Quick intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly thyroid testing for travelers and Seoul residents—whether you’re checking symptoms like fatigue or palpitations, monitoring long-term thyroid therapy, or following up on a thyroid nodule. We’re on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City (162 Apgujeong-ro), a short walk from Apgujeong Station Exit 5.

What is included in a thyroid evaluation?

A doctor-guided workup that may include:

• Blood tests: TSH, Free T4, Free T3 (as indicated)
• Antibodies (case-by-case): TPOAb, TgAb (Hashimoto’s), TRAb/TSI (Graves’)
• Follow-up markers (specialist-directed): Thyroglobulin ± anti-Tg for post-thyroid cancer surveillance
• Imaging: Thyroid ultrasound (in-clinic or partner center) for nodules/size/inflammation
• Referrals when needed: Thyroid uptake scan/RAIU or FNA biopsy via partner hospital

We tailor panels to your goals (screening vs. diagnosis vs. medication monitoring) and avoid unnecessary tests.

When testing is useful (examples)

• Symptoms: fatigue, weight change, sensitivity to cold/heat, hair loss, constipation/diarrhea, low mood/anxiety, palpitations, sleep issues
• Neck concerns: thyroid nodule or swelling, throat pressure/hoarseness
• Life stages: pregnancy or planning (trimester-specific targets), postpartum checks
• Medication checks: levothyroxine, antithyroid drugs, amiodarone, lithium, interferon, checkpoint inhibitors
• Autoimmune history: personal/family autoimmune disease

Who might not be a candidate (today)

• Medical emergencies (severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, high fever with dehydration) → call 119 / go to ER
• Immediately after iodine contrast (e.g., CT angiography) if a RAIU scan is planned soon—your doctor will time it appropriately
• Unable to pause high-dose biotin briefly when biotin-sensitive immunoassays are used

How to prepare (simple checklist)

• Fasting: not required for routine thyroid blood tests
• Morning meds: if you take levothyroxine, you may be asked to delay your dose until after blood draw (confirm with us)
• Biotin (vitamin B7): pause 48–72 hours if taking high doses (can interfere with some immunoassays)
• Supplements & meds: bring a list (iodine/kelp, biotin, steroids, heparin, amiodarone, lithium, etc.)
• For imaging/RAIU (if scheduled): we’ll provide specific instructions (e.g., avoid iodine exposures and certain meds beforehand)

Visit flow (what to expect)

1. Brief consult → symptoms, history, current meds, pregnancy plans/status
2. Panel selection → targeted labs ± ultrasound based on goals
3. Testing → on-site blood draw; same-day ultrasound if scheduled (or partner center)
4. Review → results explained in English (in clinic or secure message)
5. Plan → lifestyle guidance, medication adjustments, or specialist referral if indicated

Turnaround time

• Blood tests: typically 1–2 business days
• Antibodies/advanced markers: 2–5 business days (panel-dependent)
• Ultrasound report: same day or 1–2 days
• RAIU/FNA (if needed): scheduled via partner hospital; timelines vary

Interpreting results (how we help)

• Reference ranges & context: age, pregnancy trimester, symptoms, and medications all matter
• Therapy decisions: start/adjust levothyroxine or antithyroid medications when indicated
• Nodule pathway: ultrasound risk features → FNA referral as per guidelines

Pricing & insurance notes

• Fees vary by panel (basic vs. extended antibodies), imaging, and follow-up
• Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
• Request an itemized English receipt (add diagnosis codes when applicable)

Safety note (what thyroid testing 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. Thyroid 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 labs/ultrasound reports
• Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim

Why choose VEI Clinic Apgujeong

• English-friendly internal-medicine team experienced with expats and travelers
• Trimester-aware thyroid care for pregnancy planning and postpartum checks
• Clear, stepwise pathway from labs to imaging to referrals when needed
• Easy follow-up with English summaries and insurance-ready receipts

Book now (quick script)

“Hello, I’d like to book thyroid testing (TSH, Free T4 ± antibodies). Could you share today/tomorrow availability, turnaround time, and a quote? I’ll need an English receipt. Thank you!”