A blood test usually involves taking a blood sample from a
blood vessel in your arm for laboratory analysis to assess
general state of health, organ function, infection, genetic
condition and many more.
AFP (Liver Cancer Marker)
AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein; it is a cancer marker. It helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain cancers in the liver, testicles or ovaries. AFP is produced when the liver cells are regenerating due to diseases such as chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis. If the AFP is markedly increased, it could indicate certain cancers. That is why AFP is a reliable cancer marker.
Risk Suspicion of liver, testicles, or ovaries cancer, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis.
Normal Value [<15.0 ng/mL]
Preparations No fasting is required.
Allergy Test - Multiplex 52-allergen
This test only requires a small amount of blood and it is able to detect the 52 common allergens in the region. Allergens are substances that can cause an allergy. An allergy occurs when our body immune system exerts excessive response towards a normally harmless substance (allergen) by producing IgE (immunoglobulin E). When we are exposed to the similar allergen in the future, the body’s immune response will trigger the production of histamines, other inflammatory reaction and discomfort which may lead to a severe life threatening reaction like in the case of a bee sting.
Anti-aging test allows us to keep up-to-date on our overall health. It measures various components of our blood including hormones, vitamin levels, complete blood count, lipid profile, liver function, and cancer markers. From there, we are able to make effective changes to improve our quality of life.
Homocysteine is a common amino acid in your blood. You get it mostly from eating meat. High levels of it are linked to the early development of heart disease. In fact, a high level of homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease. It’s associated with low levels of vitamins B6, B12, and folate, as well as kidney disease.
Vitamin B-12 is a crucial B vitamin. It is needed for nerve tissue health, brain function, and the production of red blood cells and helps to create and regulate DNA.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a male sex hormone (androgen) that is present in both men and women. This test measures the level of DHEAS in the blood. DHEAS:
Plays a role in developing male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty
Can be converted by the body into more potent androgens, such as testosterone and androstenedione
Can be converted into the female hormone estrogen
Insulin–like growth factor 1 (IGF–1), also called somatomedin C, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IGF1 gene. IGF–1 is a hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin. It plays an important role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic (constructive metabolism) effects in adults.
Fasting Insulin levels could identify insulin resistance long before plasma glucose and HbA1c levels rise. “Prediabetes” is one result of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes high cholesterol, high glucose, and high blood pressure.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein made by your liver. It binds tightly to three sex hormones found in both men and women. These hormones are estrogen; dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone. SHBG carries these three hormones throughout your blood. Although SHBG binds three hormones, the hormone that’s critical in this test is testosterone. SHBG controls the amount of testosterone that your body tissues can use. Too little testosterone in men and too much testosterone in women can cause problems. The level of SHBG in your blood changes because of factors such as sex and age. It can also change because of obesity, liver disease, and hyperthyroidism.
Folate (vitamin B-9) is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency. Folate deficiency can also occur in people who have conditions, such as celiac disease, that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from foods (malabsorption syndromes).
Free Testosterone measures the amount of unattached testosterone in your blood. Testosterone is a male sex hormone (androgen) that helps male features develop. Testosterone is made in the testes and the adrenal glands. It causes the changes that occur in boys during puberty. Testosterone helps hair and muscles grow. It also helps the penis and testes grow. Testosterone also causes a boy’s voice to deepen. Men continue to make testosterone. It boosts the sex drive and helps make sperm. Women’s ovaries also make small amounts of testosterone. It helps many organs and body processes in women. The pituitary gland in your brain controls the amount of testosterone your body makes. Most of the testosterone in your blood attaches to 2 proteins: albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Some testosterone is not attached to proteins, or free. This is the testosterone that is easily used by your body. If your healthcare provider thinks that you have low or high testosterone, he or she will first test total testosterone levels. This looks at all 3 types of testosterone. Free testosterone can help give more information when total testosterone is low.
Why this test? Regular anti-aging check-ups allow us to plan for the future and adjust our lifestyle accordingly to correct what’s wrong.
Preparations No fasting is required.
Health Screening Packages with Anti-Aging Test
Super Platinum Plus Male Package
Super Platinum Plus Female Package
Arthritis Screening - Rheumatoid Factor
Rheumatoid factor is a protein produced by our immune system that can attack normal tissue in the body. The test is used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. This test allows us to measure the amount of rheumatoid factor in our blood.
Positive results are suggestive that an individual is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factors can also be present in other autoimmune diseases or connective-tissue diseases. However, raised rheumatoid factors can also be detected in a healthy individual.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that typically affects people of any age group but usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Females are commonly affected as compared to men.
ABO grouping is a test performed to determine an individual’s blood type. There are 4 main blood groups: A, B, O and AB.
ABO testing is usually done to prevent an adverse transfusion reaction that could be caused by ABO incompatibility between the blood of a patient (recipient) and that of a donor.
Indications
People needing a blood transfusion
Planning to donate blood
Blood donation
Blood group
Can donate to
Can receive by
A
A, AB
A, O
B
B, AB
B, O
AB
AB
A, B, AB, O
O
A, B, AB, O
O
Rh factor
Rh-positive: People with Rh-positive blood have Rh antigens on the surface of their red blood cells. People with Rh-positive blood can receive Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood.
Rh-negative: People with Rh-negative blood do not have Rh antigens. People with Rh-negative blood can only receive blood that is also Rh-negative
Preparation
No fasting required prior to this test.
CA 125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker)
CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) is a cancer marker. It is often used to diagnose ovarian cancer in individuals with a very high risk of the disease. It is also used to monitor the progress of cancer, cancer recurrence, and for treatment monitoring. However, CA 125 alone is not enough to screen for ovarian cancer because it is generally raised in other noncancerous conditions as well.
Risk
Strong family history of ovarian cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation,
Normal Value
[<35 U/mL]
Preparations
No fasting is required.
CA 15-3 (Breast Cancer Marker)
CA15-3 is known as cancer antigen 15-3, it is a cancer marker for the breast. It is mainly used to monitor an individual’s response to breast cancer treatment and disease recurrence. For example, if the marker levels are increasing despite adequate treatment, it shows that the cancer is not responding to the current treatment or it could be recurrent cancer.
CA15-3 levels are higher in most women with breast cancer that has already spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer). However, not all types of breast cancer will cause CA15-3 levels to rise.
Procedure
There is no food or drink restrictions for the CA15-3 test.
Normal Values
[<25 U/mL]
Preparations
No fasting is required.
CA19-9 (Pancreas/Stomach Cancer Marker)
CA19-9 (cancer antigen 19-9) is a cancer marker. High levels of CA19-9 are usually indicators of pancreatic cancer. But it could also indicate other kinds of cancer such as colon or stomach cancer. Apart from diagnosing cancer, it is also used for monitoring the cancer progress and effectiveness of cancer treatment.
Normal Value
[<39 U/mL]
Preparations
No fasting is required.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the most important minerals in our body. It is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It is also essential for the proper functioning of our nerves, muscles, and heart. Therefore a blood test is usually performed to determine if the calcium level in our body is adequate.
Cancer Markers
Cancer markers are biomarkers that are found in blood, urine and body tissues. Although an elevated level of a cancer marker may suggest the presence of cancer, this alone is not enough to diagnose cancer. Sometimes, noncancerous conditions can cause the levels of certain cancer markers to increase. Therefore, measurements of cancer markers are usually combined with other tests or investigations.
Commonly measured cancer markers in clinical laboratories include:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for liver cancer
CA 125 for ovarian cancer
CA 19-9 for pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colon and rectal cancers
Cancer antigen CA 15-3, a marker for breast cancer
CEA (Colon Cancer Marker)
CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, it is a marker for colon cancer. It helps the doctors in predicting how the patient’s cancer will progress, the effectiveness of treatment and to look for recurrence of cancer.
The test is done to estimate the cancer progression and outcome. Doctors may use this information along with other test results to predict the course or outcome of the disease.
It is done to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment too, an increase or decrease in CEA levels during treatment may reflect whether the treatment is working or not.
CEA is helpful for detecting cancer recurrence. It is often used as a baseline measurement after diagnosis of cancer so that it can be compared with future CEA levels. This information will be useful as the doctor can determine whether cancer has returned.
Normal Value
[<5.0 ng/mL]
Preparations
No fasting is required.
Cholesterol
Please read Lipid Profile below.
ColonSentry
ColonSentry is a simple blood test that uses advanced gene expression technology used for the identification of colorectal cancer (CRC). It specifically measures the gene expression of 7 biomarkers gene in our blood. If the score detected is high, it could mean that the individual is suffering from colorectal cancer.
It is understandable that many people do not like to have colonoscopies. Therefore, it is ideal to perform a blood-based biomarker-screening test as the first line for the general population at average risk. It is non-invasive and easy to perform. However, for patients in higher-risk groups, a colonoscopy will be the preferred method of screening.
Colorectal cancer is the commonest cancer among Malaysian men and it is the second most common cancer among Malaysian women.
Preparations
No fasting is required.
Coronary Risk Screening - Hs CRP
hs-CRP stands for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. CRP is usually produced by our livers in response to damaged tissues in our bodies. In heart diseases associated with chronic inflammation, hs-CRP values will be high.
Who should take this test?
To assess the risk of developing a heart attack in patients with pre-existing heart diseases. In patients with acute coronary disease, the CRP level correlates with the progression of the disease. The higher the levels of hs-CRP, the lower the prognosis of the patient.
It is also used to assess the risk of developing heart disease in asymptomatic individuals for early prevention strategy measures.
Results
Low risk [<1.0 mg/L]
Average risk [1.0-3.0 mg/L]
High risk [3.1 – 10.0 mg/L]
Persistent elevations may represent non-cardiovascular inflammation [> 10.0 mg/L]
Procedure
This test does not require fasting.
COVID-19 Antibody (Immunity) Test
It is done to detect the levels of COVID-19 antibodies present in our blood after our second dose of COVID-19 vaccination or following COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this test is for individuals who want to know whether their body is responding to the COVID-19 vaccination. The test can also be done to see if an individual has had a past infection with Covid-19.
A positive antibody result will not indicate if it is due to vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection.
When to go for this test?
It is recommended to go 14 days after your second dose of COVID-19 vaccination.
Procedure
3mL of blood sample is required. Fasting is not required prior to this test.
Diabetic Screening - Fasting Sugar
It is done to screen for Diabetes Mellitus. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes mellitus in Malaysia. In T2DM, there is a reduced response to insulin (insulin resistance) and a progressive decline in the beta-cell function of our pancreas. Without the help of insulin, glucose utilisation by our organs will be reduced. This contributes to high levels of glucose in the blood.
Who should do this test?
Routine health screening test
Individuals who are symptoms suggestive of T2DM. (Increased urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, waking up at night because of urination, easily feeling tired, lack of energy)
Why should you do this test?
T2DM is known to cause multiple complications such as heart diseases, kidney diseases, eye diseases, brain diseases and other infective complications. Worst-case scenario, it can lead to premature death, if left untreated.
How to perform?
This test should be performed following a minimum of 6 hours of fasting.
Normal Results
Fasting blood glucose [3.5 – 5.6 mmol/L]
Random blood glucose [3.5 – 7.8 mmol/L]
Preparation
Fasting is required prior to this test for at least 6 hours.
Diabetic Screening - HbA1c
Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test is used to determine the average concentration of glucose in the blood. It is helpful in diagnosing and identifying the risk of developing diabetes, monitoring the patient’s diabetes disease progression and aiding in treatment decisions. The level of HbA1c is proportional to the concentration of glucose in the blood and red blood cell life span, usually covering a period of 90 days. Therefore, the HbA1c test can justify an individual’s blood glucose control for the past three months. A person with uncontrolled diabetes will have a wide range of HbA1C ranging from 7% up to 12%. Malaysia Ministry of Health suggests that our HbA1c test results should be the same or less than 6.5%.
Results Non-diabetic [4.8 – 5.9 %] Good control [6.0 – 7.0 %] Fair control [7.1 – 8.0 %] Poor control [> 8.0 %]
Preparation Fasting is required prior to this test for at least 6 hours.
EBV VCA IgA Qualitative (Nose Cancer Marker)
EBV is also known as Epstein-Barr virus. It is associated with nose cancers. VCA (Viral capsid antigen) IgA usually appears early in EBV infections, it then slowly declines and persists for the rest of the individual’s life.
Nose cancer is currently the leading cancer in the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) department. Due to its slow onset of symptoms, patients will usually discover this cancer at the late stages (the terminal stage). Since Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been closely associated with nose cancers, this screening test will be recommended for early detection and prevention of nose cancer at its early stages.
Risk Genetics, EBV infection
Preparations No fasting is required.
Free Radical & Antioxidant Blood Test
Free radicals cause diseases and ageing. Our bodies have antioxidant systems to regulate the level of free radicals.
When oxidative stress occurs, the antioxidant systems will be unable to detoxify these free radicles, as there is an excessive amount of free radicals being generated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of too many free radicals and too few antioxidant defences in the body.
Excessive free radicals can cause damage to our proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. As a result, our cells’ health is compromised. We will be more prone to disease, even cancer.
Risk
Poor diet
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Lack of sleep
Excessive stress
Infection
Exposure to sun, toxins or radiation
Pollution
Preparations
There are no special preparations for this test
Full Blood Exam
A full blood exam is able to evaluate the cells that are circulating in our blood. This test is able to evaluate your overall health and detect different sorts of diseases. It is an extremely common test performed when an individual comes for a routine medical checkup.
A standard full blood exam will include:
Red blood cell (RBC): Transports oxygenated blood from the lungs to all parts of our body
Haemoglobin: A protein found in the red blood cell that helps carries oxygen to all parts of our body
Hematocrit: Measures the percentage of our total blood volume that consists of red blood cells
Red blood cell indices: Size of our red blood cells, the average amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells
White blood cell (WBC): Helps fight infection and other diseases
White blood cell differential: Measures the five types of white blood cells present in our blood. (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils)
Platelets: Helps in blood clotting
Preparation
No fasting is required prior to this test.
Gastritis Screen - H.pylori
This test is done to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria that get transmitted through water contaminated with human stool, or through contact with the stool of an infected person. Long-standing infections with H pylori can cause problems with our stomach. It is commonly associated with peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of our gastrointestinal tract, commonly in our stomach or small intestine.
Results A positive result indicates an H pylori infection.
Indication Indigestion, on and off abdominal pain, fullness sensation, bloating, nausea, burping
Preparation You do not need to fast for an H.pylori blood test
Genetic Screenings
Discover Your Genetic Risks for Diseases Early Genetic screening can detect possible risks for many genetic diseases before symptoms appear. Based on the detailed results, you can work closely with your doctor to develop a suitable health management plan to mitigate or delay the possible onset of disease through preventive actions.
Benefits of Genetic Screening
Genetic screening could help you if:
Have a family history of cancer, heart attack, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular, and/or metabolic diseases.
Would like to know your risk factors for inherited diseases or disorders.
Want to be more proactive in managing your health, and the health of your loved ones.
You have a unique mix of genes and genetic markers which are inherited from your parents. These markers may relate to disease risks. By knowing your risks, you can monitor your health closely and take proactive measures to live longer and healthier.
Understand & Manage Your Health With Genetic Screening
This test screens your DNA for genetic markers that are linked to inherited risk factors for a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancers. These markers serve as a ‘red flag’ in your DNA and can indicate if you are predisposed to a certain type of disease, disorder, or cancer.
With the information from these markers, you can be better prepared to make lifestyle and dietary changes to mitigate your health risks, if necessary. The comprehensive test results can help you to work with our doctor to develop a personalized health management plan for more effective prevention options.
All genetic markers screened have been published and experimentally replicated in peer-reviewed scientific journals. This test uses the latest research technologies available from illumine, Inc. and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc, USA.
HB Electrophoresis (Thalassemia)
It is a test done to measure the various types of haemoglobin in our blood. It can also detect abnormal haemoglobin and assess its quantity. It is helpful in the evaluation of an individual diagnosed with anaemia.
Haemoglobin is a protein found inside our red blood cells. Haemoglobin functions by carrying oxygen from our lungs to tissues and organs all over our body. It also helps in transporting carbon dioxide from various parts of the body all the way back up to our lungs.
The various types of haemoglobin found in our blood include haemoglobin A1 (HbA1), haemoglobin A2 (HbA2), haemoglobin F (HbF), haemoglobin C (HbC) and haemoglobin S (HbS).
An example of an abnormal type of haemoglobin is haemoglobin S (HbS), which is found in sickle cell disease.
Indications
Unexplained anaemia, family history of a hemoglobinopathy, easily tired, pale skin, yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice), severe pain, growth problems in children
Preparation
You do not need any special preparation for a haemoglobin electrophoresis test.
Hepatitis A Antibody
The Hepatitis A virus test is a blood test done to show whether an individual has hepatitis A infection or had it in the past.
Hepatitis is a state whereby our liver becomes inflamed, because of being infected by the virus. It is commonly spread via faecal-oral transmission, which means that a person contracts the disease when they accidentally ingest traces of the infected faeces from a person infected with Hepatitis A. It can also be transmitted through consuming unwashed contaminated food or water. This is often due to inadequate sanitation or poor hygiene practices.
It is done to detect HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody)
Hepatitis B infection is a worldwide healthcare problem, which is commonly transmitted through blood and sexually. An infected mother can also pass down the infection to their newborns during the delivery period.
Risk factors
Common risk factors include sexual contact, accidental needle sticks injury, sharing of needles, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation
Expected results
If HBsAg is positive. It means that the person is infected with hepatitis B.
If HbsAb is positive. It shows that the person is protected against hepatitis B.
Why do this test?
Routine health screening test
It should be screened early because Hepatitis B can be complicated into liver cancer.
Preparation
No fasting is required prior to this test.
Hepatitis C Antibody
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), causing damage and inflammation to the liver. Therefore, this test can detect whether a person has been exposed to the hepatitis C virus at some point in their life. Hepatitis C virus infection is a common chronic bloodborne infection. Up till today, there is no available vaccine to protect us against hepatitis C.
People infected with chronic hepatitis C are prone to liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
Risk
Sharing needles, unprotected sex, working or living in a prison, being born to a mother with hepatitis C, HIV infection
Preparation
Fasting is not required prior to this test.
HIV Antibody
A sample of blood is taken to detect HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV comes in two subtypes, namely HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body’s ability to fight infection and disease.
Risk
Unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, homosexuality, sharing injecting equipment with others,
Preparations
You don’t need any special preparations for an HIV test
Iron Profile
An iron profile shows us the information about iron in our blood. It’s an important test to detect anaemia. It is also able to distinguish between the types of anaemia the patient is facing.
The most common nutritional disorder faced worldwide is iron deficiency anaemia, a condition whereby the production of red blood cell is reduced due to low iron stores in the body.
Common signs & symptoms of iron deficiency:
Hair loss
Tiredness
Shortness of breath
Difficulty concentrating
Brittle nails
Cracked corners of the mouth
Heart palpitations/ irregular heartbeat
The various components measured in an iron profile includes:
The kidney plays an important role in the elimination of our body’s waste products and toxins. Assessing the kidney’s function is important in individuals with an existing kidney problem or other pathologies affecting kidney function.
In a kidney function test, several components are measured. For instance, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphate and uric acid.
Risk factors
Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, family history of kidney diseases
Normal Values
Sodium [136-145 mmol/L]
Potassium [3.6-5.2 mmol/L]
Chloride [96-108 mmol/L]
Urea [1.7-8.3 mmol/L]
Creatinine [58-122 umol/L]
Calcium [2.20-2.60 mmol/L]
Phosphate [0.87-1.45 mmol/L]
Uric Acid [0.20-0.42 mmol/L]
Preparations
You do not need to fast prior to this test.
Lipid Profile
A complete cholesterol test (also known as a lipid profile), is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Lipids are routinely measured to assess the risk of heart disease. The types of lipids that are analyzed in our lab include:
Total Cholesterol – measures the total amount of cholesterol in your body.
HDL Cholesterol – HDL, or good cholesterol, helps remove cholesterol from the blood and transport it to the liver for excretion. High levels of HDL are associated with a low risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol – LDL, or bad cholesterol, helps deposit cholesterol in the blood vessel which leads to atherosclerosis. High levels of LDL are associated with a high risk of coronary heart disease.
Total Cholesterol / HDL Cholesterol Ratio – one way to assess risk is to use the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, with lower values indicating lower risk.
Triglycerides – triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Elevated levels of triglycerides may lead to coronary heart disease.
Indications
Overweight, obese, high cholesterol diet, lack of exercise, known heart disease
Normal Range
Triglyceride [<1.7 mmol/L]
Total Cholesterol [<5.2 mmol/L]
HDL [>1.03 mmol/L]
Direct LDL [<2.6 mmol/L]
Total cholesterol / HDL ratio [<4.5]
Procedure
You should fast for a minimum of 6 hours prior to this test.
Liver Function Test
A liver function test is used to measure certain liver enzymes and proteins in our blood. Certain parameters of this test can show how well the liver is performing its normal functions.
It is primarily done to screen for liver infections (hepatitis), and liver cirrhosis or it can be used to monitor the side effects of certain medications.
Risk
Heavy alcohol consumer, pre-existing liver disease, certain medications, gallbladder diseases, family history of liver disease.
Indications
Yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice), dark-coloured urine, light-coloured urine, feeling tired easily, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite.
Normal Range
Total protein [60-87 g/L]
Albumin [35-50 g/L]
Globulin [20-50 g/L]
A/G ratio [1.0-2.2]
Total Bilirubin [<21 umol/L]
AST [<41 U/L]
ALT [<50 U/L]
ALP [<128 U/L]
GGT [10-71 U/L]
Procedure
You need to fast for a minimum of 6 hours prior to the test.
QuantiFERON TB GOLD Plus
It is a simple blood test that helps detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria which causes Tuberculosis (TB) infection. It uses the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) technique to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the white blood cells of the individual will release interferon-gamma (IFN-g). This test will then detect the IFN-g concentration in our blood.
It has a higher sensitivity in detecting Tuberculosis as compared to the Tuberculin Skin Test (TB skin test).
QuantiFERON TB GOLD Plus uses innovative CD8+ T cell technology, allowing a more accurate assessment of cell-mediated immune response to TB infection. The test is highly accurate, only requiring a single visit. The result is also unaffected by prior BCG vaccination.
We have two IGRAs test that is available in our centre:
QuantiFERON TB GOLD Plus
T Spot TB Test
Preparations
No fasting is required.
Are you required to undergo a TB Test for VISA Check Up?
STD Profile
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is caused by various bacterias, viruses, or parasites. It is commonly transmitted through sexual activity or skin-to-skin contact. STD profile is for diagnosing specific STDs.
Undiagnosed STDs are a public health concern as an infected individual may unknowingly spread the disease to others. Therefore, it is important to screen for STDs in order to treat the infected individual and to treat the sexual partners to prevent the unnecessary spread of the infection.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common STD that infects your genital tract. Most people who are infected have no symptoms. The symptoms may not appear until several weeks after you have been exposed to an infected partner. Even when chlamydia causes no symptoms, it can damage your reproductive system and lead to infertility. Signs and symptoms may include:
Burning sensation when urinating
Discharge from the penis in men and vagina in women
Lower abdominal pain
Pain during sexual intercourse in women
Testicular pain and swelling in men
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common STD caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) which enters your body through small cuts in the skin or mucous membranes when coming in contact with infected fluids. Most of the time it will not show any signs or symptoms. When present, genital areas sore will appear as blisters on or around the genital, rectum or mouth.
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the human immune system and disrupts the body’s ability to defend against infection effectively. It can expose the individual to AIDS. It may be transmitted through contact with body fluids (blood, semen, pre-ejaculation fluids, vaginal fluids & breast milk) with a high concentration of HIV.
Gonorrhea
The bacterial infection causes a painful or burning sensation when urinating; increased vaginal bleeding and discharge in females; and a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis and painful or swollen testicles in males. It is a very common infection for young people ages 15-14 years.
Syphilis
The bacterial infection affects the genitals, skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms in adults are divided into four stages. The infection spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore found on the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, or on the lips and in the mouth. The primary stage usually shows single or multiple sores which are firm, round and painless and can easily go unnoticed. Secondary stages are usually presented with a rough and red rash on the palms of the hands or/and the bottoms of the feet. Latent and late stages are more severe and will develop years after the infection is left untreated.
Trichomoniasis
Parasites called Trichomonas vaginalis usually infect the urinary tract in men and vaginas in women. Trichomoniasis causes mild irritation to severe inflammation. Symptoms in men may be presented as itchiness inside the penis, a burning sensation while urination or ejaculating, or penile discharge. Women with trichomoniasis may present with itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort while urination or a thin discharge with an unusual smell.
Preparations
No fasting is required.
Syphilis Screening - RPR
Syphilis detection tests are blood tests used to screen and confirm the presence of Treponema pallidum, a bacteria known to cause syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can lead to serious health consequences if not promptly treated.
Syphilis is transmitted via direct contact from person to person through a chancre. Chancre is a syphilitic sore that can be found around the external genitals, inside the vagina, around the anus, inside the rectum or in or around the mouth. Therefore, the transmission of syphilis occurs during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
A pregnant mother infected with syphilis can also transmit the infection to their unborn child, resulting in stillbirth or giving birth to a baby who dies shortly after birth.
Risk
Multiple sexual partners, transactional sex, drug use, sex with a partner recently diagnosed with syphilis.
Preparations
You do not have to avoid any food or drinks prior to this test.
T Spot TB Test
It is a whole-blood test that uses Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacteria which causes Tuberculosis (TB) infection. It uses the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) technique to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the white blood cells of the individual will release interferon-gamma (IFN-g). Due to this, this test is able to detect the number of IFN-g-producing cells (spots).
Turn-around time for this test is 4 working days.
Preparations
No fasting is required.
Thyroid Screening - Free T3, Free T4 & TSH
A thyroid function test is a blood test used to measure how well our thyroid glands are functioning. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped small organ situated in front of our neck, wrapped around our trachea (windpipe). It functions to produce thyroid hormones, which then enter the blood and are carried to every tissue in the body. It helps regulates an individual’s heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, mood and metabolism.
If our thyroid hormones are produced in excess, it is called hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). On the contrary, if our thyroid hormones are insufficiently produced, we will experience hypothyroidism.
A thyroid function test looks at the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood.
Results
Free T4 [9.1-24.4 pmol/L]
Preparations
There is no need to fast before this test.
Uric Acid
Uric Acid measurement is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of gout, renal failure and urinary stones.
Vitamin D
This test is crucial to see if you have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays an important role in the proper growth and formation of our teeth and bones. It comes in two different sources, which are the exposure of our skin to sunlight and through ingested foods or supplements.
When we lack vitamin D (limited morning sun exposure and unbalanced meals), our bones will be soft, malformed and unable to repair normally if it’s damaged. Vitamin D deficiency is called rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults.
Signs of vitamin D deficiency:
Getting sick or infected often
Feeling tired easily
Bone and back pain
Depressed mood
Slow wound healing
Bone loss
Hair loss
Muscle weakness
Risk
Elderly, obesity, lack of sunlight exposure, malabsorption.
