Parasite Test

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong provides English-friendly parasite testing for travelers and Seoul residents with persistent digestive symptoms or relevant exposures.

When Parasite Testing Is Useful (Examples)

• Persistent diarrhea (>7–10 days), cramps, bloating, gas
• Travel exposures: untreated water, street food, camping, freshwater swimming
• Community outbreaks or family members with similar symptoms
• Weight loss, fatigue, or iron deficiency without clear cause
• Eosinophilia on a blood test (context-dependent)
• Perianal itching at night (children/adults), suggestive of pinworm

Who Might Not Be a Candidate (Today)

• Severe dehydration, altered mental status, high fever with systemic symptoms → call 119 or go to the ER
• Profuse bloody diarrhea or suspected surgical abdomen (severe localized pain)
• Immunocompromised patients with severe symptoms may need hospital evaluation first

How to Prepare (Simple Checklist)

• Collect samples before starting antiparasitic meds (unless urgent)
• Avoid bismuth/antidiarrheals 24 hours prior if possible (they can interfere)
• Multiple samples: many O&P protocols request 2–3 samples on separate days
• Diet/fasting: normal diet unless we advise otherwise
• Inform us about recent antibiotics, PPIs, laxatives, travel vaccines, or herbal antimicrobials
• Follow kit instructions for fixatives (some vials contain preservative—do not discard it)

Turnaround Time

• O&P microscopy: 2–4 business days (longer if multiple samples)
• Serology (blood): 3–10 business days depending on the assay

Treatment & Next Steps (What We Cover)

• Evidence-based antiparasitic regimens when indicated (patient-specific)
• Hydration and dietary guidance during recovery
• Household precautions (handwashing, laundering, surface cleaning) to reduce reinfection
• When to retest or escalate (e.g., persistent symptoms, immunocompromise)

Aftercare (Checklist)

• Take medications exactly as prescribed; complete the full course
• Fluids & electrolytes during diarrhea
• Hygiene: wash hands often, keep nails short, use separate towels and clean bathroom surfaces
• Return or contact us if you have fever, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or worsening dehydration

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by panel type (O&P vs. PCR/antigen), number of samples, and add-ons
• Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
• Request an itemized English receipt (diagnosis codes added when applicable)

Safety Note (What This Service 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. Parasite testing is not an emergency service.

What to Bring

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