Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong is an English-friendly internal-medicine clinic in Gangnam offering targeted allergy evaluations with doctor oversight—from same-day blood tests to skin-prick testing (by appointment) and clear, step-by-step plans. We’re on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City, 162 Apgujeong-ro, a short walk from Apgujeong Station (Exit 5).


What We Test For (Tailored—no one-size-fits-all panels)

  • Environmental: dust mites, pollens (tree/grass/weed), molds, cat/dog dander
  • Food (targeted): peanut/tree nuts, shellfish/fish, egg, milk, wheat, soy when history suggests risk
  • Drug allergy triage: penicillin/antibiotics, NSAIDs, local anesthetics (with referral for formal challenge if needed)
  • Hives & eczema workups: rule-in/out triggers; contact-dermatitis patch testing arranged when appropriate
  • Asthma/rhinitis adjuncts: spirometry/peak flow (if indicated), rhinitis management
We start with your story & symptoms and only order tests that will change your plan.

Types of Allergy Tests (and when we use them)

  • Specific IgE blood testing (same-day draw): Best if you can’t stop antihistamines, have widespread eczema, or need a quick screen for targeted allergens. Results include levels that help with risk discussion.
  • Skin-prick ± intradermal testing (by appointment): Fast in-clinic results for immediate-type reactions (environmental/selected foods). Requires antihistamine washout (see prep).
  • Patch testing (contact dermatitis): Identifies delayed reactions to metals, fragrances, adhesives, dyes; patches placed then read at 48–72 hours.
  • Food/drug challenges: Specialized procedures done with an allergist when appropriate; we coordinate referrals.


Preparation (important for accurate results)

  • Before skin-prick testing:
  • Stop H1 antihistamines (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine, diphenhydramine, etc.) for 3–7 days.
  • Some antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics) have strong antihistamine effects—ask us first.
  • Do not stop heart/psychiatric meds unless a doctor tells you to.
  • Blood (specific IgE) testing: No need to stop antihistamines. Light meal & good hydration are fine.
  • Patch testing: Keep the area dry while patches are on; avoid heavy sweating.
If you’re on beta-blockers or have severe asthma, tell us—these affect test/management choices.

Visit Flow (Typically 30–60 min for consult + draw; skin testing 60–90 min)

  1. History first → symptoms, seasonality, foods/drugs, exposures, travel, home/pets.
  2. Targeted plan → choose blood vs skin tests that will change care.
  3. Testing → same-day phlebotomy or scheduled skin/patch testing.
  4. Results & plan → clear English summary with avoidance steps, medication options, and when to consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) via partner clinics.


Safety & When to Use the ER (not an outpatient clinic)

Go to emergency care for anaphylaxis signs: throat/tongue swelling, trouble breathing, wheeze, persistent vomiting, fainting, sudden rash with dizziness. If you carry epinephrine auto-injectors, use them as directed and call emergency services.


Treatment Options We Discuss

  • Rhinitis/asthma control: intranasal steroids, antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, inhalers, saline rinses, dust-mite mitigation plan
  • Food allergy safety: label reading, cross-contact prevention, dining-out strategies, epinephrine training if indicated
  • Immunotherapy (allergy shots or SLIT): coordinated with partner allergists for dust mite/pollen/pet where appropriate
  • Dermatitis care: patch-test guided avoidance, barrier repair, flare plans


What to Bring

  • Photo ID (passport if visiting)
  • Medication & supplement list
  • Photos of rashes/reactions and any prior test results
  • Foods/drugs timeline (what, how much, how soon symptoms appeared)


Why VEI Clinic Apgujeong

  • Physician-guided testing—focused on actionable results
  • English-friendly consults and written summaries
  • Same-day blood tests; skin/patch by appointment
  • Central Gangnam location with private rooms


Location & Access

  • Address: Beneheim City, 3F, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
  • Subway: Apgujeong Station (Exit 5), short walk


Pricing & Transparency

We quote before testing. Costs vary by test type and number of allergens. Itemized English receipts available for personal reimbursement.


Related Services

  • Blood Testing (CBC, IgE, eosinophils, vitamin D, iron)
  • Asthma/Rhinitis Management
  • Travel Medicine (vaccines, fit-to-fly, titers)
  • Dermatology referral for complex eczema/urticaria


FAQs

Do antihistamines ruin my tests?
They can blunt skin-prick results (stop 3–7 days if safe). They don’t affect blood IgE.

Should I get a big “food panel” just in case?
We avoid indiscriminate panels—they can produce false positives. We test what your history suggests.

Can you test for penicillin allergy?
We can triage and arrange formal penicillin testing/challenges with an allergist when appropriate.

How fast are results?
Blood tests typically 1–3 business days; skin tests are same-visit; patch tests require 48–72 hr reads.

Do you provide epinephrine auto-injectors?
If indicated, we’ll prescribe and train you on use, plus a written emergency plan.


Booking (English-Friendly)

Same-day blood tests are often available. When booking, mention “Allergy Testing at VEI Clinic Apgujeong (near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)” and tell us which symptoms you have and any meds you’re taking.



Disclaimer

This page is informational and not medical advice. Testing is selected after clinician review; some services are coordinated with partner allergists.