Source: http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/mediaforums.aspx?id=22466, Reply from MOH to letter in The Straits Times Forum Page 4 Jul 2009
Mr Denis Distant asked about H1N1 testing and the associated charges (“What’s free, exactly?”, ST, 3 Jul).
To assess if a person 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). For 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. MOH 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 Clinic (PPC) 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.
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