Serology Tests
in Singapore
Know what your immune system has seen. Antibody and antigen blood panels in three categories: vaccine immunity, infection screening, and autoimmune. HSA-registered platforms, results in 1 to 3 working days.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD
A serology test is a blood test that measures antibodies in your serum to confirm immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases, screen for current or past infection, or evaluate suspected autoimmune disease.
- 3 categories · vaccine immunity, infection screening, autoimmune
- Sample · single venepuncture, no fasting required
- Turnaround · 1 to 3 working days standard
What is a serology test?
A blood-based laboratory test that measures specific antibodies (or in some cases antigens) in your serum, used to determine immunity status, diagnose recent or past infection, and evaluate certain autoimmune conditions.
Serology measures the antibodies (immunoglobulins) your body produces in response to infection or vaccination. IgM antibodies appear first (typically days 4 to 14), indicating recent or active immune response. IgG antibodies follow (from week 2 onwards) and persist for years or for life, indicating long-term memory and immunity.
Serology versus PCR versus antigen tests: serology detects your antibody response to a pathogen. PCR detects the pathogen’s genetic material directly (most useful for diagnosing current infection). Antigen tests detect pathogen proteins (commonly used for rapid diagnosis). Each answers a different clinical question.
At Mediway, samples are processed on HSA-registered immunoassay platforms (CLIA or ELISA) at an accredited Singapore reference laboratory. Standard turnaround is 1 to 3 working days.
Browse serology tests by category
All tests organised by the clinical question they answer. Tap a category to view the available tests.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella IgG
Three IgG antibody tests ordered individually: Measles IgG $120, Mumps IgG $100, Rubella IgG $100. Measles IgG accepted by MOM for migrant domestic worker measles immunity (June 2025 ruling).
Hepatitis B Immunity Test
Quantitative anti-HBs surface antibody titre to confirm vaccine-induced or post-infection immunity. Often required for healthcare workers and students.
Varicella Serology Test
VZV IgG to confirm chickenpox immunity from past infection or vaccination. Required for many childcare and healthcare pre-employment screens.
Hepatitis A Serology Test
Anti-HAV IgG to confirm immunity for travel to endemic regions or food-handler pre-employment.
Hepatitis C Antibody Test
Third-generation anti-HCV antibody screen. Reactive results trigger reflex HCV RNA confirmation.
Dengue IgG Test
Confirms prior dengue infection. Required pre-screening for Dengvaxia eligibility (the dengue vaccine is only recommended in seropositive patients aged 12 to 45).
HIV Serology
Fourth-generation HIV Ag/Ab combination test, plus anonymous and rapid options. See our dedicated HIV testing page.
Syphilis & Herpes Serology
Treponemal antibody, RPR, and HSV-1 / HSV-2 type-specific IgG. Covered in our STD testing cluster.
Autoimmune testing is rarely useful as a standalone screen. We assess your symptoms and history before ordering markers, and refer to a rheumatologist when results suggest active disease.
Understanding your serology result
Most serology reports return a combination of IgG and IgM results. The matrix below shows the four common patterns and what each typically means.
Lasting protection from past infection or vaccination. Usually no further action.
e.g. anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL, measles IgG ≥ 16.5 AU/mLActive or recent immune response. Clinical correlation required.
Notifiable diseases (e.g. measles) require IDA reportingNo detectable antibodies. Vaccination usually advised.
Rubella IgG < 10 IU/mL = consider catch-up MMREarly antibody response, IgG not yet developed. Repeat in 2 to 4 weeks.
Window-period varies by pathogenFalse negatives can occur during seroconversion (the gap between exposure and detectable antibodies, typically 1 to 4 weeks). Antibody titres can also wane over time. A positive IgG cannot reliably distinguish post-vaccine immunity from natural-infection immunity. We interpret every result alongside your clinical history.
When do you need a serology test?
Five common situations where a serology blood test is the right answer.
Before paying for a vaccine
If you might already be immune (childhood vaccines, prior infection), serology can save the cost of unnecessary doses.
Pre-departure protection check
Hep A immunity for travel to South Asia, measles immunity given current outbreaks, dengue IgG before considering Dengvaxia.
Job and school requirements
Hospitals, clinics, preschools and food-handler roles often require documented immunity. Universities may also request titres on entry.
Antenatal and pre-conception screening
Rubella IgG, Hep B HBsAg + anti-HBs, HIV and syphilis are routine. Knowing your immunity status helps plan a safer pregnancy.
Suspected current or past infection
Fever with rash, persistent fatigue, joint pains or chronic abnormal liver function may prompt targeted serology alongside other tests.
The Mediway serology workflow
A typical visit takes about 15 minutes for the blood draw, plus the lab turnaround.
-
01
Consult
Brief consultation
Doctor reviews your reason for testing, vaccination history and symptoms. Confirms which tests are appropriate.
~5 min -
02
Draw
Single venepuncture
Approximately 5 to 10 ml of venous blood drawn into appropriate tubes by a trained nurse.
~5 min -
03
Lab
HSA-registered platforms
Sample sent to an accredited Singapore reference laboratory. Antibodies measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), ELISA, or indirect immunofluorescence.
1 to 3 days -
04
Results
Report and clinician review
Digital report sent by email for most tests. Our doctor reviews the result and advises on next steps.
By email
SST (gold) tube · ~5 ml · No fasting · 1 to 3 working days
Includes Measles/Mumps/Rubella IgG tests, Hep B Immunity, Varicella IgG, Hep A IgG, Dengue IgG and Hep C antibody. Eat normally before your appointment and stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
Autoimmune Panel (5-marker)
SST + EDTA · ~10 ml · 2 to 5 working days for multi-marker processing.
Pricing
Transparent SGD pricing across all eight tests, plus four curated panels for common scenarios.
* Prices marked with asterisk are estimated, pending clinic confirmation. All prices GST-inclusive and subject to change depending on individual clinical needs. Please contact us for the latest pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about serology testing in Singapore. For anything specific to your situation, please speak with our doctor.
01 How much is a serology test in Singapore?
Single serology tests at Mediway start from around $30 (Hep B anti-HBs alone), with most individual antibody tests in the $40 to $120 range. Measles IgG is $120; Mumps IgG and Rubella IgG are $100 each, ordered individually. Curated bundles for common scenarios (Pre-Vax, Travel, HCW, Pregnancy) start from $200. All prices are GST-inclusive and may vary depending on clinical needs.
02 What is a serology test for?
Serology tests measure specific antibodies in your blood to answer one of three clinical questions: (1) am I immune to a disease I have been vaccinated for? (2) do I have a current or past infection? (3) is there evidence of an autoimmune condition? Different antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) and patterns help distinguish these answers.
03 What’s the difference between serology, PCR and antigen tests?
Serology detects your antibody response to an infection or vaccine. PCR detects the pathogen’s genetic material directly (most useful in active infection, e.g. swab tests). Antigen tests detect proteins on the pathogen surface (rapid tests, also for active infection). Serology is most useful for immunity confirmation and past infection; PCR and antigen tests are most useful for diagnosing current infection.
04 How long does a serology result take in Singapore?
Most serology tests at Mediway return within 1 to 3 working days. Autoimmune panels typically take 2 to 5 working days due to multi-marker processing. Measles, mumps and rubella IgG tests offer an optional same-day 4pm report for an additional $30 when blood is drawn before 9am.
05 Do I need to fast before a serology blood test?
No, fasting is not required for serology testing. Eat normally and stay well hydrated before your appointment. Hydration makes the blood draw more comfortable. If your serology is being combined with other tests (e.g. a fasting cholesterol panel), the doctor will advise on fasting requirements at booking.
06 Which serology tests do MDWs and work pass holders need?
For migrant domestic workers (MDWs), MOM’s June 2025 ruling requires evidence of measles immunity (vaccination record OR positive measles IgG OR completed MMR vaccination at a Singapore GP clinic). For work pass medical examinations, HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B serology are commonly required, alongside chest X-ray. See our Work Permit medical, 6ME / FDW medical and pre-employment medical pages for the full required panel.
07 What antenatal serology screening is recommended in Singapore?
The standard antenatal serology profile in Singapore typically includes: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), syphilis (RPR or treponemal antibody), HIV (Ag/Ab combination), and rubella IgG to confirm rubella immunity (since rubella infection during pregnancy can cause foetal harm). Many clinics also include varicella IgG and Hep B anti-HBs. See our premarital screening page for combined panels.
08 How soon after vaccination should I do a titre check?
Most antibody titres develop fully 4 to 8 weeks after the final vaccine dose. For Hep B, a post-vaccination anti-HBs titre is typically taken 1 to 2 months after completing the 3-dose series. For MMR, varicella and Hep A, immunity check is usually performed at least 4 to 6 weeks after the second dose. Earlier testing risks a false-negative result.
09 Who can receive the Dengvaxia vaccine in Singapore?
Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) is HSA-registered for individuals aged 12 to 45 years with documented past dengue infection. Vaccination of dengue-naive individuals is contraindicated because of the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement on subsequent natural infection. A dengue IgG serology test is therefore the standard pre-vaccination screen. Eligibility decisions involve other factors as well; consult a clinician for individual assessment.
Book a serology test at Mediway
Two ways to start. Book ahead to reserve a time, or walk in during operating hours.
Book ahead
Reserve a slot through our online booking. Confirmation by email or WhatsApp.
Book Serology TestWalk in
Mon to Fri 7:30am to 6pm, Sat 7:30am to 1pm. Sundays and public holidays closed.
WhatsApp 8779 9898Related services
Pages elsewhere in our cluster that pair naturally with serology testing.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella IgG
Three IgG antibody tests ordered individually (Measles IgG $120, Mumps IgG $100, Rubella IgG $100), with optional same-day reporting.
View tests VaccinesVaccinations
Adult and travel vaccinations including MMR, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, varicella and influenza.
View vaccines ScreenHIV Testing
Fourth-generation HIV Ag/Ab combination test, anonymous and rapid options. Confidential.
View HIV test ScreenSTD Testing
Targeted and full STD panels including syphilis, HSV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and Hepatitis B.
View STD tests ScreenHealth Screening
Comprehensive health screening packages combining serology with cardiovascular, metabolic and cancer markers.
View packages ScreenPremarital Screening
Combined immunity and infection panel for couples planning pregnancy. Includes rubella IgG, Hep B, HIV, syphilis.
View screeningReferences
Sources cited on this page.
- Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Singapore. Registered immunoassay platforms (in vitro diagnostic medical devices). hsa.gov.sg/medical-devices
- Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH). Communicable disease surveillance and control. moh.gov.sg
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Singapore. Clinical guidance on measles, dengue and viral hepatitis. ncid.sg
- Health Promotion Board Singapore (HPB). National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS). healthhub.sg/programmes/ncis
- Ministry of Manpower Singapore (MOM). Mandatory measles immunity requirement for migrant domestic workers, press release dated 10 June 2025. mom.gov.sg
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serologic testing for vaccine-preventable diseases and viral hepatitis. cdc.gov