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 Health Screening Packages
Why Health Screening? Prevention is easier and less costly than cure. At
Healthway, we want to move beyond treating acute and chronic medical conditions
to preventing illness and preserving health and quality of life. Your regular
visits allow you to build a clearer picture of your health over time,
identifying trends and highlighting changes. This means early detection of any
health problems you may be facing. Timely preventive and corrective measures
can then be taken.
Healthway Medical offers a wide range of health screening packages to cater for the
varying needs of men and women of all ages. Some of these packages are tailored
to best suit specific lifestyles. Find out more about our health screening
packages and contact us so that we can advice on the right package for you.
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Explanation Guide
At Healthway Medical Assessment Centre, we believe in empowering you with an understanding of the different health screening packages available to you. We hope that with this information, you would be able to make an informed decision on the health screening package most suited to your individual screening needs.
For this purpose, we have gone a step further and designed this brochure to help you understand the tests that your health screening package encompasses.
As your health screening gives a present-moment picture only, you should make it a point to return for your annual health screen.
Blood Tests
Haematology
The comprehensive full blood count includes a series of tests:
- Total white cell count
- Differential count
- Hemoglobin
- Packed cell volume
- Total red cell count
- Platelet count
- Peripheral blood film
- ESR
- Blood grouping
- Red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC)
These tests essentially study the breakdown of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The tests are indicative of certain bacterial infections, anaemia, bleeding disorders and leukaemia.
Kidney Panel
Levels outside the normal ranges of the electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride) may be indicative of dehydration, diabetes, kidney disease or other conditions affecting the muscle and heart functions. Glucose, Urea and Creatinine are waste products excreted by kidneys. A high level of any of these substances may indicate diabetes or kidney disease.
Bone / Joint Function
The Bone / Joint function tests include:
- Calcium
- Phosphate
- Uric Acid
Calcium and Phosphates are two important minerals necessary for good health. High levels of these minerals may be due to a wide range of medical disorders, amongst which includes bone diseases. Uric acid is the main chemical in the blood associated with gout.
Cholesterol Panel
Excessive amounts of cholesterol can cause narrowing of the arteries leading to coronary heart disease. The acceptable range depends on your age, sex and other coronary risk factors.
Cholesterol comprises of
- Cholesterol –Total
- LDL (the ‘bad’ Cholesterol, a very important barometer of risk of coronary heart disease)
- HDL (the ‘good’ Cholesterol, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease)
- Cholesterol/HDL ratio and
- Triglycerides (associated with foods rich in animal fat and alcohol).
Liver Panel
The liver makes important proteins and chemicals, and breaks down and excretes old materials.
The liver panel comprises of nine different tests:
- Total bilirubin
- Total protein
- Albumin
- Globulin
- SGOT / AST
- SGPT / ALT
- Albumin / Globulin ratio
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- GGT
High levels of total bilirubin and total protein (including Albumin and Globulin) might be indicative of liver disease, infections or alcoholism. Elevated amounts of the enzymes SGOT, SGPT, Alkaline Phosphatase and GGT may signify liver disorders, hepatitis or bone disease.
Hepatitis A, B and C Screen
Hepatitis A screening is done to detect the presence of the hepatitis A antibodies, which protects against the hepatitis A infection, usually due to consumption of contaminated food or drinks.
Hepatitis B screening is done to detect the presence of the Hepatitis B virus in the system, and whether the Hepatitis B antibodies are present to protect against such viruses.
Hepatitis C screening is done to detect the presence of the Hepatitis C virus in the system, usually spread by an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids.
Tumour Markers
Elevated levels of:
- AFP - may indicate liver cancer
- CEA - may indicate cancer in the gastrointestinal tract and lung
- EBV - may indicate cancer in the ear, nose and throat region
- CA19.9 - may indicate pancreatic, stomach or colorectal cancers
- CA125 - may indicate ovarian cancer
- PSA - may indicate prostate cancer
Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor (RA Factor)
Most adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis have high levels of RA factor and will show a positive result. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and can occur in several diseases.
Thyroid Test
The thyroid test is to diagnose hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the decreased activity of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand is the over activity of the thyroid gland due to tumour or the overgrowth of the gland.
STD Screen
This includes the VDRL and HIV tests. THPA test is done to confirm a syphilis infection if the VDRL test is reactive.
Rubella
If you are planning to start a family, you should have a rubella screening. The infection is often mild but can cause profound damage to unborn babies if the mother is infected. If you are not immune against rubella, you are strongly recommended to take rubella vaccination.
Thalassemia Screen
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder passed down to the child. This can be serious if both the parents ‘carry’ the genes for the disorder. With this blood disorder, the body is not able to make enough normal haemoglobin and the life of red blood cells is much shorter, thus leading to gradual and progressive anaemia.
Iron Studies
The iron and iron binding capacity test for iron deficiency and the iron absorption ability of your body.
Hormones Profile
The tests (i) Prolactin, (ii) FSH and (iii) LH/ICSH are used to help evaluate ovulation and fertility. These hormones are also affected as the individual approaches menopause.
Homocysteine
Blood test screening as a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks.
Highly Sensitive C-Reactive Protein (HSCRP)
The test for HSCRP searches for low grade inflammation. It provides anindication of risk of future heart attacks and strokes.
‘Healthy-Aging’ Hormones Profile
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEAS)
DHEAS is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands atop of the kidneys. It is the precursor to sex hormones and hence plays a vital role in regulating our body’s production of it. DHEAS tends to decline as we age.
Testosterone
This is the principal male sex hormone that plays key roles such as enhanced libido, energy, immune function and protection against bone loss. Testosterone levels decline gradually with men.
Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
IGF-1 is an indirect measure of growth hormone, produced by the liver and many different tissues throughout the body. It promotes healthy skin, supports growth of muscle, bone and hair and is critical for the growth and development of nerve cells, increasing physical and mental performance. Production of IGF-1 decreases significantly after the age of about 30.
Free T4
Free T4 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This gland plays a vital role in controlling the rate at which your body uses energy. Deficiency of Free T4 is very common in the elderly and results in lethargy, dry skin and weight gain.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH is raised when thyroid hormones are reduced. Hence, testing for TSH helps determine whether your thyroid gland is functioning properly. An underactive thyroid gland cause symptoms such as weight gain and lethargy, while an overactive thyroid gland can cause rapid heart beat and nervousness.
Estradiol (E2 for Ovarian Fx)
This is the female sex hormone produced in the ovaries and responsible for developing and maintaining female physical characteristics. It is also improves bone density. It is reduced during menopause.
Follicle Simulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It helps control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries. A FSH test is used to evaluate menstrual problems and determine whether a woman has gone through menopause as well as diagnose certain pituitary gland disorders.
Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (LH/ICSH)
ICSH is produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates female sex hormone production and controls its secretion. A
LH/ICSH test also helps evaluate menstrual problems.
Prolactin
Prolactin is produced primarily in the front part of the pituitary gland. Prolactin has the effect of stimulating the breast to produce breast milk in late pregnancy and sustaining milk production after birth. High prolactin levels have the effect of suppressing the hormones responsible for normal functioning of the ovaries, leading to menstrual irregularity and/or fertility problems.
Folic Acid
Our body needs Folic Acid to make red blood cells, platelets and new genetic material (DNA), and for normal growth. Deficiency of either folic acid or vitamin b12 may cause anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells).
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 comes from the food we eat and from vitamin supplements. It is used to make blood cells and your nerve cells and brain need it to work normally and well. Testing for Vitamin B12 deficiency determines our body’s ability to absorb enough B12.
PAP Smear, Urine and Stool Analysis
PAP Smear Test
Pap smear test allows random sampling of cells from the cervix, which may demonstrate pre-cancerous changes.
Urine Test
Your urine is tested for blood (white and red blood cells), glucose, protein and bacteria. None of these substances should be present in normal urine.
Stool Analysis
The stool sample is used to detect any traces of blood. The presence of occult blood indicates bleeding from the guts, whether the cause is benign or malignant.
Seminal Analysis
This is a study of the semen sample, including an analysis of the volume, number and structure of the sperm, sperm movement and the fluid thickness, acidity and sugar content.
Radiologic and Diagnostic Imaging
Large Chest X-ray
To evaluate the lungs, heart and surrounding anatomy.
Mammogram and Breast ultrasound
Both mammogram and breast ultrasound are different means to diagnose breast diseases in females. The appropriate examination would depend on the doctor’s recommendation. In general, females above 40 years old (earlier if with family history) are recommended to do a mammogram once every year.
Abdominal Ultrasound
An examination of internal organs in the abdominal region, including the kidneys, liver, gall bladder, spleen and pancreas.
Pelvis Ultrasound
To evaluate any abnormalities in a woman’s reproductive organs.
HBS Ultrasound (Liver/GB/Pancreas)
To evaluate any liver, gall bladder, spleen and pancreatic problems.
Bone Mineral Density (Lumbar Spine)
To detect osteoporosis, in which the density of the bone decreases and causes it to weaken and becomes susceptible to fractures.
CT Cardiac Calcium Sore
This uses the CT scan to detect the formation of calcium containing plagues in the coronary (heart) arteries, demonstrating possible obstruction. Heart disease is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arterial walls, which blocks the flow of blood to the heart muscle. As plaques grow and age, bits of calcium are deposited into the plaque. These calcium deposits are present in the arteries of 96% of all heart attack victims and can be detected years.
Other Examinations
Resting ECG
To record the electrical conductive activity of your heart while at rest. Abnormality may mean significant heart disease.
Treadmill ECG
To chart the electrical activity of heart function during strenuous exercise conditions.
Spirometry
Lung function test to diagnose lung disorders through forced exhalation. Abnormality may mean asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease.
Audiometry
Hearing ability test, conducted in a soundproof audiometric testing chamber, acting as a controlled environment for the audiometric measurement. Hearing deficiency is common in the elderly.
Tonometry
To measure the pressure inside the eyes, using the non-contact method of a brief puff of air blown into the eyes. High value may indicate plaucome which is common in the elderly.
Note:
- Health screening results must be interpreted in totality rather than as isolated measurements.
- As with most medical tests and services, it is not always possible to detect 100% of all diseases and abnormalities.
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Contact Details
Appointment Booking
Booking Form
Call
6238 2290 (Novena)
Email
Novena: hmac@healthwaymedical.com
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