Skip to content
Back to Blog
Best Diagnostic Centers in Metro Manila [2026 Guide]

Best Diagnostic Centers in Metro Manila [2026 Guide]

Quick Answer: The best diagnostic centers in Metro Manila include Hi-Precision Diagnostics (largest chain with 20+ Metro Manila branches), Healthway Medical, and St. Luke's Medical Center Laboratory. Routine blood tests like CBC cost ₱200-400, chest X-rays ₱500-800, and abdominal ultrasound ₱800-1,800. Most major centers accept PhilHealth and HMOs, and several offer home service specimen collection.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Metro Manila generates some of the highest demand for diagnostic services in the country. Pre-employment medical exams, annual executive check-ups, routine monitoring for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and doctor-ordered lab work before procedures all drive millions of Filipinos to diagnostic centers across the capital region every year. With dozens of options ranging from standalone lab chains to hospital-based facilities, knowing which centers offer the best combination of accuracy, convenience, and fair pricing saves both time and money.

This guide covers the best diagnostic centers and laboratories in Metro Manila for 2026. We evaluated facilities based on their range of services, branch accessibility, turnaround time, PhilHealth accreditation, HMO acceptance, and pricing. Whether you need a simple CBC or a full-body CT scan, there is a center on this list that fits your situation.

Need to find a diagnostic center near you right now? Browse all diagnostic centers in Metro Manila on ClinicFinderPH.

Top Diagnostic Centers in Metro Manila

1. Hi-Precision Diagnostics

  • Address: 20+ branches across Metro Manila, including Taft Ave. (main), Pioneer Mandaluyong, East Ave. QC, Commonwealth QC, Sucat, Las Pinas, Marikina, Valenzuela, A.H. Lacson Manila, and Binondo
  • Key Services: Fully automated clinical laboratory, digital X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, ECG, 2D Echo, CT scan (select branches), drug testing (DOH-accredited SDTL), pre-employment and annual physical exams, executive check-up packages
  • Price Range: CBC ₱180-250, chest X-ray ₱400-550, abdominal ultrasound ₱800-1,200, drug test ₱400-600
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
  • HMOs Accepted: Maxicare, Medicard, PhilCare, Intellicare, Cocolife, Pacific Cross, and others
  • Standout Feature: Largest diagnostic chain in the Philippines with the most extensive branch network in Metro Manila, offering consistent quality and pricing across all locations.

Hi-Precision Diagnostics is the dominant player in standalone diagnostic services nationwide, and Metro Manila is where their network is densest. With over 20 branches spread across the capital region, most residents are within a reasonable commute of a Hi-Precision facility. The chain operates its own central reference laboratory, which handles specialty tests that individual branches collect but do not process on-site. This centralized model allows them to maintain quality control across a large network.

Their standard branches cover routine lab work, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, and drug testing. The larger "Plus" branches, located in areas like Alabang, Ortigas, BGC (The Fort), Rockwell, SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, and Ayala North Exchange, offer expanded services including mammography, 2D Echo with Doppler, treadmill stress test, and CT scan. All branches open at 6:00 AM on weekdays, which is convenient for fasting blood work before office hours. Results for routine tests are typically available the same day, and many can be accessed online.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


2. Healthway Medical

  • Address: Multiple branches including Greenbelt 5 Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mandaluyong, Market! Market! Taguig, SM The Block QC, Festival Mall Muntinlupa, Alabang Town Center, and 8 Adriatico Manila
  • Key Services: Clinical laboratory, digital X-ray, ultrasound, digital mammography, ECG, executive check-up packages, pre-employment medical exams (PEME), specialist consultations across multiple disciplines
  • Price Range: CBC ₱250-350, chest X-ray ₱500-700, abdominal ultrasound ₱1,000-1,500, executive check-up packages from ₱3,500
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
  • HMOs Accepted: Maxicare, Medicard, PhilCare, Intellicare, Cocolife, Pacific Cross, Philam Care, and others
  • Standout Feature: Mall-based multi-specialty clinics that combine diagnostic services with specialist consultations under one roof, eliminating the need to visit separate facilities.

Healthway Medical operates as both a diagnostic center and a multi-specialty outpatient clinic. This means that after getting your lab results, you can immediately consult a specialist in the same facility if needed. Their branches are strategically located inside major malls across Metro Manila, making visits easy to combine with daily errands and accessible by public transport.

Healthway is particularly strong in corporate health services, handling annual physical exams and pre-employment screenings for numerous companies in Metro Manila. Their executive check-up packages bundle lab work, imaging, ECG, and a physician consultation at a lower combined cost than ordering each service individually. The digital mammography equipment at select branches provides high-resolution imaging for breast cancer screening.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


3. MyHealth Clinic

  • Address: Shangri-La Plaza Mandaluyong, Festival Mall Alabang, Venice Grand Canal Mall McKinley Hill Taguig
  • Key Services: Clinical laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, drug testing, pre-employment medical exams, annual physical exam packages, corporate health screenings
  • Price Range: CBC ₱200-300, chest X-ray ₱450-600, drug test ₱350-500, basic health screening package from ₱1,500
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
  • HMOs Accepted: Maxicare, Medicard, PhilCare, Intellicare, and others
  • Standout Feature: Streamlined, mall-based diagnostic clinics focused on fast turnaround for routine tests and pre-employment exams at competitive prices.

MyHealth Clinic fills a practical niche in the Metro Manila diagnostic market. Their branches are set up for efficiency, handling high volumes of routine lab work, pre-employment medical exams, and annual physical screenings. The mall-based locations offer comfortable waiting areas and extended hours that follow mall operating schedules, which means you can get tested on weekends and holidays when most standalone labs are closed or operating on reduced hours.

Their pricing sits in the affordable-to-mid range, competitive with standalone chains but with the added convenience of mall accessibility and parking. For employees and job seekers who need a standard pre-employment medical exam (PEME), MyHealth processes these efficiently with results often available within the same day or the next business day. The clinic is less suited for advanced imaging or specialty testing, but for routine diagnostics, it delivers solid value.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


4. Asian Hospital and Medical Center Laboratory

  • Address: 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
  • Key Services: Full clinical laboratory (chemistry, hematology, microbiology, histopathology, immunology, blood bank), advanced imaging (digital X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET-CT scan, mammography, bone densitometry), nuclear medicine, cardiac diagnostics (ECG, 2D Echo, treadmill stress test, Holter monitoring)
  • Price Range: CBC ₱300-400, chest X-ray ₱600-800, abdominal ultrasound ₱1,200-1,800, CT scan ₱8,000-18,000, MRI ₱12,000-28,000
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
  • HMOs Accepted: Maxicare, Medicard, PhilCare, Intellicare, Cocolife, Pacific Cross, and most major HMOs
  • Standout Feature: One of the few facilities in the south Metro Manila area offering PET-CT scan and nuclear medicine, essential for oncology and cardiac diagnostics.

Asian Hospital is a premier tertiary hospital in Alabang, and its laboratory and diagnostic imaging departments reflect that caliber. The facility houses some of the most advanced diagnostic equipment available in the Philippines, including a PET-CT scanner used primarily for cancer staging and monitoring. Their laboratory department is equipped with full automation for clinical chemistry and hematology, reducing human error and improving turnaround time.

For patients in the southern part of Metro Manila, including Alabang, Las Pinas, Paranaque, and Cavite, Asian Hospital eliminates the need to travel to Makati or Quezon City for advanced diagnostic services. The hospital-based setting means results can be immediately reviewed by specialists on staff. Pricing sits at the premium end given the hospital setting, but PhilHealth and HMO coverage can offset a significant portion of costs. Their outpatient laboratory accepts walk-in patients for routine tests during regular hours.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


5. St. Luke's Medical Center Laboratory

  • Address: Two campuses -- Global City (Rizal Drive cor. 32nd St. & 5th Ave., BGC, Taguig) and Quezon City (279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., QC)
  • Key Services: Full clinical laboratory (chemistry, hematology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, histopathology, cytology, immunology, toxicology), comprehensive imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET-CT, mammography, bone densitometry, fluoroscopy), cardiac diagnostics, nuclear medicine, pulmonary function testing
  • Price Range: CBC ₱350-450, chest X-ray ₱700-900, abdominal ultrasound ₱1,500-2,000, CT scan ₱10,000-20,000, MRI ₱15,000-30,000
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
  • HMOs Accepted: Maxicare, Medicard, PhilCare, Intellicare, Cocolife, Pacific Cross, Philam Care, and most major HMOs
  • Standout Feature: ISO-accredited reference laboratory with molecular diagnostic capabilities, making it the go-to facility for complex or rare diagnostic needs.

St. Luke's Medical Center operates one of the most comprehensive diagnostic laboratories in the Philippines. Their reference laboratory serves not only their own patients but also receives specimens from hospitals and clinics nationwide for specialty testing that other facilities cannot perform. The molecular diagnostics section handles genetic testing, infectious disease PCR panels, and advanced oncology markers that are increasingly important in modern medicine.

The Global City campus, opened in 2010, houses newer equipment and a modern facility layout. The Quezon City campus, the original location, remains fully operational and continues to serve patients in the northern part of Metro Manila. Pricing at St. Luke's is at the premium tier, reflecting the hospital's reputation and the advanced nature of its laboratory. For routine blood work, standalone labs offer better value. However, for complex diagnostics, specialty imaging, or cases where results need to be reviewed by top-tier specialists, St. Luke's is hard to match.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


6. Philippine Red Cross

  • Address: National Headquarters at 37 EDSA cor. Boni Ave., Mandaluyong City, with chapter offices in Manila, Quezon City, and other Metro Manila locations
  • Key Services: Blood typing, blood screening, drug testing (DOH-accredited), molecular laboratory (PCR testing), blood donation services, first aid training, ambulance services
  • Price Range: Drug test ₱300-500, blood typing ₱150-250, PCR test pricing varies
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Select services
  • HMOs Accepted: Limited -- most services are paid out of pocket at subsidized rates
  • Standout Feature: Government-subsidized pricing for blood testing and drug testing services, consistently among the most affordable options in Metro Manila.

The Philippine Red Cross is not a traditional diagnostic center, but their laboratory services fill an important role, particularly for drug testing and blood-related services. Their drug testing laboratories are DOH-accredited as Screening Drug Testing Laboratories (SDTL), meeting the requirements for pre-employment, random, and government-mandated drug testing. During the pandemic period, they built out significant molecular laboratory capacity for PCR testing, and this infrastructure continues to support various diagnostic needs.

For job seekers and employees who need an affordable drug test, the Philippine Red Cross is often the most cost-effective option. Their blood typing and screening services are also priced below commercial rates. The main limitation is that they do not offer the full range of lab tests and imaging services that dedicated diagnostic centers provide. Think of the Red Cross as a specialist option for specific tests rather than a one-stop diagnostic facility.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


7. Lifestream Diagnostics

  • Address: Multiple branches in Metro Manila, with locations in Makati, Mandaluyong, and surrounding areas
  • Key Services: Clinical laboratory, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, serology, drug testing, pre-employment medical exams, X-ray, ECG
  • Price Range: CBC ₱180-280, chest X-ray ₱400-600, drug test ₱350-500, basic PEME package from ₱800
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
  • HMOs Accepted: Select HMOs -- confirm with specific branch
  • Standout Feature: Budget-friendly standalone lab with competitive pricing on routine tests and pre-employment medical exams.

Lifestream Diagnostics operates as a mid-sized diagnostic chain that competes primarily on price and convenience for routine laboratory services. Their target market is walk-in patients needing standard blood work, urinalysis, drug testing, and pre-employment screenings. The no-frills approach keeps overhead low, which translates to pricing that often undercuts both hospital labs and premium standalone chains.

For patients who need basic lab work ordered by their doctor or a straightforward pre-employment medical exam, Lifestream delivers results without the premium pricing of hospital-based facilities. Turnaround time for routine tests is competitive, with CBC and urinalysis results often available within a few hours. The trade-off is a narrower service menu -- you will not find advanced imaging like CT scan or MRI here, and specialty tests may need to be referred to larger facilities.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


8. Cherry Lab Diagnostic Clinic

  • Address: Branches in Metro Manila, including locations in Manila and Quezon City
  • Key Services: Clinical laboratory, drug testing (DOH-accredited SDTL), pre-employment medical exams, X-ray, urinalysis, blood chemistry, hematology, serology
  • Price Range: CBC ₱150-250, drug test ₱300-450, chest X-ray ₱400-550, basic PEME package from ₱700
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Select branches
  • HMOs Accepted: Limited
  • Standout Feature: One of the most affordable options for drug testing and pre-employment medical exams in Metro Manila, with fast processing times.

Cherry Lab has built a reputation as a go-to facility for drug testing and pre-employment medical exams. Their DOH-accredited drug testing laboratory handles both individual and corporate testing at rates that are consistently among the lowest in Metro Manila. The clinic processes a high volume of PEME applicants, which means their workflow is optimized for speed. Applicants can typically complete the entire PEME process and receive results within a single visit.

The clinic is best suited for specific, routine needs rather than comprehensive diagnostics. If your employer requires a drug test and basic medical exam, Cherry Lab is a practical and affordable choice. For more complex lab work, specialty panels, or imaging beyond basic X-ray, you will want to visit a larger facility. Their strength is doing a few things efficiently and affordably.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


9. HealthMed Diagnostic Center

  • Address: Branches in Quezon City and other Metro Manila locations
  • Key Services: Clinical laboratory, drug testing, pre-employment medical exams, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, annual physical exam packages, corporate health screenings
  • Price Range: CBC ₱200-300, chest X-ray ₱450-600, ultrasound ₱800-1,300, PEME package from ₱900
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
  • HMOs Accepted: Select HMOs
  • Standout Feature: Mid-range diagnostic center offering a balanced combination of service breadth and pricing, with ultrasound and ECG capabilities that smaller labs lack.

HealthMed Diagnostic Center occupies the middle ground between bare-bones drug testing labs and premium hospital-based facilities. Their service menu includes not just routine blood work and X-ray but also ultrasound and ECG, which smaller competitors often do not offer. This makes HealthMed a convenient single-stop option for patients who need both lab work and basic imaging without paying hospital rates.

For annual physical exams and corporate health screenings, HealthMed offers package deals that bundle multiple services at reduced rates. Their pricing is competitive with standalone chains while providing a broader service range than budget-focused labs. Walk-in patients are accepted for most routine tests, though ultrasound appointments may need to be scheduled in advance depending on technician availability.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


10. MedExpress Diagnostic Center

  • Address: Locations in Manila and Quezon City
  • Key Services: Clinical laboratory, drug testing, X-ray, pre-employment and annual physical exams, ECG, urinalysis, blood chemistry
  • Price Range: CBC ₱180-280, drug test ₱300-500, chest X-ray ₱400-550, PEME package from ₱750
  • PhilHealth Accredited: Select branches
  • HMOs Accepted: Limited
  • Standout Feature: Walk-in-friendly diagnostic center with fast processing for employment-related tests and routine blood work.

MedExpress Diagnostic Center caters primarily to the employment medical exam and routine testing market. Their workflow is designed for volume and speed, processing walk-in patients efficiently through the standard sequence of registration, specimen collection, X-ray, and physician review. For job applicants on a tight timeline, this kind of efficiency matters -- completed PEME results are often available on the same day or the following business day.

The center handles the standard menu of employment-required tests including drug testing, CBC, urinalysis, chest X-ray, and physical examination. Pricing is competitive with other standalone labs in the same tier. For advanced diagnostics or specialty testing, patients will need to visit a larger facility, but for the specific use case of fast, affordable employment screening and routine lab work, MedExpress serves its purpose well.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH


Looking for more options? Browse all diagnostic centers in Metro Manila on ClinicFinderPH to compare locations, services, PhilHealth accreditation, and contact details for every listed facility.

Common Tests and Prices

Prices for diagnostic tests in Metro Manila vary depending on the type of facility. Standalone lab chains tend to price routine tests at the lower end, while hospital-based laboratories charge more but offer the convenience of immediate specialist follow-up if results are abnormal. Below are the typical 2026 price ranges.

TestPrice Range
Complete Blood Count (CBC)₱180-450
Urinalysis₱100-250
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)₱150-350
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL)₱600-1,200
Chest X-ray₱500-900
Abdominal Ultrasound₱800-1,800
ECG (Electrocardiogram)₱300-600
Drug Test (Standard 5-panel)₱300-600
CT Scan (varies by body part)₱5,000-20,000
MRI (varies by body part)₱10,000-30,000

What Affects Pricing

Several factors influence how much you pay for the same test at different facilities:

Facility type. Hospital-based laboratories charge the most due to overhead costs, specialist availability, and advanced equipment. Premium standalone chains like Hi-Precision Plus and Healthway sit in the mid-to-upper range. Budget standalone labs and drug testing centers charge the least for routine tests.

Location. Branches in Makati CBD, BGC, and Ortigas tend to charge slightly more than branches in Quezon City, Manila, or the southern suburbs. Mall-based locations may also carry a small premium.

Technology. Digital X-ray costs more than analog. Automated lab analyzers produce faster, more consistent results but require higher equipment investment, which can be reflected in pricing. Advanced imaging like MRI and PET-CT is inherently expensive due to equipment and operational costs.

Bundling. Most diagnostic centers offer package pricing for common test combinations. An executive check-up package that includes CBC, FBS, lipid panel, liver and kidney function tests, chest X-ray, ECG, and a physician consultation will almost always cost less than ordering each component separately. Ask about packages before ordering individual tests.

Time of year. Some chains run seasonal promotions, particularly during health awareness months (February for heart health, October for breast cancer awareness) and back-to-school periods. Hi-Precision and Healthway frequently offer discounted packages during these periods.

PhilHealth Coverage for Diagnostic Tests

PhilHealth can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic tests, but coverage depends on how and why the test is ordered.

What PhilHealth Covers

Konsulta Package. Active PhilHealth members and their dependents can avail of the Konsulta Package at accredited primary care facilities. This covers a consultation and basic laboratory tests including CBC, urinalysis, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile. The key requirement is that you must visit a PhilHealth-accredited Konsulta provider and be registered under their facility.

Inpatient diagnostics. When you are admitted to a hospital, diagnostic tests ordered as part of your treatment are covered under PhilHealth case rate packages. This includes lab work, imaging, and other diagnostic procedures related to your admission diagnosis.

Outpatient emergency care. PhilHealth covers diagnostic tests performed as part of emergency treatment at accredited hospital emergency departments, even if you are not admitted.

Cancer screening. PhilHealth expanded outpatient coverage to include selected cancer screening tests, covering breast, colorectal, liver, and lung cancer screenings at accredited facilities. This is a newer benefit that many patients are not yet aware of.

What PhilHealth Does Not Cover

  • Routine executive check-ups ordered for general wellness rather than a specific medical complaint
  • Pre-employment medical exams (PEME) -- these are considered employment requirements, not medical necessities
  • Drug testing for employment or legal purposes
  • Elective or cosmetic-related diagnostics not tied to a medical condition

How to Maximize Your PhilHealth Benefits

  1. Register for Konsulta. Visit a PhilHealth-accredited primary care facility near you and register as their patient. This unlocks free basic lab tests as part of the Konsulta Package.
  2. Choose accredited facilities. Always confirm that the diagnostic center is PhilHealth-accredited before your visit. Most major centers listed in this guide are accredited, but specific branch accreditation can vary.
  3. Bring your documents. Have your PhilHealth ID or number, a valid government ID, and your updated Member Data Record (MDR) ready. Some facilities also require a PhilHealth Claim Form 1.
  4. Ask before you test. Speak with the billing department before having tests done. They can tell you exactly which tests are covered under your specific PhilHealth benefit and what your remaining out-of-pocket cost will be.
  5. Coordinate with your doctor. Tests ordered by a physician for a documented medical condition are more likely to be covered than self-requested tests. A doctor's request form strengthens your claim.

Find PhilHealth-accredited diagnostic centers on ClinicFinderPH to make sure your visit is covered.

How to Choose a Diagnostic Center

Not all diagnostic centers are the same, and the right choice depends on what you need. Here are the factors that matter most.

Match the facility to the test. For routine blood work, urinalysis, or drug testing, a standalone lab like Hi-Precision or Cherry Lab will give you competitive pricing and fast results. For advanced imaging like CT scan or MRI, you need a hospital-based facility or a large standalone center with the right equipment. Do not overpay at a hospital for a simple CBC.

Check PhilHealth and HMO accreditation. If you plan to use PhilHealth or your HMO, confirm that the specific branch (not just the chain) is accredited by your insurer. HMO accreditation varies by location, and a Healthway branch in Makati may accept different HMOs than one in Quezon City.

Consider location and hours. A diagnostic center that is close to your home or office and opens early (6:00 AM is ideal for fasting tests) will save you significant time. Mall-based centers offer weekend and holiday hours that standalone labs may not.

Ask about turnaround time. If you need results for a follow-up doctor's appointment, confirm the expected release time before having your tests done. Routine tests are typically same-day; specialty panels can take one to five days; histopathology and biopsies may take a week or longer.

Look for online results. Many diagnostic centers now release results through their website or app, saving you a return trip. Hi-Precision, St. Luke's, and Healthway all offer online result retrieval. Ask about this when you register.

Ask about package deals. If your doctor ordered multiple tests, do not just hand over the request form. Ask the receptionist whether a package that includes those tests exists. The bundled price can be 15-30% lower than ordering each test individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a CBC test cost in Metro Manila?

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) in Metro Manila typically costs between ₱180 and ₱450. Standalone diagnostic chains like Hi-Precision and Lifestream charge ₱180-250. Mall-based clinics like Healthway and MyHealth charge ₱250-350. Hospital-based laboratories at St. Luke's and Asian Hospital charge ₱300-450. If you need a CBC along with other routine tests, ask about package pricing, which usually brings the effective per-test cost down.

Do I need a doctor's request to get lab tests in Metro Manila?

For most routine lab tests -- CBC, urinalysis, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and drug testing -- standalone diagnostic centers in Metro Manila accept walk-in patients without a doctor's request form. However, hospital-based laboratories like St. Luke's and Asian Hospital generally require a physician's request order. For imaging services such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, a doctor's request is almost always required regardless of the facility. Pre-employment medical exams typically use a request form provided by the employer.

Which diagnostic centers in Metro Manila offer home service lab tests?

Several diagnostic centers offer home service specimen collection in Metro Manila. Hi-Precision Diagnostics provides home service bookable through their website and hotline. Healthway Medical offers home collection at select branches. App-based services like Lab@Home, Zennya, AIDE, and Juan Medical also operate in Metro Manila, sending licensed phlebotomists to your home. Home service fees range from ₱200 to ₱500 on top of regular test prices, though some providers waive the fee if your total test order exceeds a certain amount. Book early morning slots (6:00-8:00 AM) for fasting blood work.

How fast can I get diagnostic test results in Metro Manila?

Turnaround time depends on the test. Routine tests like CBC, urinalysis, and fasting blood sugar are typically available within two to four hours at most centers. Lipid profiles, liver and kidney function tests, and thyroid panels usually come back the same day or within 24 hours. Drug test results are generally available within 24 hours. Imaging results (X-ray, ultrasound) are often available the same day, though the official reading by a radiologist may take an additional day. CT scan and MRI results take one to three days. Histopathology and biopsy results can take five to seven business days. Many centers now offer online result retrieval, so check with the facility when you register.

What tests are included in a standard pre-employment medical exam (PEME)?

A standard PEME in Metro Manila typically includes a physical examination by a physician, CBC, urinalysis, chest X-ray, drug test (standard 5-panel screening), and fecal analysis. Some employers also require fasting blood sugar, hepatitis B screening, ECG, or additional tests depending on the industry and job role. The total cost for a standard PEME ranges from ₱700 to ₱2,000 depending on the facility and the specific tests required. Your employer should provide a list of required tests or a request form specifying exactly what is needed.

Are diagnostic test prices in Metro Manila negotiable?

Individual test prices are generally fixed and posted, but there are legitimate ways to lower your costs. First, always ask about package deals -- bundled tests are cheaper than individual orders. Second, check if your PhilHealth or HMO covers any of the tests your doctor ordered. Third, compare prices between standalone labs and hospital-based facilities, since the difference for routine tests can be 30-50%. Fourth, watch for seasonal promotions from major chains, which can offer significant discounts on executive check-up packages. Finally, some diagnostic centers offer senior citizen and PWD discounts as mandated by law -- bring a valid senior citizen or PWD ID to avail of the 20% discount plus VAT exemption.

Conclusion

Metro Manila has no shortage of diagnostic centers, from the nationwide branch network of Hi-Precision Diagnostics to the advanced specialty laboratories at St. Luke's Medical Center and Asian Hospital. For routine blood work, drug testing, and pre-employment exams, standalone labs and budget-friendly clinics deliver solid results at competitive prices. For advanced imaging, molecular diagnostics, or complex specialty testing, hospital-based laboratories provide the equipment, expertise, and immediate specialist access that smaller facilities cannot match.

Before your visit, confirm operating hours and whether fasting is required for your tests, check PhilHealth or HMO coverage to reduce costs, and ask about package pricing if you need multiple tests done. A few minutes of preparation can save both money and an unnecessary return trip.

Ready to book your next diagnostic test? Browse all diagnostic centers in Metro Manila on ClinicFinderPH to compare locations, services, and contact information for every listed facility.