Diagnostic tests in Seoul, chosen for a reason

What diagnostic tests in Seoul we offer

Our diagnostic tests in Seoul cover everything from a routine blood panel to specialized digestive and hormone testing. Every test is ordered by Dr. HyunSung Park, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and gastroenterology subspecialist, after a short consultation. That way you avoid both missing something important and paying for tests that will not change your care.

Each test group has its own page in this section with details on preparation and what the results mean. In brief, the main groups are:

• Blood and lab tests: complete blood count, liver and kidney function, lipids, HbA1c, iron, vitamin D, B12, inflammation markers and urinalysis
• Thyroid and hormones: TSH, free T4 and related tests, plus sex hormones and cortisol when relevant
• Digestive tests: H. pylori, SIBO breath test, gastric pH and gut microbiome analysis
• Allergy and sensitivity: IgE allergy blood tests and food sensitivity panels
• Infection and immunity: hepatitis B status and immunity, NK cell activity and parasite testing
• Risk and body markers: hereditary cancer-risk genetic panels with counseling, body composition analysis, toxicity and heavy metal screening and biological-age markers
• Ultrasound: abdominal and thyroid ultrasound performed in the clinic

How the doctor chooses your tests

Dr. Park starts with what you have noticed and why you want testing: a symptom, a family history, a checkup, a visa or work requirement, or a long-term goal. He then matches tests to that reason. Persistent bloating might lead to an H. pylori test, a SIBO breath test and an abdominal ultrasound; tiredness might start with a blood count, iron studies, thyroid tests and vitamin levels.

Several tests can often be done on the same day in a sensible order, for example a fasting blood draw first, then breath or device tests. Some, like a SIBO breath test, need preparation over a day or two beforehand, and you will receive written instructions.

If you already have recent results from another clinic or your home country, bring them. Repeating a test you had a few weeks ago rarely adds anything, and earlier results help the doctor see trends rather than a single snapshot.

Well-established tests and those with limited evidence

Standard blood tests, thyroid tests, H. pylori testing, IgE allergy tests, hepatitis B serology and ultrasound are well validated and widely used to guide treatment.

Some newer or wellness-oriented tests are less established. IgG food sensitivity panels, saliva hormone profiles, NK cell activity, heavy metal screens and biological-age markers can be interesting, but their results do not always link reliably to symptoms or outcomes. We offer them with a clear explanation of what they can and cannot tell you, and we never use them to diagnose a serious condition on their own. Genetic cancer-risk testing is offered with counseling, because results can affect you and your family.

Who testing suits, and when to go elsewhere

Testing at our clinic suits adults who want answers to ongoing symptoms, a baseline after moving to Korea, monitoring of a known condition, or a structured checkup with results explained in English.

Some investigations are outside what we provide, including endoscopy, colonoscopy, CT and MRI scans. When you need these, we can refer you to a hospital and help you interpret the results afterward.

Do not wait for a test appointment if you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, signs of stroke, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools or sudden severe abdominal pain. Call 119 in Korea or go to a hospital emergency department.

Preparation, results and costs

For lipid and glucose tests, fast for about 8 to 12 hours with water allowed. Avoid alcohol and hard exercise for a day before most blood tests, and tell us if you take biotin, which can distort some thyroid and other results. Wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily.

Many routine blood results are ready the same day or within two business days; specialty panels take longer, and we tell you the expected timing in advance. Costs depend on which tests are chosen. Some may be covered by national health insurance if you are enrolled and others are not. You receive the full cost before testing and an itemized English receipt afterward.