We create new possibilities for life

WhatsApp Appointment

+65 8111 9777

  • Gleneagles Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Day Surgery
  1. Home
  2. COVID-19 Tests
  3. PCR Swab Test

PCR Swab Test

COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is available to all individuals, including non-travellers, at selected Parkway Shenton clinics islandwide.

Testing is also available at Gleneagles Hospital’s 24-hour A&E department.

For PCR swab tests (non-travellers)

Non-travellers can walk in to Gleneagles Hospital’s A&E department during the A&E operating hours to see a doctor if they wish to take a COVID-19 PCR test. Appointments are unavailable, and this test is strictly on a walk-in basis only.

For pre-departure tests (travellers)

Travellers from Singapore who are required to do their pre-departure tests can do so at Parkway Shenton or Gleneagles Hospital’s A&E department.

There are 3 types of pre-departure tests available:

  • Pre-departure PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab)
  • Rapid Pre-departure PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab)
  • Pre-departure PCR test (saliva-based)*

* Preparation is required for the saliva-based PCR test. Please refer below: Preparation for pre-departure tests.



At Gleneagles Hospital, appointments are mandatory. If a serology test is also required as part of the destination country’s requirement (e.g. China), please enquire at the A&E department upon arrival for your appointment.

Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they order the correct test(s) and their appointment is within the testing window in line with the destination country’s requirements. Gleneagles Hospital will not be liable for any consequential claims, damages or delay whatsoever. Please allocate adequate time to take and receive the test results before your flight.

Cost of PCR test for pre-departure travellers

This table is horizontally scrollable. Please scroll for more information.

Health provider Test Price Availability Test results
Gleneagles Hospital PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) S$150 nett* Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 12.30pm
Sun and PH: No service		 Within 24 hours
Rapid PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) S$367 nett* Within 2 hours
PCR test (saliva-based) S$150 nett* Within 24 hours

*Please note that this price excludes consultation fees. If, upon arrival for the test, you display symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. acute respiratory illness such as cough or fever), you may be advised to consult a doctor immediately to address your medical needs.


Making an appointment for pre-departure tests


*Please note that this number is strictly for pre-departure PCR test bookings only.


Preparation for pre-departure tests

Please bring the following documents for your PCR test:

  • Identity card for Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long Term Pass Holders only, and passport (for all travellers)
  • Soft copy of booking reference showing your departure flight timing

Travellers taking the saliva-based PCR test are advised to follow these instructions 1 hour before sample collection:

  • Do not eat or drink (sipping water is allowed)
  • Do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash
  • Do not smoke or chew gum

To be eligible for the saliva-based PCR test, you need to be of age 6 and above and have no acute respiratory infection.


Testing window

Travellers are responsible for checking the testing window requirements of their destination country and to ensure the clinic can meet the required timeline.

Do allocate adequate time to take and receive test results before departure from Singapore.

For the latest updates on pre-departure test requirements, please visit the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority website.


Test results

For standard PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab), we will inform you of your test results within 24 hours. You will receive a results memo via email and are advised to print this for easy reference during your travel.

For rapid PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab), we will inform you of your test results within 2 hours.

For standard PCR test (saliva-based), we will inform you of your test results within 24 hours. You will receive a results memo via email and are advised to print this for easy reference during your travel.

You can also download our DigiHealth app to access your lab results.

*In the event of a delay in the delivery of test results due to unforeseen circumstances, IHH Healthcare Singapore will not be held responsible for missed flights.


Frequently asked questions

Which pre-departure PCR test should I take?

The nasal swab PCR test is available for all outbound individuals travelling to any country that requires a COVID-19 PCR test for entry.

The saliva-based PCR test is available only for people travelling to countries that accept saliva-based pre-departure test results for entry. Currently, this includes the United States, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Korea and Japan. As this list of countries is subject to change at any time, do check the travel advisories of your destination country before booking a pre-departure PCR test.

To be eligible for the saliva-based PCR test, you need to be of age 6 and above and have no acute respiratory infection.

Can I get a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test at Gleneagles Hospital?

You can book an appointment for a COVID-19 PCR test at selected clinics at Parkway Shenton in Singapore.

This service is also available at Gleneagles Hospital’s 24-hour A&E department.

What is the required testing window for a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test?

The required testing window is dependent on your destination country and flight. It is generally advisable to be present at the clinic for your test within 48 – 72 hours prior to your flight.

How long is the turnaround time for the test result?

You will be able to receive your COVID-19 PCR test results within 24 hours. If you opted for the rapid PCR test, you will be able to receive the results within 2 hours.

You can also use our DigiHealth app to access your lab results.

Can I have a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test without an appointment?

For pre-departure testing at Gleneagles Hospital’s 24-hour A&E department, an appointment is required.

You can also call or WhatsApp selected clinics at Parkway Shenton to arrange for a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test.

How long does it take to get tested?

The pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

What happens after the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test?

We will inform you of your COVID-19 PCR test results within 24 hours, or within 2 hours for the rapid PCR test. You can also use our DigiHealth app to access your lab results. A results memo will be emailed to you, and you are advised to print this for reference during your travel.

Return to

Visitor and patient advisory

Q&A about
COVID-19

COVID-19
vaccines

Copyright © 2022 Parkway Holdings Limited.

All rights reserved.

Company Registration no. 197400320R