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Health screenings are important as many people are now facing a high risk for developing diseases. Many diseases may not show any signs and symptoms till they reach an advanced stage. The best way to identify them in the initial stages is through health screening services. Take your doctor’s advice on the necessary tests. He will recommend tests on the basis of your health status, age, gender, family health history and lifestyle. The type of tests and their frequency might change as you age.
What are the various health screening services being provided?
- Complete Blood count – this is done for analysing the various blood components like red and white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobins. It may identify many disorders, from anaemia to blood cancer.
- Blood sugar – To detect early signs of diabetes.
- Cancer screening – For different kinds of cancer. Screening includes colonoscopy, mammogram, pap smear, PSA test, etc.
- Kidney function – Check creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels.
- Liver function test – Measure the enzymes and proteins in the bloodstream.
- Cholesterol or lipid profile – Examines blood samples to reveal cholesterol levels.
- Bone densitometry – Measuring the mineral content and density of bones to check for decreased bone mass and issues such as osteoporosis.
- Electrocardiogram – Monitoring the electrical signals in the heart to check for abnormalities in the heartbeat.
- Thyroid screening – Checks the blood for particular hormones that indicate if thyroid is performing fine.
- Screening for Hepatitis – Check for infection as a result of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B virus.
- HIV to check for signs of infection from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- STD – Check for sexually transmitted diseases.
How can I book health screening services?
People can book health screening services at any of their nearest clinics or hospitals. You can even download any health app through Google Play store or App Store to book and purchase health screening services. You can get confirmation by mail or message.
What are some of the steps to be followed before you take a health screening service?
- You should carry the medical reports of the past, results of scans done previously and any medication that has been prescribed to you.
- Fasting is necessary for tests such as blood tests and abdomen ultrasound. Avoid food and drinks overnight before the appointment. You can get plain water during the duration of fasting.
- You can take a sample kit for the urine and stool tests at the screening centre before or during the appointment.
- In case of women, urine, stool as well as Pap smear should be done a minimum 5 days before or after their period.
- Don’t be late for the screening.
Doctors at the centre will provide an explanation of the screening results in detail and give advice on future courses of action. The report may be mailed to you so that you can follow-up with your own doctor.
Are taking health screening packages able to prevent diseases?
Most of the time, taking a health screening package leads to early detection and prevention of diseases. However, any health package cannot guarantee the prevention of diseases. A screening may be able to determine the disease risk factors if any abnormalities are detected in the body. But it cannot be said that all abnormalities lead to diseases in the future. If anyone is having any symptoms, he/she should consult the doctor without delay and get the treatment started as soon as possible. Make sure you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of health checkups. For example, your body may be exposed to radiation during some scans or x-rays. Although very rare, this radiation may cause a problem.
Takeaway
The doctor will advise health screening services according to factors such as age, individual and family health history, gender, current health condition and risk factors. We have provided a list of tests that are included in a health screening package.
