What is Health Screening ?
Mandarin
It is a periodic evaluation of the body system to determine an individual's health status. It consists of varied procedures which the physician uses to asses the individual's well being.

What are the benefits of Health Screening ?
Mandarin

1. Allows early detection of diseases previously unknown to the patient. They include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer which are the leading causes of in developed countries and often have no symptom until the advanced stages when treatment may be too late.
2. Promote health consciousness among patients.
3. A comprehensive health screening program that helps in early disease detection is more cost effective than treating the disease itself; PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

What does Health Screening involve ?
Mandarin
A basic health screening program includes the following :-

1. Review of medical history
   It is an initial interview to determine the patient's previous medical illness, family medical history and present medical symptoms and medications.
2. Laboratory tests
   Laboratory tests reveal diseases and internal status not easily detected by physical examination. It also helps in making accurate diagnosis, assessment of disease status and monitoring the effect of treatment.

Others (To be attended to by your family physician):-

3. Physical Examination
4. Pap Smear (for female only)
5. ECG
6. X-Ray
7. Ultrasound

Profile D
Mandarin
Profile D is specially designed for health screening purposes. All tests are done by our dedicated, trained and qualified staff aided by modern equipment to provide accurate and timely results at affordable pricing.

What is Profile D
Mandarin
Profile D consists of the following tests : -

Full Blood Picture	To detect white & red blood cell disorders etc. e.g.: anaemia, thalassaemia, leukaemia etc.
Renal Function Test	To reveal kidney, bone or parathyroid diseases.
Liver Function Test	To reflect condition of the liver, jaundice etc.
Hepatitis B Screening Test	Detect hepatitis B infection and assess state of immunity.
Lipid Studies	Assess susceptibility to atherosclerosis which causes thickening and even blockage of blood vessels, leading to heart diseases, stroke etc.
Others	Blood Grouping, Blood Glucose, Thyroxine, VDRL etc.
Optional Tests:
Tumour Markers	AFP, CEA, PSA, CA12-5, CA15-3, CA19-9
Sexually Transmitted Diseases	Anti-HIV Ab, Herpes Simplex II IgG
Hepatitis	Hepatitis A IgG Ab, Hepatitis C Ab

Who should go for Health Screening ?
Mandarin
All adults can and should go for health screening. It is particularly recommended for those with a family history of serious illness, those above 40 years of age, and those with high risk of developing significant disease due to diet, lifestyle, nature of work, environment or other circumsctances.

How often should one go for Health Screening ?
Mandarin
Below 40 years of age - Once every 2 years or when necessary
40 years and above - Annually

Preparation before Profile D
Mandarin
A fasting period of 10-12 hours is generally required before having the blood taken for Profile D test. Plain water is allowed during the fasting period.

  Further readings :

• Interpretation of laboratory test profiles by Ed Uthman
• Elevated Cholesterol - Doctor's Guide to the Internet
• Healthtouch - Cholesterol
• Healthtouch - Medical Tests Of Kidney Function
• Healthtouch - Tests To Determine Thyroid Problems