The Guide to Health Screening for Every Adult in Singapore

We live in an era where everyone is hustling and bustling. In the rat race to achieve monetary gains, many of us are guilty of overlooking an important area – health. In Singapore alone, the proportion of older adults with three or more chronic diseases has nearly doubled in the past decade.

 

The chances of developing such diseases increase as we age. Therefore, it is important to start going for health screening from an early age. It allows for early detection and intervention of any health problems, reducing the chances of further complications and treatment costs along the way.

 

Read on to find out more about health screening for adults in Singapore.

 

What is Health Screening?

 

Health screening consists of tests such as blood or urine tests, physical examinations and other procedures such as X-rays and ultrasound. After a series of such tests, your doctor will combine your medical history to understand more about your health. This helps to detect possible health conditions even before any outward signs or symptoms.

 

Why is Health Screening Important?

 

Health screening is important as it facilitates early detection of diseases to allow for early intervention or to prevent it from getting worse. Studies have shown that an early diagnosis of chronic diseases such as hypertension can save lives, so timely health screening may also improve the health outcomes of patients.

 

When Should I Go for Health Screening?

 

Adults between the ages of 21 and 40 years old should go for regular health screening. For those who wish to monitor their health or want to detect illnesses early, or for those who have a family history of diseases such as cancer, it is also important to schedule for a frequent checkup.

 

Understanding the Health Screening Process

 

During a health screening, it is likely that you will need to do a blood test. Some of the other common procedures include providing stool or urine samples, and getting certain measurements taken. Upon completion, you will receive a health report which your doctor will run through with you. Here, we share the common tests you’ll find in a typical health screening. You can also use the tables to learn more about your screening results.

 

1. Lipid Panel Test

 

Your total blood cholesterol level measures your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and other lipid components. This level should be measured at least once every 5 years, through a lipid panel. A lipid panel is a test which helps to assess an individual’s cardiovascular health or diagnose other health conditions such as liver disease.

 

Total Cholesterol (mmol/L [mg/dL])

Desirable

< 5.2 (200)

Borderline High

5.2 – 6.1 (200 – 239)

High

​≥ 6.2 (240)

 

HDL Cholesterol (mmol/L [mg/dL])

Low

​< 1.0 (40)

Desirable

1.0 – 1.5 (40 – 59)​

High

​​≥ 1.6 (60)

 

 

Triglycerides (mmol/L [mg/dL])

Optimal​

< 1.7 (150)​

Desirable

1.7 – 2.2 (150 – 199)​

High

​2.3 – 4.4 (200 – 399)

Very High​

​≥ 4.5 (400)

 

 

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio

Optimal

​< 3.5:1

Desirable

​ ​< 5:1

High

​≥ 5:1

 

2. Diabetic Panel

 

A diabetic panel provides an in-depth assessment of your blood sugar levels, and is most commonly used in the diagnosis of diabetes or monitor diabetes treatments.

 

Glucose (mmol/L)

Normal

3.9 to 6

 

 

Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)

Normal

< 6%

 

3. Renal Panel

 

A renal panel is a series of tests which may be performed together to evaluate kidney function. It can be used for diagnosis, screening or monitoring.

 

Sodium (mEq/L)

High (Hypernatremia)

> 145

Normal​

​135 to 145

Low (Hyponatremia)

​< 135

 

 

Potassium (mmol/L)

High

​≥ 5.3

Normal

3.6 to 5.2

Low

< 3.6

Very Low

​< 2.5

 

 

Chloride (mEq/L)

High

> ​106

Normal

96 to 106

Low

< 96

 

 

Fasting Glucose (mmol/L)

Normal

< 6.1

Prediabetes

6.1-6.9

Diabetes

>7.0

 

 

Urea ​​(mmol/L)

Normal

2.76 – 8.07

 

 

Creatinine (mg/dL)

Men

0.7 to 1.3

Women

0.6 to 1.1

 

4. Thyroid Panel

 

A thyroid panel is a group of tests which may be ordered to help evaluate thyroid gland function and diagnose related disorders. It acts by measuring the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. An underactive thyroid with low numbers points to hypothyroidism, while an overactive thyroid is known as hyperthyroidism.

 

 

Free T4 (FT4) (pmol/L)

Normal

12 to 30

Abnormal

> 30

 

 

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (mU/L)

High (underactive)

​< 0.5

Normal

0.5 to 5.0

Low (overactive)

> 5.0

 

5. Liver Panel

 

A liver panel helps to diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, monitor treatments, and check on the health of the organ. It may also be used to monitor the side effects of certain medications.

 

 

Total Bilirubin (umol/L)

Normal

​< 22

 

Total Protein (g/dL)

Normal

6.0 to 8.3

 

 

Albumin (g/dL)

Normal

3.4 to 5.4

 

 

Globulin (g/dL)

Normal

2.0 to 3.9

 

 

A/G Ratio

Normal

1.1 to 2.5

 

 

AST/SGOT

Normal

5 to 40

 

 

ALT/SGPT

Normal

7 to 56

 

6. Bone and Joint Function

 

This test is used to test calcium, phosphate and uric acid levels. The results can be used to diagnose conditions such as arthritis – which is an inflammation of the joints, gout or rheumatic fever.

 

 

Calcium (mg/dL)

Normal

8.6 to 10.2

 

Phosphate (mg/dL)

Normal

2.8 to 4.5

 

 

Uric Acid (mg/dL)

Normal Male

2.5 to 7.0

Normal Female

1.5 to 6.0

 

7. Hepatitis Panel

 

A hepatitis panel is a blood test which checks for a hepatitis infection, which is an inflammation of the liver, similar to the liver panel. However, this test tests specifically for hepatitis antibodies and antigens, and can be used to confirm the diagnosis after a liver panel.

 

Hepatitis Bs Antibody (HBsAb) mIU/mL

Protected against virus infection (either from vaccination or successful recovery from a previous HBV infection)

> 10-12

Negative for the virus, but susceptible (requires vaccination)

​< 5

Inconclusive results

 5-12

 

 

Hepatitis Bs Antigen (HBsAg)

Positive for Hepatitis

Reactive

Negative for Hepatitis

Non-reactive

 

8. Urine FEME

 

Also known as full and microscopic examination of urine, it provides a breakdown of urine contents to determine if there is too much protein, cells, sugar, or salts within the urine sample. It is used to detect simple conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney diseases or diabetes.

 

Urine FEME

pH (Normal)

5.0 – 8.0

Specific Gravity (Normal)

1.005 – 1.03

White Blood Cell (Normal)

<7 uL

Red Cells (Normal)

<4 uL

 

Start Regular Health Screening with Jaga-Me in Singapore

 

Blood tests may be unpleasant, but they tell so much about your health. Without these screening tests, conditions may go undetected and become complicated to manage in future. However, with so many different types of screening tests available in Singapore, it can be hard to identify which ones are necessary. It is best to speak to your healthcare provider to find out which ones are suitable for you, given your age and medical history.

 

At Jaga-Me, you’ll find a comprehensive list of health screening packages to give yourself an insight to your health. And the best thing is that you don’t need to leave the comfort of your own home. With our home health screening service, our healthcare professionals will conduct blood tests and other procedures wherever you are.

 

Once your medical report is out, you can also review your test results with our qualified doctor through teleconsultation. Any medication, if required, will also be delivered right to your doorstep. Looking to get started on regular health screening the fuss-free way? Contact us today to find out more about our health screening services in Singapore.

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