VEI IV · Chelation

Testing before deciding on
chelation therapy

Chelation therapy uses medication called a chelating agent to bind to heavy metals in the body so they can be passed in urine. It is used when testing confirms that metals such as lead or mercury have accumulated above the reference limits. At VEI Clinic, an internal medicine specialist first reviews your exposure history and heavy metal test results to decide whether treatment is needed.

VEI Clinic, Gangnam — VEI IV · Chelation

How Heavy Metal Testing Works

Heavy metal testing uses blood, urine or hair samples. Blood and urine help assess recent exposure, while hair can provide information about exposure patterns over several months. Hair test results can be affected by external contamination from hair dye, perms or shampoo, so we do not interpret them on their own.

Handling heavy metals such as lead, mercury or cadmium at work or as a hobby
Possible exposure through old water pipes, paint, imported herbal medicines or health supplements
Frequently eating large amounts of large fish
When exposure is likely and related symptoms are suspected

When Chelation Therapy Is Needed

A result above the reference range alone does not decide treatment. We do not rely on a hair test by itself; we look at blood or urine tests suited to the suspected metal, your exposure history, and your symptoms and their severity before deciding whether chelation is needed. In most cases, reducing the source of exposure comes first.

There is insufficient evidence for claims that chelation cleans blood vessels or detoxifies the whole body. VEI Clinic proceeds only when test results confirm a need for treatment.

Precautions and Safety

Chelating agents can remove essential minerals such as calcium and zinc along with heavy metals, so we check these levels before and after treatment. Reduced kidney function can make it difficult to eliminate these substances, so we test kidney function first.

Headaches, nausea or discomfort at the injection site may occur during treatment. Please tell us during your consultation if you have kidney or heart disease or are pregnant. Eat before coming in on the treatment day, and avoid dairy products and alcohol that day.

What to Expect

History: your work, living environment, diet and symptoms
Tests: heavy metal testing with the appropriate samples (blood, urine or hair) and a kidney function check
Results consultation: discussing how to reduce exposure and deciding whether treatment is needed
Treatment: if needed, a slow IV lasting at least an hour, with monitoring
Retesting: adjusting the number of sessions based on changes in your levels

The VEI Clinic Approach

An internal medicine specialist reviews your test results and exposure history together to decide whether treatment is needed. We also check kidney function and mineral levels during treatment. All IV rooms are private rooms.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who needs chelation injections?

A heavy metal level above the reference range does not mean everyone needs chelation. We decide by looking at your exposure history, symptoms and confirmatory test results together, and reducing the source of exposure comes first.

Is a hair heavy metal test enough?

A hair test is a reference for exposure trends and can be affected by outside contamination, so it is not used alone to judge poisoning or the need for treatment. When treatment is considered, we confirm with blood or urine tests.

Does chelation clean blood vessels?

Its effectiveness in preventing or treating vascular disease has not been adequately established. VEI Clinic uses it only to treat heavy metal accumulation.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your levels and degree of exposure. We repeat testing during treatment to decide on the number of sessions.