Want to save money? Prepare correctly for medical check-ups

The point of health screening is to detect certain conditions before they show symptoms. Early detection and treatment can result in better outcomes, a reduced risk of complications and savings on the cost of treatment later. Thus, it’s important to go for a medical check-up regularly even if you feel healthy.

Common health screening tests include blood pressure measurement, diabetes screening test, a cholesterol test, a Pap smear (for ladies) and a colonoscopy to help detect colorectal cancer. Here are some tips from our doctors to remember for your next medical check-up.

Common health screening tests

1. Blood pressure measurement

One thing you ought to know about blood pressure measurement is that you should refrain from smoking or ingesting caffeine 30 minutes prior to the measurement, says Dr Goh Lay Hoon, Family Physician from SingHealth Polyclinics (Sengkang), a member of the SingHealth group.

Contrary to some beliefs, emptying your bladder right before the BP measurement will not make a difference. Also, there is no “best time” of the day to measure your BP.

You do not have to sit upright for this test. However, you should sit or lie down for several minutes before having your blood pressure taken. If you’re elderly or suffer from diabetes, your BP should be measured in both the sitting and lying down positions.

The cuff of the blood pressure meter (referred to as a sphygmomanometer) should be placed at the same level as your heart, whatever your position during the measurement.

Some people get anxious when they are in a doctor’s office, and this can lead to falsely high BP measures. That’s one of the reasons why doctors will wait a few minutes to take their patients’ BP (the “white coat syndrome” slightly reduces with time). In addition, doctors will take more than one measurement and average it out.

Related article: 80% of Singaporeans consume too much salt! Find out how to prevent high blood pressure by reducing your sodium intake

2. Cholesterol test (fasting blood lipids)

High cholesterol can be detected with a simple blood test called a lipid profile. You should fast for 9 to 12 hours prior to taking the test.

You should stick to your usual diet for at least one week before testing, advises Dr Goh. If you modify your diet and avoid high cholesterol foods before your test, the results will not reflect the true impact of your diet on the cholesterol level.

To get proper cholesterol readings, you should also make sure that:

• You have NOT had any illness in the last three weeks.

• You have NOT had a major medical event, such as a heart attack, in the last 3 months.

Related article: Think being young and slim means you’re healthy? Don’t be so sure, you could be hiding high cholesterol and other major health risks

3. Diabetes test (fasting blood glucose test)

You should refrain from consuming food or drink (except water) for 10 to 12 hours prior to the test.

Unlike the cholesterol test, it is uncertain if cutting down on sugar one week prior to a diabetes test will have any effect on the results. For the same reason, it would be unwise to try to “fool” the test, says Dr Goh.

That being said, if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes, doctors will use a different blood test than the one used to screen a healthy individual. This test, called the HbA1c test, provides an overall picture of your blood glucose status over the past two or three months and does not require fasting. Impossible to cheat on that one!

4. Pap smear (test for cervical cancer)

For females, your doctor may suggest that you take a Pap smear during your medical check-up. A Pap smear is a screening test used to detect pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. A nurse or doctor collects cells from the cervix and sends the sample to a laboratory for analysis.

If you’re still menstruating, you should schedule your appointment about two weeks after the start of your menstrual period.

In addition, in the 48 hours prior to the test, you should avoid:

• Sexual intercourse

• Using spermicides, vaginal creams, lubricant jellies, vaginal medications or tampons

Dr Ng Lai Peng, Family Physician from SingHealth Polyclinics (Tampines), a member of the SingHealth group, says, “These recommendations help to ensure an optimal sample collection. However, a Pap smear can still be performed even if they are not strictly adhered to.”

She adds, “If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, you should see your doctor right away; a Pap smear can still be done.”

Related article: Is sex persistently painful for you? You may have dyspareunia

5. Colonoscopy (test for colorectal cancer)

Preparation for a colonoscopy should begin three days prior to the test with a “low-residue diet”.

“You should minimise your intake of high-fibre foods such as fruits and vegetables, oats, muesli and brown rice. You can continue eating other foods, such as white rice and meat, as per the usual,” said Assoc. Prof Tang Choong Leong, Head & Senior Consultant, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.

You’ll also need to consume a prep liquid and lots of water to clean out your colon before the screening test. The prep liquid can be taken over two days (i.e. half on the night before and half the morning of the colonoscopy) or in one sitting on the morning of the test.

Both ways are equally effective, provided enough water is consumed. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor first, as the one-day prep may not be advisable in patients with certain conditions, e.g. diabetes.

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By Alvin Chumari for HealthXchange.com.sg.

Articles on HealthXchange.com.sg are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.