Thalassaemia Test Singapore

Protect your future family’s health with a simple blood test

What Is Thalassaemia?

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder where the body produces abnormal or insufficient hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. There are two main types: 

  • Alpha Thalassaemia 
  • Beta Thalassaemia 

Carriers (also known as having thalassaemia trait) are usually healthy with no symptoms. However, if both partners are carriers, their child may inherit a severe form of thalassaemia, which can cause life-long complications or be fatal without treatment. 

What If I’m a Thalassaemia Carrier?

Being a carrier does not affect your health. However, if your partner is also a carrier, there's a: 

  • 25% chance the child will have thalassaemia major 
  • 50% chance the child will be a carrier 
  • 25% chance the child will not be affected 

If both partners are carriers, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counsellor or specialist for further options — such as prenatal testing or IVF with screening. 

Why Get a Thalassaemia Test?

Thalassaemia is more common than you think — especially in people of Asian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Southeast Asian descent. In Singapore, about 3–5% of the population are carriers. 

Testing is highly recommended if you are: 

  • Planning for pregnancy or starting IVF 
  • Already pregnant and haven’t been screened 
  • Unsure of your partner’s thalassaemia status 
  • From a family with known thalassaemia history 

Early detection helps you make informed decisions for family planning.

What Does the Thalassaemia Test Involve?

At our clinic, we offer a simple blood test that screens for thalassaemia traits. 

Tests may include: 

  • Full Blood Count (FBC) - To detect microcytic (small-sized) red blood cells 
  • Hemoglobin Electrophoresis - To evaluate types of hemoglobin and screen for beta thalassaemia 
  • Ferritin Test - To rule out iron deficiency, which can mimic thalassaemia 
  • DNA Analysis (if needed) - For definitive alpha thalassaemia diagnosis. Patients will be referred for formal genetic counselling before doing this test at an external specialist partner. 

Our doctor will interpret the results and advise if your partner should be tested too. 

Thalassaemia Tests

Test
Price & Turnaround Time

Full Blood Count (FBC) and Peripheral Blood Film (PBF)

$25
2–3 working days
$50
2–3 working days

Thalassaemia Profile

(Full Blood Count, Peripheral Blood Film, Haemoglobin Electrophoresis, Ferritin)
$175
2–3 working days

*Done at partner labs and centres

*Turnaround time 2-3 working days

Full Screening Packages

Stay on top of your health with our comprehensive health screening packages

Package
Price & Turnaround Time
From $1,500

Essential Package

From $250

Essential Plus Package

From $400

*Turnaround time 3-7 working days

Whatsapp Us Make an Appointment

*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2023. Prices may be subject to change. 

*Price does not include consultation fee and GST.

Book Your Thalassaemia Screening Today

Thalassaemia is often silent — but knowing your carrier status is key, especially if you're planning a family.

Finding Us

FAQ

Accessibility & Support

What is Regis Medical GP clinic’s locations and opening hours?

Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983

Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650

Click here to view our opening hours

Appointment

Can I just walk in for a test? 
Yes, you can. However, to avoid long waiting time, we strongly advise you to book your appointments in advance.
How do I book an appointment?   

To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298

To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728

What are Regis Medical’s cancellation and refund policy?  

You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.

This policy is subject to change.

Can I reschedule my appointment?  

Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).

What happens if I miss my appointment?  
No refund will be issued for missed appointments.

Finance

What are the modes of payment accepted at Regis Medical?    
We accept Visa/Mastercard/Amex, PayNow, JCB, UnionPay and ApplePay.

General

What is the difference between thalassaemia trait and thalassaemia disease?
Thalassaemia trait (carrier): You carry the gene but usually have no symptoms or only mild anaemia. Thalassaemia major/intermedia (disease): You inherit the gene from both parents and may have moderate to severe symptoms requiring regular medical care or blood transfusions.
Why is thalassaemia testing important?
Thalassaemia is inherited. Testing helps:
  • Identify silent carriers (people who may not know they carry the gene)
  • Prevent passing it to children if both partners are carriers
  • Diagnose unexplained anaemia
  • Guide reproductive planning and early intervention
Do I need to fast for this test?
No. Fasting is not required for thalassaemia screening or confirmatory tests.
Can I take the test if I’m pregnant?
Yes. Testing is safe during pregnancy and is often recommended during the first antenatal visit, especially if the mother hasn’t been screened before.
What if I’m a thalassaemia carrier?
Our doctor will discuss next steps, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or referral to a cardiologist for further evaluation (like echocardiography or coronary CT scans).
Do both partners need to be tested?
If one partner is a carrier, the other should be tested to assess the risk of passing on thalassaemia disease to your child.