Gut Microbiome Test

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly stool-based gut microbiome testing for travelers and Seoul residents who want data-driven insights into digestion, IBS-type symptoms, and overall gut balance.

What Is a Gut Microbiome Test?

A non-invasive stool test that profiles the bacteria (and sometimes fungi/viruses) living in your gut. Depending on the panel, analyses may include:

• Diversity indices (e.g., alpha/beta diversity)
• Relative abundance of beneficial and potentially harmful species
• Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)–related markers (inferred from taxa)
• Dysbiosis or imbalance scores
• Select pathogenic/red-flag organisms and antibiotic resistance genes (panel-dependent)

When It’s Useful (Examples)

• IBS-like symptoms: Bloating, gas, irregular stools, post-antibiotic gut issues
• Chronic digestive concerns: Constipation/diarrhea patterns, food sensitivity discussions
• Metabolic/wellness check-ins: Weight change, cravings, energy fluctuations
• Skin–gut axis: Acne, rosacea, or eczema discussions (case-by-case)
• Baseline before lifestyle changes: Diet shifts (e.g., fiber, fermented foods), probiotics, or supplements
• Post-travel stomach issues: For non-acute, persistent changes after a trip

Panels We Can Arrange (Doctor-Guided)

• Standard microbiome profile (16S rRNA): Diversity, key taxa, dysbiosis score
• Comprehensive metagenomic panel (shotgun): Species-level resolution, functional pathways, resistome screening (where available)
• Add-ons (case-by-case): Calprotectin, occult blood, parasites/ova & cysts (ordered separately as indicated)

Who Might Not Be a Candidate

• Acute illness requiring urgent care (severe abdominal pain, high fever, bloody stool, signs of dehydration)
• Recent colonoscopy prep (may temporarily distort results)
• Recent broad-spectrum antibiotics (we may advise a waiting period)
• Inability to follow home collection steps (sample integrity matters)

How to Prepare (Simple Checklist)

• Avoid antibiotics for ~4 weeks before testing (if medically safe) or follow physician guidance
• Pause high-dose probiotics for 3–7 days beforehand (panel- and case-dependent)
• No colonoscopy prep within the previous 2 weeks
• Collect on a normal diet (unless your clinician asks otherwise)
• Follow kit instructions exactly (timing, storage, labeling)

Visit Flow (What to Expect)

• Brief consult → symptoms, diet, travel history, medications/supplements
• Plan selection → standard vs. comprehensive panel + any add-ons
• Collection → take-home kit with English instructions (or in-clinic guidance)
• Lab processing → secure transport to partner lab
• Results review → personalized explanation (in person or by message)
• Next steps → practical diet tweaks, probiotic/prebiotic strategy, and—when indicated—further testing or treatment

Turnaround Time

Most microbiome reports are ready in 2–4 weeks (varies by panel and lab). We can message you with English results and summarize next steps.

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by panel type (standard vs. comprehensive) and any add-ons
• Most visitors pay upfront; some insurers reimburse with documentation
• Request an itemized English receipt (diagnosis codes added when applicable)

Safety Note (What a Microbiome Test 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. Microbiome testing is not an emergency service or a substitute for urgent medical care.

What to Bring

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