Seoul Ahnkang Hospital - Health Promotion Center

Q.

What medications should be discontinued before a medical check-up?

A.

➊ Take your high blood pressure medication with a small amount of water on the morning of the examination.

➋ Take your diabetes medication until the evening before the examination, and refrain from taking it on the day of the examination, including insulin injections.

(When undergoing CT imaging with contrast agent, discontinue the use of metformin for more than 48 hours.)

➌ If you are taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications such as aspirin, Plavix, Ticlopidine, and Coumadin, there is a risk of bleeding during tissue biopsy during endoscopy. Therefore, consult with your primary physician who prescribed the medication, and discontinue the medication from one day before the examination. If discontinuation of the medication is difficult, endoscopy examination is possible, but polypectomy and tissue biopsy cannot be performed.

Q.

Is it possible to undergo the examination if there is a possibility of pregnancy?

A.

Examinations such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, MRI(A), chest X-ray, Mammography, and various CT scans, which involve exposure to radiation, are not performed as they may have adverse effects on the fetus. Women who are potentially pregnant are advised to check their menstrual cycle in advance to confirm pregnancy.

Q.

Can I undergo the examination while menstruating?

A.

If you are menstruating, it may affect urine tests and gynecological examinations. If it is absolutely necessary to proceed with the examination, you can undergo other tests excluding urine tests and gynecological examinations. We can then schedule a follow-up appointment for these tests during result consultation or at a convenient time.

Q.

What precautions should be taken during an MRI(A) scan?

A.

➊If you have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve, undergone heart surgery (such as insertion of a metallic valve or stent), brain aneurysm surgery (with metallic clips inserted), cochlear implant surgery, or have any other implanted metallic objects, MRI may not be possible. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if MRI is safe for you.

➋Inside the MRI room, there is a very strong magnetic field which poses a risk of injury. Therefore, you should not bring any metallic items such as dentures, hearing aids, wigs, rings, necklaces, watches, glasses, hairpins, credit cards, or mobile phones into the MRI room.

➌You may experience claustrophobia due to the confined space and the duration of the MRI scan. Please inform us in advance if you have a history of claustrophobia before the examination.

➍While implants may be compatible with MRI, there may be limitations on certain scans such as head, brain vessels, and cervical spine scans during orthodontic treatment.

➎Fasting is not necessary for an MRI scan (except when using contrast agents).

Q.

How long does a comprehensive medical check-up take?

A.

You can expect it to take about 2 hours and 30 minutes on average. However, depending on selected test items or examination periods(especially year-end), the duration may vary.

Q.

Is it possible to issue a prescription?

A.

If medication therapy is deemed necessary based on the results on the day of the examination, prescription issuance is possible under the physician's discretion. If a prescription is needed at a later date, the examinee can visit the clinic in person for a consultation before obtaining the prescription.

Q.

Can I undergo testing on public holidays?

A.

Some days may be available. Please inquire at the center.

Q.

Can I undergo testing in the afternoon?

A.

Testing is available for those who register by 3 p.m. on weekdays. Please maintain an 8-hour fasting period.