assess your health, discuss any symptoms, and order the appropriate pathology tests. The GP consultation is bulk billed.
- On-Site Collection — Visit the on-site Australian Clinical Labs collection centre during confirmed collection hours. Most routine blood tests are bulk billed through Medicare.
- Results & Follow-Up — Results go to the requesting clinician. Before leaving, ask when they are expected and how to arrange follow-up. Do not assume that no contact means a normal result; contact the clinic if you have not received the agreed follow-up.
Fasting Before a Blood Test
Only some tests require fasting. Follow the instructions for the specific tests your clinician has requested. Australian Clinical Labs’ general fasting instructions specify 10–12 hours without food, with water allowed, but your clinician or collection centre may give you different test-specific directions. Fasting glucose requires preparation; HbA1c and many other blood tests do not require fasting.
Tip for fasting blood tests: Book an early morning appointment so you can fast overnight. You can drink water during the fasting period. If you are unsure whether you need to fast, ask your GP or our reception team when booking.
Important: If you take regular medication, continue taking it as prescribed unless your GP advises otherwise. Do not stop any medication without consulting your doctor.
Costs and Medicare
The GP consultation at Reliance Care Medical Centre is bulk billed.
Most routine pathology tests ordered by your GP are bulk billed through Medicare by Australian Clinical Labs. This means there is typically no out-of-pocket cost for standard blood tests.
Some specialised or non-standard tests may have additional charges. Your GP will let you know before ordering any tests that may have an out-of-pocket cost.
Medicare eligibility and bulk billing status may vary. Please confirm with your GP and the pathology collection centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for a blood test?
Yes, you need a pathology request form from your GP to have a blood test collected. This is because your GP determines which tests are clinically appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history. You can book a GP appointment at Reliance Care and have your blood test collected on-site during pathology collection hours. Confirm collection hours before planning a same-day visit.
Is pathology bulk billed?
Pathology services at Reliance Care Medical Centre are provided by Australian Clinical Labs. Most standard pathology tests ordered by your GP are bulk billed through Medicare, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for the blood collection or analysis. Some specialised tests may have additional charges — your GP will advise if this applies.
Do I need to fast before my blood test?
Not all tests need fasting. Ask your GP or the collection centre whether your specific test does and for how long; follow those instructions rather than fasting automatically. Water is usually allowed. Do not stop medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
What blood tests are available on-site?
Australian Clinical Labs can collect samples for a wide range of pathology tests on-site at Reliance Care, including full blood count, iron studies, thyroid function, liver and kidney function, cholesterol, blood glucose, HbA1c, vitamin levels, hormone panels, and more. Your GP will determine which tests are appropriate for your situation.
How long do blood test results take?
Timing varies by test. Ask when results are expected and whether to book a review or wait for a call. If you have not received the agreed follow-up, contact the clinic rather than assuming your results are normal.
Can children have blood tests at the clinic?
Check with the collection centre before bringing a child, as age limits, appointments and collector availability can vary. Bring the pathology request and ask about any preparation your child needs.
What should I bring to my pathology appointment?
Bring your Medicare card, the pathology request form from your GP (if you have a printed copy — your GP may send it electronically), and any relevant health fund card. If fasting is required, remember to avoid food for the specified period before your appointment.
How Reliance Medical Centre Can Help
See your GP at Reliance Care Medical Centre and have your pathology collected on-site in Truganina, with bulk billed GP consultations and on-site Australian Clinical Labs collection. To get started, book online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Australian Clinical Labs — General fasting instructions
- Healthdirect — Guide to blood testing and results follow-up
- Healthdirect Australia — Guide to blood testing and Paying for diagnostic testing
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government) — Blood and pathology tests
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Costs and details can change — please confirm current information with our clinic. If you have health concerns, please consult your GP.
