Thyroid Test

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly thyroid testing for travelers and Seoul residents—whether you’re checking symptoms like fatigue or palpitations, monitoring long-term thyroid therapy, or following up on a thyroid nodule.

What Is Included in a Thyroid Evaluation?

A doctor-guided workup that may include:

• Blood tests: TSH, Free T4, Free T3 (as indicated)
• Antibodies (case-by-case): TPOAb, TgAb (Hashimoto’s), TRAb/TSI (Graves’)
• Follow-up markers (specialist-directed): Thyroglobulin ± anti-Tg for surveillance after thyroid cancer
• Imaging: Thyroid ultrasound (in-clinic or partner center) for nodules/size/inflammation
• Referrals when needed: Thyroid uptake scan/RAIU or FNA biopsy via partner hospital

When Testing Is Useful (Examples)

• Symptoms: fatigue, weight change, sensitivity to cold/heat, hair loss, constipation/diarrhea, low mood/anxiety, palpitations, sleep issues
• Neck concerns: thyroid nodule or swelling, throat pressure/hoarseness
• Life stages: pregnancy or pregnancy planning (trimester-specific targets), postpartum checks
• Medication checks: levothyroxine, antithyroid drugs, amiodarone, lithium, interferon, checkpoint inhibitors
• Autoimmune history: personal/family autoimmune disease

Who Might Not Be a Candidate (Today)

• Medical emergencies (severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, high fever with dehydration) → call 119 or go to the ER
• Immediately after iodine contrast (e.g., CT angiography) if an RAIU scan is planned soon—your doctor will time it appropriately
• Unable to pause high-dose biotin briefly when biotin-sensitive immunoassays are used

How to Prepare (Simple Checklist)

• Fasting: not required for routine thyroid blood tests
• Morning meds: if you take levothyroxine, you may be asked to delay your dose until after your blood draw (confirm with us)
• Biotin (vitamin B7): pause for 48–72 hours if you take high doses (can interfere with some immunoassays)
• Supplements & meds: bring a list (iodine/kelp, biotin, steroids, heparin, amiodarone, lithium, etc.)
• For imaging/RAIU (if scheduled): we’ll provide specific instructions (e.g., avoid iodine exposure and certain meds beforehand)

Visit Flow (What to Expect)

• Brief consult → symptoms, history, current meds, pregnancy plans/status
• Panel selection → targeted labs ± ultrasound based on goals
• Testing → on-site blood draw; ultrasound if scheduled (or partner center)
• Review → results explained in English (in clinic or secure message)
• Plan → lifestyle guidance, medication adjustments, or specialist referral if indicated

Turnaround Time

• Blood tests: typically 1–2 business days
• Antibodies/advanced markers: 2–5 business days (panel-dependent)
• RAIU/FNA (if needed): scheduled via partner hospital; timelines vary

Interpreting Results (How We Help)

• Reference ranges & context: age, pregnancy trimester, symptoms, and medications all matter
• Therapy decisions: start/adjust levothyroxine or antithyroid medications when indicated
• Nodule pathway: ultrasound risk features → FNA referral as per guidelines

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by panel (basic vs. extended antibodies), imaging, and follow-up
• Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
• Request an itemized English receipt (diagnosis codes added when applicable)

Safety Note (What Thyroid Testing 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. Thyroid testing is not an emergency service.

What to Bring

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