Health screenings in Singapore are highly reliable and accurate, thanks to advanced technology and standardized procedures. Most screening centres use modern equipment and follow strict protocols to ensure precision in test results.
For example, blood tests are performed in accredited labs, and cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies are conducted using industry-standard techniques. The results from these tests are often just as accurate as those from specialized diagnostic clinics.
However, while health screenings are effective for early detection, they are not a substitute for detailed diagnostic tests. The results from your chosen health screening centre in Singapore can indicate potential health risks.
However, they do not provide a full diagnosis. If results show abnormalities, more in-depth diagnostic tests, like MRIs or biopsies, for example may be required for a conclusive diagnosis.
What Types of Tests Are Typically Offered at Health Screening Centres in Singapore?
The specific tests you will be recommended at a health screening centre in Singapore will hugely depend on your risk factors and the symptoms you’ve been getting. Below are seven common tests typically offered at health screening centres in Singapore, each designed to provide insights into specific health concerns:
- Blood Tests: Blood tests measure key markers like cholesterol, glucose, and kidney function. These tests can reveal conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and kidney disease. For blood tests, blood samples are taken and analyzed in labs to detect any abnormalities.
- Cancer Screenings: Common cancer screenings include mammograms for breast cancer and Pap smears for cervical cancer. These tests help detect cancer early. Often, they can detect cancer even before symptoms can be seen. For example, a mammogram uses X-rays to detect lumps or irregularities in breast tissue. This allows for early intervention if necessary.
- Heart Health Assessments: Cardiovascular health screenings often include blood pressure measurements, ECGs, and cholesterol tests. An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect irregular heart rhythms. Cholesterol tests, on the other hand measure blood lipid levels to assess the risk of heart disease.
- Liver Function Tests: These tests measure enzyme levels in the blood to check liver function. High levels of certain enzymes can indicate liver disease or damage. A liver function test can be particularly useful for people who consume alcohol regularly or are at risk of liver conditions.
- Kidney Function Tests: Kidney function tests assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. High creatinine levels may indicate kidney disease or reduced kidney function. This test is often recommended for people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Bone Density Test: A bone density test measures the strength of your bones and is especially important for women over 50. The test uses X-rays to determine the calcium content in bones. It can help in assessing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Lung Function Tests: Lung function tests are useful for smokers and people with respiratory conditions. They measure how well your lungs are working by assessing airflow and lung capacity. This test can help detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung-related issues.
What Can a Health Screening reveal about you?
Health screenings provide a comprehensive overview of your current health status. They can reveal potential risks and conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed until symptoms appear.
For example, a blood test can indicate high cholesterol levels, which may lead to heart disease if left untreated. Identifying such risks early means you can take steps to improve your diet, exercise habits, or start medication to manage the condition.
Cancer screenings can detect abnormal cells, even before they turn into cancer. For instance, a Pap smear can reveal precancerous changes in cervical cells.
These results allow for early treatment and preventing the progression to cervical cancer. Similarly, a colonoscopy can detect polyps in the colon that could develop into cancer over time.
Heart health evaluations can uncover conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) or irregular heart rhythms. These conditions often have no symptoms. However, if left untreated, they can lead to serious problems like stroke or heart attack.
With early detection, you can make timely lifestyle changes or medication to manage the condition effectively. Liver and kidney function tests help assess how well these organs are working.
Abnormal results could indicate conditions like liver disease or kidney failure. They too can give you the opportunity to seek treatment early.
What’s more, bone density tests reveal the risk of osteoporosis, which is critical for preventing fractures and maintaining mobility as you age.
So, health screenings are not just customary procedures. Done correctly, they can furnish you with tons of valuable information about your body’s internal functions.
Who Should Prioritize Health Screenings?
Health screenings are important for everyone. However, there are specific groups that may want to prioritize them more frequently.
For example, adults over the age of 40 should undergo regular screenings as part of their preventive healthcare routine. This is because many conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, become more common with age.
Those with a family history of chronic conditions, like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, should also consider more frequent screenings. Early detection is crucial for managing inherited risks and preventing serious health issues down the line.
Women should prioritize screenings like Pap smears and mammograms, especially as they age. Men, on the other hand, may need to focus on prostate cancer screenings after the age of 50 for those at average risk and 45 for those at higher risk.
People living with lifestyle risk factors, like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, should also consider regular screenings, particularly for lung and liver health. Screenings should be done every one to two years for most individuals. However, more frequent testing may be required based on personal or family health history.
Closing Thoughts
An accredited health screening centre in Singapore can help you monitor your health and detect potential risks early. So, take charge of your health today by scheduling a screening at a top health centre.
As you have seen, early detection can make all the difference in preventing serious conditions. So, don’t wait—get screened and stay ahead of potential health risks for a healthier future. Schedule an appointment with a top health screening centre in Singapore below;
Ardennes Health
60 Paya Lebar Rd, #02-01/04,
Singapore 409051
+656980 3045/+658321 9715
