Test & Examination Cost Reference

Understanding the cost of medical tests and examinations helps you budget for your treatment. Here's a detailed reference of common procedures at top Chinese hospitals.

Diagnostic Tests

Blood Tests

Complete Blood Panel:

CNY 100-300 ($14-42)
Components: CBC, blood chemistry, liver/kidney function
Processing time: 1-2 hours

Specialized Blood Tests:

Tumor markers: CNY 300-800 ($42-113)
Hormone panels: CNY 200-500 ($28-70)
Autoimmune tests: CNY 400-900 ($56-127)

Imaging Tests

MRI Scans:

Head/Brain: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
Spine: CNY 700-1,300 ($99-183)
Joints (per area): CNY 600-1,200 ($85-169)
Average processing time: 1-2 hours

CT Scans:

Head: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Chest: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Abdomen: CNY 400-800 ($56-113)
With contrast: Add CNY 200-400 ($28-56)

Ultrasound:

General ultrasound: CNY 100-200 ($14-28)
Cardiac ultrasound: CNY 150-300 ($21-42)
OB/GYN ultrasound: CNY 100-250 ($14-35)

X-Ray:

Digital X-ray: CNY 100-200 ($14-28)
Chest X-ray: CNY 80-150 ($11-21)
Extremities: CNY 80-150 ($11-21)

PET-CT:

Whole body: CNY 7,000-10,000 ($980-1,400)
Specific area: CNY 5,000-8,000 ($700-1,127)
Preparation time: 1-2 hours, scan time: 20-40 minutes

Specialized Examinations

Cardiac Tests

ECG/EKG:

Resting ECG: CNY 30-80 ($4-11)
Exercise stress test: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
24-hour Holter: CNY 500-1,000 ($70-141)
Echocardiogram: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)

Cardiac Catheterization:

Diagnostic: CNY 3,000-6,000 ($423-845)
With angiography: CNY 6,000-10,000 ($845-1,408)

Endoscopy

Gastroscopy:

Upper GI endoscopy: CNY 500-1,200 ($70-169)
Colonoscopy: CNY 600-1,500 ($85-211)
With anesthesia: Add CNY 500-800 ($70-113)
Sedation and preparation required

Bronchoscopy:

Diagnostic: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
With biopsy: Add CNY 300-500 ($42-70)
Recovery time: 2-4 hours

Neurological Tests

EEG (Electroencephalogram):

Standard EEG: CNY 200-400 ($28-56)
Video EEG (24-hour): CNY 600-1,000 ($85-141)
Sleep study: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)

EMG (Electromyogram):

Per limb/muscle group: CNY 150-300 ($21-42)
Complete motor nerve conduction: CNY 400-600 ($56-85)

Cancer Screening

Tumor Markers:

Basic panel (3-5 markers): CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Extended panel (10+ markers): CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
Specific markers: CNY 150-300 each ($21-42)

Genetic Testing:

Targeted gene mutations: CNY 2,000-5,000 ($281-705)
Full panel sequencing: CNY 8,000-15,000 ($1,127-2,113)
Results time: 1-3 weeks

Function Tests

Respiratory Function

Pulmonary Function Tests:

Spirometry: CNY 50-150 ($7-21)
Bronchial provocation: CNY 200-300 ($28-42)
Diffusion capacity test: CNY 150-400 ($21-56)

Renal Function

Kidney Tests:

Urinalysis: CNY 30-50 ($4-7)
Blood urea nitrogen: CNY 20-40 ($3-6)
Creatinine: CNY 30-50 ($4-7)
GFR calculation: Included in basic panel

Liver Function

Hepatic Tests:

ALT/AST: CNY 20-40 each ($3-6)
Bilirubin: CNY 20-40 ($3-6)
Albumin: CNY 30-50 ($4-7)
Complete liver panel: CNY 100-200 ($14-28)

Pathology

Biopsy Costs

Needle Biopsy:

Fine needle biopsy: CNY 500-1,200 ($70-169)
Pathology processing: CNY 300-800 ($42-113)
Additional immunohistochemistry: CNY 500-1,500 ($70-211)

Surgical Specimens:

Tissue processing: CNY 500-2,000 ($70-282)
Frozen section: CNY 400-1,500 ($56-211)
Specialized stains: CNY 200-600 each ($28-85)

Cost Comparison by Hospital

Top-Tier Hospitals (3A)

Premium Pricing:

Additional 20-30% due to reputation and location
Often offset by international department service fees
Higher quality equipment and specialists
Better insurance coverage accepted

Regional Hospitals

Standard Pricing:

Lower base costs
Fewer advanced equipment options
May need to travel to major cities for specialized tests
Variable quality and service levels

Price Factors

What Affects Costs:

Hospital tier (3A vs 3B vs 2)
City location (Beijing/Shanghai vs regional)
International department service fees
Urgent vs. scheduled timing
Insurance negotiations and direct billing

Budget Planning

Sample Diagnostic Packages

Initial Evaluation Package:

Blood panel: CNY 500-800 ($70-113)
CT scan: CNY 500-800 ($70-113)
Doctor consultation: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Total: CNY 1,300-2,200 ($183-310)

Cancer Screening Package:

Tumor markers: CNY 800-1,200 ($113-169)
Ultrasound: CNY 300-500 ($42-70)
Biopsy if needed: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
Specialist consultation: CNY 500-1,000 ($70-141)
Total: CNY 2,400-3,200 ($338-450)

Cost Saving Strategies

Bulk Testing:

Ask about package pricing
Combine related tests when possible
Ask for discounts for multiple tests
Compare hospital vs. independent lab prices

Insurance Optimization:

Use in-network hospitals for better rates
Verify pre-authorization requirements
Direct billing vs. reimbursement comparison
Negotiate pricing for large test packages

Payment Considerations

Additional Fees

Service Fees May Include:

Doctor consultation fees
Equipment usage fees
Nursing care for procedures
Report interpretation fees
Rush fees for expedited results

Payment Methods:

Cash (RMB): Universal acceptance
WeChat Pay (微信): Widely accepted
Alipay (支付宝): Widely accepted
Credit cards: Major hospitals accepted
International cards: Limited acceptance

Timing Considerations

Result Availability:

Blood tests: Same day or next morning
Imaging: 1-4 hours, urgent 1-2 hours
Biopsy: 3-7 days for complex cases
Genetic tests: 1-3 weeks

Pre-Authorization:

Some tests require insurance pre-authorization
Call insurance company before procedure
Get reference numbers for claims
Keep pre-authorization approvals

Conclusion

Medical test and examination costs in China are significantly lower than most Western countries, making comprehensive diagnostic work affordable. Use this reference to plan your diagnostic budget, compare options, and make informed decisions about where to have tests done. Consider package pricing, insurance coverage, and timing in your planning.

Need help understanding test costs? Our consultation service can provide guidance on recommended diagnostics and help you navigate pricing across different hospitals.