Step 1: Comparing the Executive General package at S$802.50 and the Elite General $1,588.95.
Step 2: Research what each tests mean and whether they are necessary or not.
Step 3: The Singapore Health Promotion Board has a guidelines about age and tests. After carefully reviewing them corresponding to my age and my family medical history including other risks, I have determine that the executive Ladies package is the best for me (an early 30's lady). Even though I can afford any packages, I avoid excessive waste and false positives. The most important is to live healthily.
Comparing the Executive General package at S$802.50 and the Elite General $1,588.95 the delta yields:
1. Immunology: Anti-DS dna antibody
Anti-dsDNA are specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are occasionally found in other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, drug-induced lupus, autoimmune hepatitis, and even in normal persons.2. Immunology: Anti-Nuclear antibody
The ANA test is performed using a blood sample. The antibodies in the serum of the blood are exposed in the laboratory to cells. It is then determined whether or not antibodies are present that react to various parts of the nucleus of cells. ANAs indicate the possible presence of autoimmunity and provide, therefore, an indication for doctors to consider the possibility of autoimmune illness.3. Cardiac Risk: Homocysteine
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology do not recommend routine screening of homocysteine levels, but they do recommend screening as part of a cardiac risk assessment for individuals who have a family history of coronary artery disease but no obvious symptoms of heart disease.4. Cardiac Risk: Lipoprotein A
The European Atherosclerosis Society currently recommends that patients with a moderate or high risk of cardiovascular disease have their lipoprotein (a) levels checked.
5. Tumor Marker for Liver (AFP), Pancreas (CA19-9), Nose (EBV), Lung (Cyfra)
6. An Ultrasound either Pelvic or Abdomen.
7. Audiometry (hearing test)
8. Nasoendoscopy (Nose cancer screen)
Nasoendoscopy is a procedure that examines the anatomy and physiology of the velopharynx during speech using a flexible endoscope via the nose. The purpose of the procedure is to evaluate speech and velopharyngeal function as a baseline for clinical management and outcome measurement and to determine type of treatment modalities for a patient.9. Retinophotography (Diabetic eye test)
10. Spirometry (Lung Function assessment)
I want to ensure that the extra 780+ dollars are worth it. From my cursory assessment, it doesn't since the list just "appear" to be made up to look long. My assumption is I'll bias to test on the cancer marker for those commonly dangerous markers like Colon, Breast, and Ovary. But of course, you take your own chances and be accountable on your selection. These information is only informative.
(5) and (6) plus Hormonal profile: Progesterone can be acquired by topping up to Ladies Executive @ $941.60.
Credit to HPB:- this is their Recommended Guidelines for Cancer Screening:
About Hormonal Profile test.
- Progesterone – the mother of all hormones, it is a natural anitidepressant, normal levels support libido and help to control premenstrual tension
- Oestradiol – most bioactive of the oestrogens in the body, it protects against osteoporosis, reduces risk of heart disease, has beneficial effects on lowering cholesterol
- Folicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – low levels found in ammenorhea (no periods) or with the onset of menopause. Normal levels help control the menstrual cycle and the production of the eggs by the ovaries
- Lutenising Hormone (LH) – stimulates the ovaries to produce and release eggs and the production of progesterone.
About the Raffles packages:
Raffles Ladies Executive $941.60
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION & ASSESSMENT
- Interview on Medical History by Doctor
- Physical Examination by Doctor
- Body Fat Measurement
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Visual Acuity
LABORATORY
- Complete Haematological Parameters
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- Liver Function Test
- Kidney Function Test
- Blood Glucose
- HbA1c
- Lipid/ Cholesterol Profile
- Gout (Uric Acid)
- Thyroid Screen (Free T4 & TSH)
- Bone Mineral Status (Calcium & Phosphate)
- Immunology (Rheumatoid Factor)
- Cardiac Risk: HS CRP
- Hormonal Profile: Estradiol (E2)
- Hepatitis A Screening
- Hepatitis B Screening
- Hepatitis C Screening
- Anaemia Screen: B12
- Anaemia Screen: Folate
- HIV Screening
- Venereal Disease (VDRL/TPHA)
Choose 4 out of 5
- Tumour Marker - Liver (AFP)
- Tumour Marker - Colon (CEA)
- Tumour Marker - Pancreas (CA 19-9)
- Tumour Marker - Ovary (CA 125)
- Tumour Marker - Breast (CA 15.3)
- Urinalysis
- Urine Microalbumin (qualitative/ quantitative)
- Stool Occult Blood
- Pap Smear
RADIOLOGY
- Chest X-ray
Choose 2 out of 6
- Ultrasound Pelvis
- Ultrasound Abdomen
- Ultrasound Breast
- Mammogram
- Bone Densitometry
- Treadmill (Cardiac Assessment)
OTHER TESTS
- 12 Leads Resting Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Tonometry (Glaucoma Screen)
- Dental Oral Screening
EVALUATION OF MEDICAL REPORTS
- Medical Report
- Post Examination Review by Doctor
