Health screening enables you to find out if you have a particular condition even if you do not have any symptoms and/or signs. Early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition can result in better outcomes. Find out which recommended health screening test is suitable for you
<div class="ExternalClass8BEAD520E0CA4C15A02E08EA5A4B4BB9"><h1>All You Need to Know About Health Screening</h1><p>
Related:
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/926/pregnancy-before-the-first-antenatal-visit-choosing-your-doctor">Before the First Antenatal Visit (Choosing Your Doctor)</a>
</p><h2>1. What is health screening?
</h2><p>
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/84/faqs-screen-for-life"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Health screening</span> </a> is important to everyone. It involves the use of tests, physical examinations or other procedures to detect conditions early in people who look or feel well. This is different from diagnostic tests which are done when someone is already showing signs and/or symptoms of a condition.</p><h2>2. Why should I go for health screening?</h2><p>Health screening helps you find out if you have a particular condition even if you feel perfectly well, without any symptoms and/or signs. Early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition can result in better outcomes, and lowers the risk of serious complications. It is therefore important to get yourself screened even if you feel perfectly healthy.</p><h2>3. What kind of screening tests should I go for?</h2><p>There are 3 types of screening tests<sup>1</sup>.</p><h4>Type 1
</h4><p>Beneficial for everyone: These tests are listed in Table A.</p><h4>Type 2</h4><p>Beneficial for some but not others: Decision to be made on an 'individual' level, based on your individual risk factors e.g. self or family history of hereditary or chronic diseases, exposure to factors that can lead to disease e.g. smoking.
</p><h4>Type 3</h4><p>Not recommended for screening: Currently, there is not enough information to support the use of these tests.</p><p>It is best to speak to your family doctor who will advise you to go for the relevant screening tests based on your individual health profile.</p><p>Find out more about
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/636/Type%202%20Screening%20tests"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Type 2</span></a> and
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/609/type_3_tests_not_recommended"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Type 3 </span></a> tests.</p><p>View the report of the
<span style="color:#0000ff;"><a href="/sites/assets/Assets/PDFs/HPB/STRC_guidelines.pdf">Screening Test Review Committee</a></span>.
</p><div>
</div><h3>Table A – General Screening Tests (Beneficial for everyone)</h3><div>
</div><h4>General Screening Tests for Adults</h4><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong> Recommended for</strong><sup><strong>2</strong></sup></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong> To screen for</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong> Screening test</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong>Screening frequency</strong><sup><strong>3</strong></sup></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" rowspan="2">Individuals aged 18 yrs and above
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default"><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/218/obesity">Obesity</a></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">
<span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"> Body Mass Index (BMI)
<span style="color:#333333;line-height:14.4px;background-color:#ffffff;">Waist circumference</span></span></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Once a year</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default"><p>
<span title="This condition is commonly known as high blood pressure, in which blood is pumped around the body at too high a pressure. High blood pressure puts the individual at a higher risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, peripheral artery disease (narrowing of blood vessels of the limbs) and kidney failure. Note: Normal blood pressure is usually less than 130/80 mmHg."><a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/53/highbloodpressure">Hypertension</a></span> (High blood pressure)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Blood pressure measurement</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Once every two years or more frequently as advised by your doctor</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" rowspan="2">Individuals aged 40 yrs and above
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default"><p>
<span title="A condition in which the sugar (called glucose) level in the bloodstream remain persistently higher than normal.">
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/102/topics_diabetes">
<span style="color:#0000ff;"> Diabetes mellitus </span></a> </span></p></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Fasting blood glucose
HbA1c
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" rowspan="2">Once every three years or more frequently as advised by your doctor
</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" rowspan="1"><span title="This condition is commonly known as high cholesterol disease, in which there are excess fats (called lipids) in the blood."><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/52/highbloodcholesterol">Hyperlipidaemia</a></span> (High blood cholesterol)
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" rowspan="1">Fasting lipids
Non-fasting lipids
</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" rowspan="2">Individuals aged 50 yrs and above
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" rowspan="2"><p>
<span title="A condition in which cancer occurs in the large intestine (colon)."><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/24/colorectalcancer">Colorectal cancer </a></span></p>
</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default"><span title="A test used to detect for blood in stool." style="line-height:1.6;">Faecal Immunochemical Test </span><span style="line-height:1.6;">(t</span><span style="line-height:1.6;">o test for blood in stools)
</span>
OR
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Once a year
</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" rowspan="1">Colonoscopy
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" rowspan="1">Once every ten years
</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" colspan="4"><h3>
</h3><h4>Additional Tests for Women</h4></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" rowspan="2">Women aged 25-69 yrs, who have had sexual intercourse
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" rowspan="2"><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/93/topic_cervical_cancer">Cervical cancer</a>
</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/313/faqs-papsmear">Pap test</a></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Once every three years</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" rowspan="1">HPV test
</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" rowspan="1">Once every five years
</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Women aged 50-69 yrs</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Breast cancer
</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Mammogram</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Once every two years</td></tr></tbody></table>
</div><h4>General Screening Tests for Newborns
</h4><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong>Recommended for</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong> To screen for</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong> Screening test</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">
<strong> Screening frequency</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Newborns aged 0-4 weeks old</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Hearing loss</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><span style="line-height:1.6;"> </span><span title="A measurement test on hearing." style="line-height:1.6;">Audiometry </span></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Once</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p><span title="A condition in which the body does not have enough of the protein (an enzyme called Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase or G6PD) which helps red blood cells work normally."> Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency </span></p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Screen with umbilical cord blood</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Once</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>
<span title="IEM are rare genetic disorders caused by defects in certain proteins (called enzymes) that help break down or metabolise food into energy.">Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) </span></p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Metabolic screen with
<p>
<span title="A technique used to detect molecules such as amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and fatty acids.">Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TMS)</span></p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Once</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>
<span title="A condition of decreased production of protein (called thyroid hormone) by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is found in the neck region.">Primary hypothyroidism </span></p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>
<span title="A blood test used to measure the thyroid hormone levels to check if the thyroid gland is working well.">Thyroid Function Test (TFT) </span></p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Once</td></tr></tbody></table>
</div><h2>4. What should I do after health screening?</h2><p>If your screening results are normal, you should continue to go for regular screening at the recommended frequency because screening only detects health conditions that are present at the time of screening. If you develop signs or symptoms after your screening, please see your doctor and do not wait for your next screening appointment.</p><p>If your screening results are abnormal, you should follow-up with your doctor immediately even if you feel perfectly well. Early treatment and good control of your condition can result in better outcomes and prevent or delay serious complications.</p><h2>5. Why do I need to go for regular screening at the recommended frequency?</h2><p>A one-off screening will only pick up health conditions that are present at the time of screening. Regular screening helps to detect conditions that may develop after the previous screening. Hence, it is important for you to go for regular screening tests at the recommended frequency.</p><h2>6. What should I do if I cannot afford the screening tests?</h2><div><p></p><p>Health Screening is heavily subsidised for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. If you have a Health Assist card (under
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/costs-and-financing/4/chas">CHAS – Community Health Assist Scheme</a>), you will be entitled to enojoy the subsidies of the above tests (according to age) and a follow-up consultataion, if required, at $2 at CHAS GPs. All other Singaporeans can enjoy these subsidies for the above test (according to age) and a follow-up consultation, if required, at $5 at CHAS GPs.
</p><p>If you belong to the Pioneer Generation (PG), the cost of the screening tests (offered under
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/61/Screen_for_Life">Screen for Life</a> - SFL) and the follow-up consultation, if required, is also fully subsidised. PG cardholders can also claim up to $28.50, for each screening-related and follow-up consultation, for up to two times per year.</p><p>Check out the
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/84/faqs-screen-for-life">exact costs of the screening tests</a>.</p><p>If you have difficulty paying for the screening tests, please speak to the medical social worker at the polyclinics</p></div><h2>7. My screening results are not too good, and my doctor has advised me to get follow up treatment. </h2><h3>What should I do if I cannot afford the follow up treatment?</h3><p>Good, affordable basic healthcare is also available to Singaporeans through subsidised medical services offered at public hospitals and polyclinics.
<a href="https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/medisave" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Medisave</span></a>,
<a href="https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/medishield-life" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Medishield Life</span></a>,
<a href="https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/eldershield" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Elder Shield</span></a> and
<a href="https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/medifund" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Medifund</span></a> schemes can help Singaporeans offset their medical expenses.</p><h2>8. Where can I go for health screening?</h2><p>Health screening is available at many private medical clinics and polyclinics. Visit the
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/directory/screening-centres"><span style="color:#0000ff;"> directory</span> </a> for the list of screening locations.</p><div><h2>9. Can I use my Medisave to pay for the health screening cost?</h2><p>Currently, Medisave cannot be used for other health screening such as screening for diabetes or high cholesterol. However, if you are diagnosed with a chronic condition covered under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), Medisave may be used to pay for part of the outpatient treatment cost of these diseases.</p><p>Women aged 50 and above can use their own or immediate family member’s Medisave for their screening mammograms at approved mammogram centres. Under the Medisave 400 scheme, up to $400 per Medisave account a year can be used for screening mammograms.</p><p>Persons aged 50 and above can also use their own or their immediate family member’s Medisave for their screening colonoscopies (to screen for colorectal cancer) at approved colonoscopy centres.</p><p>Check out the
<a href="https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/medisave" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#0000ff;">list of approved centres or find out more</span></a>.</p><h2>10. Can I have a health screening if I am pregnant?</h2><p>Please consult your doctor to find out if a health screening is necessary for you.</p><h2>11. I am 70 years old (or older), do I still need to go for a health screening?</h2><p>If you have not been screened in the past three years, and you do not have a chronic condition (such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol), please consult your GP for advice on screening. If you have been screened within the last three years, do continue to see your GP for the necessary follow up and advice on health screening.</p><h2>12. If I am currently on medication for one of the chronic diseases, should I still go for a health screening?</h2><p>If you already have one of the chronic conditions and are on medication(s), your doctor would be monitoring your condition as a form of management. Please consult your GP on other suitable health screening tests that are necessary for you.</p></div><div>
<sup style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-family:arial;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">1</sup><span style="color:#333333;font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;line-height:9.072px;font-size:8.5pt;background-color:#ffffff;"> Report of the Screening Test Review Committee. January 2019, Academy of Medicine, Singapore.</span><br style="color:#333333;font-family:arial;font-size:7.56px;line-height:9.072px;background-color:#ffffff;"><sup style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-family:arial;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">2,3</sup><span style="color:#333333;font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8.5pt;line-height:9.072px;background-color:#ffffff;"> Screening can start at an earlier age or be done more frequently if someone has risk factors for the condition.</span>
</div></div><hr />
<p>Having trouble keeping up with your appointments?
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/myhealth">myHealth</a> keeps track of not only your health appointments and medical records, but also your family's as well.</p>
<p>
<strong>Read these next:</strong>
</p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/977/make-a-commitment-to-get-screened-for-better-health-this-year" title="Make a Commitment to Get Screened for Better Health This Year ">
<strong>Make a Commitment to Get Screened for Better Health This Year </strong></a><strong> </strong></li><li><strong>
</strong><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/87/diabetes-mellitus"><strong>Diabetes Prevention and Risk Factors</strong></a>
</li><li><strong>
</strong><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1143/how-screening-saved-my-life" title="How Screening Saved My Life"><strong>How Screening Saved My Life</strong></a><strong>
</strong></li>
<li><strong>
</strong><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/61/Screen_for_Life"><strong>
Screen For Life - Subsidised Health Screenings for Singaporeans</strong></a></li><li><strong>
</strong><a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/366/health_screening_for_secondary_school"><strong>School Health Screenings for Students</strong></a> </li></ul>
Monday, May 18, 2015
Monday, May 18, 2015
ICD-21-Health Services,PER_Senior Citizen,PGM_Obesity Prevention,PGM_Healthy Screening,AGE_Adult,AGE_Senior,INTEREST_Chronic Illnesses,
No
403
Monday, December 9, 2019
<div class="ExternalClassA318562EAD924B8098B4452F01AA643E"><p>Health Promotion Board
3 Second Hospital Avenue
Singapore 168937</p></div>
HPB_Mailbox@hpb.gov.sg
<div class="ExternalClass20B93C57091047A296845B8FE2A280E2">Established in 2001, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has a vision to build a nation of healthy people.
HPB implements programmes that reach out to the population, specifically children, adults and the elderly. These programmes include health and dental services for school children, BreastScreen Singapore, AIDS Education Programme, CervicalScreen Singapore, Childhood Injury Prevention Programme, Mental Health Education Programme, National Myopia Prevention Programme, Physical Activity, National Smoking Control Programme, Nutrition Programme, Osteoporosis Education Programme, Workplace Health Promotion Programme, HPB Online, HealthLine, Health Information Centre and HealthZone. New programmes will also be initiated over time to address health concerns among the community.</div>
/sites/assets/Assets/Logos%20and%20Official/logo-hc-hpb.png
Health Promotion Board
64353500
http://www.hpb.gov.sg
The ABCs of Health Screening
Articles
ICD-21-Health Services, PER_Senior Citizen, PGM_Obesity Prevention, PGM_Healthy Screening, AGE_Adult, AGE_Senior, INTEREST_Chronic Illnesses