Quick intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong provides English-friendly parasite testing for travelers and Seoul residents with persistent digestive symptoms or relevant exposures. We’re on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City (162 Apgujeong-ro), a short walk from Apgujeong Station Exit 5.

When parasite testing is useful (examples)

• Persistent diarrhea (>7–10 days), cramps, bloating, gas
• Travel exposures: untreated water, street food, camping, freshwater swimming
• Community outbreaks or family members with similar symptoms
• Weight loss, fatigue, or iron deficiency without clear cause
• Eosinophilia on a blood test (context-dependent)
• Perianal itching at night (children/adults) suggestive of pinworm

What we can test (doctor-guided)

• Stool Ova & Parasites (O&P) microscopy – classic screen for protozoa/helminths
• Stool antigen/PCR panels – higher sensitivity for Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica, etc.
• Perianal “tape test” – bedside/at-home test for pinworm (Enterobius)
• Blood tests (serology) – selected tissue parasites (e.g., strongyloides, toxocara) when indicated
• Add-ons when appropriate: stool occult blood, calprotectin, culture for bacteria, C. difficile toxin/PCR if recent antibiotics

Your clinician will choose the right combination based on symptoms, travel history, diet, medications, and timing.

Who might not be a candidate (today)

• Severe dehydration, altered mental status, high fever with systemic symptoms → call 119 / go to ER
• Profuse bloody diarrhea or suspected surgical abdomen (severe localized pain)
• Immunocompromised patients with severe symptoms may need hospital evaluation first

How to prepare (simple checklist)

• Collect before starting antiparasitic meds (unless urgent)
• Avoid bismuth/antidiarrheals 24 hours prior if possible (can interfere)
• No urine contamination: use the provided clean collector; keep stool out of the toilet water
• Multiple samples: many O&P protocols request 2–3 samples on separate days
• Diet/fasting: normal diet unless we advise otherwise
• Inform us about recent antibiotics, PPIs, laxatives, travel vaccines, or herbal antimicrobials
• Follow kit instructions for fixatives (some vials contain preservative—do not discard)

Visit flow (what to expect)

1. Brief consult → symptom timeline, travel/food/water exposures, household contacts
2. Plan selection → stool PCR/antigen ± O&P; tape test if pinworm suspected
3. Collection → take-home kit with English instructions (or in-clinic guidance)
4. Lab processing → secure transport to partner lab(s)
5. Results review → clear English summary with treatment/next steps
6. Follow-up → test-of-cure or additional investigations if symptoms persist

Turnaround time

• Stool antigen/PCR: typically 2–5 business days
• O&P microscopy: 2–4 business days (longer if multiple samples)
• Tape test: often same/next day once returned
• Serology (blood): 3–10 business days depending on the assay

Treatment & next steps (what we cover)

• Evidence-based antiparasitic regimens when indicated (patient-specific)
• Hydration and dietary guidance during recovery
• Household precautions (handwashing, laundering, surface cleaning) to reduce reinfection
• When to re-test or escalate (e.g., persistent symptoms, immunocompromise)

Aftercare (checklist)

• Start medications exactly as prescribed; complete the full course
• Fluids & electrolytes during diarrhea
• Hygiene: handwashing, short nails; separate towels; clean bathroom surfaces
• Return/notify us for fever, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or worsening dehydration

Pricing & insurance notes

• Fees vary by panel type (O&P vs. PCR/antigen), number of samples, and add-ons
• Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
• Request an itemized English receipt (diagnosis codes added when applicable)

Safety note (what this service is not for)

If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, confusion, stroke symptoms, or very high fever with dehydration, call 119 or go to an ER. Parasite testing is not an emergency service.

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, Korean phone number (if any)
• Medication/supplement list, prior lab results
• Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim

Why choose VEI Clinic Apgujeong

• English-friendly internal-medicine team familiar with travel medicine and expat care
• Right-test, right-time approach (PCR/antigen vs. O&P vs. tape test)
• Clear instructions for home collection and practical prevention tips
• Actionable follow-up with English summaries and insurance-ready receipts

Book now (quick script)

“Hello, I’d like to book parasite testing (stool PCR/antigen ± O&P; tape test if needed). Could you share today/tomorrow availability, turnaround time, and a quote? I’ll need an English receipt. Thank you!”