all you need to know about health screening

related: before the first antenatal visit (choosing your doctor)

1. what is health screening?

< span style="color:#0000ff;">health screening 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.

2. why should i go for health screening?

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.

3. what kind of screening tests should i go for?

there are 3 types of screening tests¹.

type 1

beneficial for everyone: these tests are listed in table a.

type 2

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.

type 3

not recommended for screening: currently, there is not enough information to support the use of these tests.

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.

find out more about type 2 and type 3 tests.

view the report of the screening test review committee.

table a – general screening tests (beneficial for everyone)

general screening tests for adults

general screening tests for newborns

4. what should i do after health screening?

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.

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.

5. why do i need to go for regular screening at the recommended frequency?

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.

6. what should i do if i cannot afford the screening tests?

7. my screening results are not too good, and my doctor has advised me to get follow up treatment.

what should i do if i cannot afford the follow up treatment?

good, affordable basic healthcare is also available to singaporeans through subsidised medical services offered at public hospitals and polyclinics. medisave, medishield life, elder shield and medifund schemes can help singaporeans offset their medical expenses.

8. where can i go for health screening?

health screening is available at many private medical clinics and polyclinics. visit the directory for the list of screening locations.