<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>H1N1 lab test costs $250 and MOH absorbs that
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->MR DENIS Distant asked yesterday about Influenza A (H1N1) testing and associated charges ('What's free, exactly?').
To assess if someone has been infected by H1N1, several tests have to be done: first to detect Influenza A, then its subtype (H3 or H1) and finally the specific strain. Testing is by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In doubtful cases, where samples have low virus concentration, more tests may need to be carried out.
That is why it takes several hours by specialised laboratories and skilled professionals. The cost of the laboratory assessment comes to about $250 per patient. The Ministry of Health absorbs the full cost of such laboratory testing.
Patients, however, have to pay the normal attendance fees at the hospital emergency department and ward charges if they are hospitalised.
Now that the Pandemic Preparedness Clinics (PPCs) are ready, Singaporeans with mild flu-like symptoms are advised to visit them rather than hospitals or call 993 Ambulance. The doctors will deal with the disease clinically and, most of the time, H1N1 testing should not be necessary.
Karen Tan (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->MR DENIS Distant asked yesterday about Influenza A (H1N1) testing and associated charges ('What's free, exactly?').
To assess if someone has been infected by H1N1, several tests have to be done: first to detect Influenza A, then its subtype (H3 or H1) and finally the specific strain. Testing is by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In doubtful cases, where samples have low virus concentration, more tests may need to be carried out.
That is why it takes several hours by specialised laboratories and skilled professionals. The cost of the laboratory assessment comes to about $250 per patient. The Ministry of Health absorbs the full cost of such laboratory testing.
Patients, however, have to pay the normal attendance fees at the hospital emergency department and ward charges if they are hospitalised.
Now that the Pandemic Preparedness Clinics (PPCs) are ready, Singaporeans with mild flu-like symptoms are advised to visit them rather than hospitals or call 993 Ambulance. The doctors will deal with the disease clinically and, most of the time, H1N1 testing should not be necessary.
Karen Tan (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health