Quick intro
VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly hair analysis testing for travelers and Seoul residents who want a non-invasive look at mineral balance and potential heavy-metal exposure, with practical next steps. We’re on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City (162 Apgujeong-ro), a short walk from Apgujeong Station Exit 5.
What is hair analysis?
A small sample of hair (usually from the back of the head) is analyzed in a certified lab to estimate mineral status (e.g., zinc, magnesium, selenium) and screen for heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic). It’s needle-free and useful for trend monitoring over weeks to months.
Important: Hair analysis is a screening tool. Medical diagnoses (e.g., heavy-metal toxicity, thyroid disease, anemia) usually require blood and/or urine tests. Your clinician will guide confirmatory testing when needed.
When it’s useful (examples)
- Nutrition check-ins during lifestyle or weight programs
- Exposure screening for select heavy metals (travel, workplace, hobbies)
- Long-term trends in mineral balance (paired with diet review)
- Baseline before/after wellness changes (diet, supplements)
What it can’t do (set expectations)
- Replace blood/urine tests for diagnosis or treatment decisions
- Pinpoint recent, short-term changes (hair reflects longer windows)
- Evaluate acute symptoms that might need urgent care
What we can arrange (doctor-guided)
- Mineral profile (e.g., Ca, Mg, Zn, Se, Fe proxies)
- Heavy-metal screen (e.g., Pb, Hg, As, Cd)
- Optional companion labs (CBC, ferritin, B12, vitamin D, thyroid, urine heavy metals) for a clinical picture when indicated
How to prepare (accuracy tips)
- Wash hair the night before with a plain shampoo; no conditioner, oils, or styling products after washing
- Avoid hair dye/bleach/keratin treatments for 2–3 weeks before sampling (can skew results)
- No swimming in chlorinated pools for 48–72 hours pre-sample
- Tell us about supplements (especially minerals), recent IVs, and scalp treatments
Who should discuss first / defer
- Active scalp conditions (open wounds, severe dermatitis) → treat first
- Very short hair or recent buzz cut → we can plan alternate sampling
- Recent chelation therapy or high-dose supplements → timing matters; ask us
Visit flow (what to expect)
- Brief consult → goals, diet/supplements, exposure risks, symptoms
- Sample collection in clinic (small lock of hair from the nape) or take-home kit with instructions
- Lab processing → results compiled with an English summary
- Next steps → nutrition guidance, optional confirmatory blood/urine tests, and follow-up plan
Turnaround time
Typical turnaround is 7–10 business days (panel-dependent). We can share results and recommendations via in-person review or secure message.
Pricing & insurance notes
- Fees vary by panel size (minerals only vs. minerals + heavy metals) and whether you add blood/urine labs
- Most visitors pay upfront and use an itemized English receipt for insurance reimbursement
- Ask for a written quote before sampling
Hours & location
- Mon/Thu/Fri: 10:00–19:00
- Tue: 10:00–20:00
- Sat: 10:00–16:00
- Lunch: 13:00–14:00 (except Sat)
- Closed: Wed & Sun
Address: 3F, VEI Clinic, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Beneheim City, near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)
Phone:
02-542-8275 /
010-5700-7597
What to bring
- Passport/ID and Korean phone number (if any)
- Medication/supplement list, prior labs (if available)
- Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll claim
When to choose a hospital emergency department instead
For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, major injury, confusion, stroke signs, or very high fever with dehydration, call 119 or go to an ER. Hair analysis is not an emergency service.
Why choose VEI Clinic Apgujeong
- English-friendly internal-medicine team used to expat and traveler needs
- Clear guidance on when hair, blood, or urine testing is appropriate
- Private rooms, simple pricing, and insurance-ready English receipts
- Easy follow-ups with practical nutrition and exposure-reduction advice
