NK Cell Activity Test

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly NK Cell Activity (NKA) testing—a clinician-guided blood test that assesses how your natural killer (NK) immune cells respond to stimulation.

What the NK Cell Activity Test Is (And Isn’t)

The NKA test measures the functional response of NK cells—often reported via interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release after a standardized stimulus (assay-dependent). It is not a diagnostic test for any single disease; instead, it’s one data point about cell-mediated immune activity that must be interpreted alongside your history, symptoms, and other labs.

When It May Be Useful (Doctor-Guided)

• Establishing a baseline of NK activity and tracking changes over time
• Reviewing immune status after illness, significant stress, or lifestyle changes
• Coordinating with your existing oncology/immunology/functional medicine plans (when appropriate)

Factors That Can Influence Results

• Acute infections, poor sleep, high stress, dehydration
• Recent intense exercise or alcohol intake
• Medications (e.g., steroids, immunomodulators) and certain supplements. Your clinician will time the test and review meds to make the results more useful.

How to Prepare

• A morning blood draw is preferred when possible
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and strenuous exercise for 12–24 hours beforehand
• Arrive well hydrated; some assays require fasting for ~8 hours (we’ll advise case-by-case)
• Bring a medication/supplement list and note any recent infections or vaccines

Visit Flow (What to Expect)

• Brief consult → symptoms, goals, medications
• Blood draw (a few minutes)
• Optional companion labs if clinically indicated
• Results review in English with practical guidance and next steps

Turnaround & Interpretation

• Typical turnaround: 3–7 business days (panel and lab dependent)
• You’ll receive an English summary explaining the reference range, potential confounders, and whether repeat testing is advisable.

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by assay and any additional labs/consult time
• Most visitors pay upfront; ask for an itemized English receipt (with diagnosis codes if applicable) for insurance reimbursement

Safety Note

For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, confusion, stroke signs, or very high fever with dehydration, call 119 or go to an ER. NKA testing is non-urgent and not an emergency service.

What to Bring

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