Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong is an English-friendly internal-medicine clinic in Gangnam offering targeted toxicity evaluations with doctor oversight—from same-day blood/urine draws to coordinated reference-lab panels and practical follow-up. Find us on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City, 162 Apgujeong-ro, a short walk from Apgujeong Station (Exit 5).


What We Mean by “Toxicity Testing”

A focused medical workup for suspected exposure to metals, chemicals, or drugs—chosen to answer a specific question, not a one-size-fits-all “detox test.” After a brief consult, we select appropriate tests and timing, interpret in context, and plan next steps.

Common categories we evaluate (tailored to your story):

  • Heavy metals: lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium (± copper, zinc)
  • Occupational/environmental monitoring: selected solvents/by-products (via partner reference labs), carbon monoxide (CO), nicotine/cotinine, etc.
  • Medication/drug levels (where clinically indicated)
  • Follow-up labs for organ impact: kidney/liver function, blood counts, electrolytes
We test patients’ blood/urine. For home/office air or water sampling, we can direct you to certified environmental labs.

When to Seek Urgent Care (Skip the Clinic)

Go to an ER immediately for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, seizures, fainting, severe weakness, bloody/black vomit or stool, or suspected acute poisoning (e.g., large ingestion, gas exposure). Bring containers/labels if safe.


Specimens & Timing (Why it Matters)

  • Blood vs. Urine: Some exposures show best in blood (e.g., lead), others in urine (e.g., arsenic). Your doctor will time the sample based on how long ago exposure occurred.
  • Spot vs. 24-hour urine: For certain metals, 24-hour urine estimates body burden better; we provide containers and instructions.
  • Hair/nail testing: May reflect past exposure but is not first-line for diagnosis because of contamination/interpretation limits. We only use it selectively.


Pre-Test Preparation (Improve Accuracy)

  • Arsenic testing: Avoid seafood (especially shellfish/seaweed) for 48–72 hours beforehand, as it can falsely elevate results.
  • Metal contamination: Remove metal jewelry; wash hands with plain soap (no exfoliants). Avoid applying mineral-heavy creams to the draw site that day.
  • Supplements: Bring a list; avoid non-essential mineral supplements for 24–48 hours unless prescribed.
  • Medications: Do not stop chronic meds unless a clinician tells you to.
  • 24-hour urine: We’ll give you containers and a simple checklist (start/end times, cold storage, avoid missed voids).


Visit Flow (Typically 30–60 Minutes)

  1. Focused consult → symptoms, timing, workplace/home exposures, travel, diet, meds.
  2. Test plan → choose blood vs. urine and spot vs. 24-hour; confirm costs.
  3. Collection → same-day phlebotomy/urine kit; chain-of-custody available on request.
  4. Results & next steps → clear English summary, treatment/referral if indicated, repeat-testing schedule when needed.


Results & Turnaround

  • Routine heavy-metal panels: typically 3–7 business days.
  • Specialized send-outs: 5–14 business days (we’ll advise).
  • We provide trend charts for monitoring and fit-for-work/school notes when appropriate.


Safety & Follow-Up

If results are elevated, we’ll:

  • Review exposure source reduction (home/work steps).
  • Manage or refer for treatment (e.g., chelation is specialist-directed and not indicated for many mild elevations).
  • Arrange repeat testing to confirm decline after interventions.


What to Bring

  • Photo ID (passport if visiting)
  • Medication & supplement list (exact doses)
  • Workplace SDS/MSDS or exposure info (if available)
  • Prior labs/reports and a brief timeline of symptoms/exposure


FAQs

Can you test for “mold toxicity”?
We can evaluate mold allergy/asthma and environment strategies. Routine “mycotoxin urine panels” are not standard for diagnosing illness; we’ll discuss better-validated approaches based on your symptoms.

Is chelation therapy offered?
Chelation is reserved for specific, significant poisonings and guided by specialists. For mild elevations, source control and monitoring are usually first-line.

How soon after exposure should I test?
It depends on the substance. Some clear quickly (urine best within 24–48h); others linger (blood/urine remain informative later). We’ll time it for the most useful window.

Do you provide chain-of-custody labs for work/legal needs?
Yes—by request. Tell us before the draw so we use the correct paperwork and seals.

Can you test my tap water or workplace air?
We don’t analyze environmental samples on-site, but we can refer you to certified labs and review results with you.


Why VEI Clinic Apgujeong

  • Physician-guided testing that answers your specific question
  • English-friendly consults and written summaries
  • Same-day draws; coordinated reference-lab panels
  • 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’ll quote before testing. Costs vary by analyte (e.g., single metal vs. panel), specimen type (spot vs. 24-hour), and whether chain-of-custody is needed. Itemized English receipts provided for personal reimbursement.


Related Services

  • Blood Testing (CBC, CMP, kidney/liver, iron, thyroid)
  • Allergy Testing (skin-prick/specific IgE)
  • Travel Medicine (vaccines, titers)
  • Hydration Support IV (if illness or fasting left you depleted)


Booking (English-Friendly)

Same-day draws are often available. When booking, mention “Toxicity Testing at VEI Clinic Apgujeong (near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)” and share your exposure details, timing, meds/supplements, and goals.



Disclaimer

This page is informational and not medical advice. Testing is selected after clinician review. Emergencies require immediate ER care.