IN THE letter " H1N1 test too expensive" ( 2 July ) , Soh Ah Yuen expressed concern that getting tested for H1N1 in a hospital cost $85 and asked that the authorities look into subsidising the cost of the test.

We would like to clarify that MOH fully absorbs the H1N1 testing fees.

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 normal attendance fees at the hospital's Emergency Department and ward charges if they are hospitalised.

Now that the Pandemic Preparedness Clinics (PPC) are ready, Singaporeans with mild flu-like symptoms are advised to visit them rather than hospitals or call 993 for the ambulance.

The doctors will deal with the disease clinically and most of the time, H1N1 testing should not be necessary. Laboratory testing is also not available at PPCs.

Copyright 2009 MediaCorp Pte Ltd | All Rights Reserved