Thalassaemia Test Singapore

thalassaemia test singapore

Protect Your Future Family with a Simple Genetic Blood Test

A thalassaemia test is a simple blood test that checks whether you are a carrier of thalassaemia, which is a common inherited blood disorder in Singapore and across Asia.

At Regis Medical, we provide thalassaemia screening in Singapore, with clear doctor guidance to help you understand your results and plan for a healthy future.

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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. 

Source: CDC

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 Thalassaemia Testing Is Important

Thalassaemia is often silent, which means many people do not know they are carriers.

Testing is especially important if you:

  • Are planning for pregnancy
  • Are undergoing IVF or fertility treatment
  • Are already pregnant
  • Have a family history of thalassaemia
  • Belong to higher-risk ethnic groups (common in Asia)

Knowing your thalassaemia carrier status is one of the most important steps a woman can take before starting a family - but it is rarely the only step. Women planning pregnancy often benefit from a broader pre-conception review covering fertility hormones, iron and nutritional status, thyroid function, and a full blood count alongside their thalassaemia result.

Our women's health clinic brings all of these services together in one place, with doctors who can review your thalassaemia result in the context of your overall reproductive and nutritional health - and advise on what else may be worth checking before you try to conceive.

Alpha vs Beta Thalassaemia - What's the Difference?

There are two main types of thalassaemia, each involving a different protein chain of haemoglobin.

  • Alpha Thalassaemia occurs when one or more of the four genes responsible for producing alpha-globin are missing or abnormal. It is more common in Southeast Asia and among Chinese, Malay, and some South Asian populations. Carriers of 1–2 affected genes are typically asymptomatic. Those with 3 affected genes may have moderate anaemia (HbH disease). The most severe form - all 4 genes affected can cause Haemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis, which is fatal.
  • Beta Thalassaemia results from mutations in the two beta-globin genes. A carrier (beta thalassaemia minor) usually has mild or no symptoms but may show a lower MCV on a Full Blood Count. Beta thalassaemia major requires regular blood transfusions from early childhood.

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 Test Prices in Singapore

Test
Price

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

$25

Thalassaemia Profile

(Full Blood Count, Peripheral Blood Film, Haemoglobin Electrophoresis, Ferritin)
$175

*Turnaround time 2-3 working days

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*Prices listed were last updated on 1 April 2026. Prices may be subject to change. 

*Price does not include consultation fee and GST.

Full Screening Packages

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

Package
Price
From $1,500

*Turnaround time 3-7 working days

What Happens After Your Test?

1. Clear Explanation of Results

We explain whether you are:

  • Not a carrier
  • A carrier (thalassaemia trait)


2. Partner Testing (If Needed)

  • If you are a carrier, your partner should also be tested.


3. Genetic Counselling

If both partners are carriers:

  • Referral to specialist
  • Discussion of reproductive options


4. Family Planning Guidance

  • We help you understand your options and next steps.

Why Choose Regis Medical

why choose regis medical health screening
Accurate & Reliable Screening
Our clinic provides precise blood tests to detect thalassaemia traits and conditions, helping identify whether you are a carrier or at risk of passing it on to your children.
Comprehensive Health Insights
Beyond thalassaemia, Our doctor reviews your results in the context of your overall blood health, checking for related conditions such as anemia.
Personalised Medical Guidance
If you are found to be a carrier, Our doctor will explain your results clearly and discuss implications for family planning, offering further testing options where appropriate.
Preventive & Family-Focused Care
We emphasise early screening, particularly for couples planning pregnancy, to help you make informed choices about your reproductive health.
Trusted Medical Expertise
With experience in genetic and blood disorders, Our doctor ensures your testing and care are professional, evidence-based, and delivered in a supportive environment.

Book Your Thalassaemia Screening Today

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

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Dr Clarice Chong Family Physician at Regis Medical Clinic

Dr Clarice Chong

Family Physician - MBBS, MMed (FM)

Family Medicine Preventive Care Child Health Geriatric Care (Memory)

Where to Do a Thalassaemia Test in Singapore?

You can get a gonorrhoea test in Singapore at: 

Holland Village

255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983

Near MRT Exit B

CC21
2 min walk

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:

8.30am - 2.30pm

5.30pm - 10.00pm  

Wed:

8.30am - 2.30pm  

Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.

** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.

WhatsApp Us Call Us (8118 5298) Get Directions Read more

Katong

437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650

Near Marine Parade MRT

TE26
Shopfront Parking

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:

8.30am - 2.30pm

5.30pm - 10.00pm  

Wed:

8.30am - 2.30pm  

Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.

** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.

WhatsApp Us Call Us (9851 3728) Get Directions Read more

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.

Thalassaemia Test Related

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?
Being a carrier of thalassaemia (also called thalassaemia trait) does not affect your day-to-day health — most carriers live normal lives without symptoms. However, the key concern is family planning. If your partner is also a carrier, there is a 1 in 4 chance that each pregnancy could result in a child with thalassaemia major, which is a serious condition requiring lifelong medical treatment.
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.