How Long Does it Take to Get a Health Screening?

Getting a health screening is an important and necessary step in determining your overall health. If you are considering going for a health screening, you’re already on the right track to taking charge of your health.

What’s next is to understand how long the process takes so that you can plan and prepare for your appointment accordingly.

Understanding the health screening process

A health screening at Mount Alvernia Hospital begins with booking a desired package online and choosing a preferred appointment date.

Upon arrival, staff at the front desk will confirm your package selection before the screening starts.

A private consultation with a doctor follows, involving a physical examination and exploration of medical history to achieve a holistic understanding of one’s health. Based on individual needs, patients will then undergo specialised tests and scans included in their chosen package.

While the duration can range from one to several hours depending on the complexity of the screening, a quick chat with a doctor beforehand can provide a clearer timeline and address any questions.

Simple screenings such as blood pressure or cholesterol checks can be completed in a matter of minutes. However, screenings such as X-rays or MRI scans may take longer depending on the number and type of exams that must be conducted. Additionally, you should factor in time for any additional tests or paperwork that may need to be completed.

Types of health screenings and their duration

Health screenings come in a variety of types, including physical examinations, blood tests, imaging tests, and specific health screenings for certain diseases or conditions.

Depending on the type of screening you get, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to complete.

Physical exams

Physical exams are usually the fastest type of health screening, as they usually involve just a few simple tasks such as measuring your height and weight, taking your blood pressure, and listening to your heart and lungs. They can usually be done in a matter of minutes.

Blood tests

Blood tests may take a little longer, as they typically involve taking a sample of your blood and sending it off to a lab for analysis. A standard blood test takes only a few minutes to complete but the results may take several days or even weeks to be available.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds may take the longest to complete out of all the different types of health screenings. Depending on the type of imaging test you are getting, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on what needs to be done. MRIs can take around 15 to 90 minutes, while ultrasounds can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the complexity of the scan.

Specific health screenings

Some health screenings for specific conditions — such as mammograms for breast cancer or ultrasound prostate— may take longer due to extra preparation needed beforehand. In case of any issues or further tests, they may take even more time. These kinds of screenings may take anywhere from one to several hours to complete.

Planning for your health screening

The length of time required for a health screening depends on the complexity of the tests being performed and specific preparations that may be needed beforehand.

Some may also require you to fast before the screening. For instance, blood tests require fasting as recent food intake may affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds of the abdomen and liver also require an empty stomach for better visualisation of the organs.

It is important to talk to your doctor before scheduling an appointment so that you can plan accordingly and make sure you have enough time for it.

After going for the screening, you would most likely have a follow up appointment on another day with the doctor to review your results. Any abnormalities detected may require you to go for follow-up consultations with a specialist too.

With the right planning and preparation, you can ensure that your health screening is a smooth and successful experience.