Pregnancy › Pregnancy Blood Tests

Pregnancy Blood Tests in Busan

Blood tests are part of every stage of prenatal care in Korea, from confirming pregnancy with hCG to first-trimester panels, anomaly screening and glucose checks. Here's what's usually tested, when, and how costs and the government pregnancy voucher apply.

Common pregnancy blood tests

• Serum hCG: confirms pregnancy earlier and more precisely than a urine test. Repeat tests two days apart can show whether levels are rising normally.
• First prenatal panel (usually first trimester): blood type and Rh factor, complete blood count (anemia), rubella immunity, hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, and often thyroid function, blood sugar and urine tests.
• Screening for chromosomal conditions: first- and second-trimester maternal serum screening (such as the quad test), often combined with a nuchal translucency ultrasound. NIPT is an optional cell-free DNA blood test.
• Gestational diabetes screening: a glucose challenge test, usually around 24 to 28 weeks. See gestational diabetes screening .
• Third-trimester checks: repeat anemia testing and other tests your doctor recommends.

What the visit involves

Blood is drawn at the clinic, usually at the same visit as your ultrasound. Some tests need fasting, especially glucose tests, so ask beforehand. Results for most tests come back in a few days, and specialized screening can take a week or more. Your doctor will explain any result that needs follow-up.

Cost and insurance

Many prenatal tests are partly covered by NHI. Korea also gives pregnant NHI enrollees a pregnancy and childbirth medical expense voucher (임신·출산 진료비 바우처) loaded onto a National Happiness Card: 1 million won for a single pregnancy, and 1 million won per fetus for multiple pregnancies. You can use it toward co-payments and many non-covered prenatal costs. Optional tests such as NIPT are self-pay. Ask the clinic for an estimate.

Tips for foreigners

• Bring your ARC or passport. NHI enrollees can apply for the voucher once a doctor confirms the pregnancy.
• Ask the clinic to issue a pregnancy confirmation form so you can apply for the voucher.
• Ask for printed results so you can keep a record or share them with doctors abroad.
• See the international patients guide .

Related

• Pregnancy Test
• Prenatal Care
• NIPT Test Korea
• Gestational Diabetes Screening
• Pregnancy Checkup Cost Korea
• International Patients

When to get help sooner

Go to an emergency room if you're pregnant and have heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or shoulder pain, fainting, a severe headache with vision changes, or fluid leaking from the vagina.

Busan clinics and hospitals for prenatal testing

Hospitals marked "Delivers" are on HIRA's list of facilities that can deliver babies. Features are as listed in public directories. Call to confirm before you go.

Pregnancy blood test FAQ