Preparation for Your Full Body Checkup
This page covers fasting and preparation instructions for every Himedi checkup — your Baseline checkup, any focus areas you added, and any individual add-ons. If a gastroscopy or colonoscopy is part of your booking, extra steps are listed below.
Please note: Gastroscopy under sedation and colonoscopy are both included in the Cancer focus area. Either can also be added to any booking on its own. Neither is part of the Baseline checkup by itself. If you're unsure what's included in your booking, please confirm with your Himedi coordinator before your appointment — the colonoscopy steps have to be started several days ahead.
The Day Before Your Check-up
Fasting
Fasting requirements vary depending on your appointment type. Please follow the row that matches your booking. If a colonoscopy is part of your appointment, the colonoscopy row applies.
| Appointment Type | Start Fasting | Water Allowed Until |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline Checkup (AM) | 8:00 PM (day before) | Until midnight |
| Baseline Checkup (PM) | Midnight (previous night) | Until midnight |
| Includes Colonoscopy (AM) | 1:00 PM (day before) | Until 3 hours before appointment |
| Includes Colonoscopy (PM) | 4:00 PM (day before) | Until 3 hours before appointment |
- If you have indigestion, eat only porridge and finish by 6:00 PM.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and overexertion. Get a full night's sleep.
Medications
- If you are under ongoing medical treatment, consult your doctor before the checkup.
- If you are scheduled for a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, and you take blood thinners (Aspirin, Coumadin/Warfarin, Plavix, etc.), consult your doctor first — biopsy may not be possible if taken within the last 7 days.
Female Patients
- Urine and cervical cancer tests should be done 5–7 days after menstruation ends.
- Avoid intercourse or vaginal suppositories 24 hours before a cervical cancer test.
- Mammography and breast ultrasound are restricted for clients who are breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
- Confirm pregnancy status before your checkup. Most tests can be performed during pregnancy except X-rays. Health checkups are generally not recommended during pregnancy, as standard prenatal care covers most of the same screenings.
On the Day of Your Check-up
Fasting (All Clients)
No gum, smoking or juice during fasting.
- Nothing to eat from the start fasting time in the table above, and no water past the time in the water allowed column.
Medications
- Blood pressure: Take your medication 3 hours before your appointment, or immediately upon waking with a small sip of water. If blood pressure is too high on arrival, endoscopy may not be performed.
- Diabetes: Take insulin and diabetes medication after your checkup, not before.
Ultrasound (Prostate / Pelvic / Uterus)
- Arrive without urinating — please hold your first morning urine.
Allergies
- If you have had allergic reactions to contrast agents, anesthetics, or other medications in the past, inform the clinic staff upon arrival.
Valuables
- Do not bring valuables or accessories.
What your booking includes
Every booking starts with the Baseline checkup. You may also have added one or more focus areas, and the sections below apply differently depending on which:
- Heart — coronary artery calcium CT, echocardiography, ApoB + Lipoprotein(a), arteriosclerosis. The fasting instructions below cover these.
- Brain — brain MRI, cerebrovascular MRA, Alzheimer’s & dementia risk, carotid artery ultrasound.
- Cancer — colonoscopy, chest CT, gastroscopy under sedation, breast ultrasound. Both the gastroscopy and colonoscopy sections below apply to you, and the colonoscopy steps must be started several days before you fly.
Individual add-ons such as a colonoscopy, gastroscopy or DNA test can also be attached to any booking on their own.
If Your Checkup Includes a Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy under sedation is included in the Cancer focus area, and can also be added to any booking on its own. Please confirm with your Himedi coordinator if you're unsure.
- Remove nail accessories (cubic stones, etc.) from at least one finger before your visit.
- If your front teeth are weak or you have dental implants, notify the clinic — there is a small risk during sedated endoscopy when biting down on the mouthpiece.
After a Sedated Gastroscopy
- 🚫 Do not drive after sedation. The clinic is not responsible for accidents.
- If you arrive by car but leave by public transport, parking fees are not covered.
If Your Booking Includes a Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is included in the Cancer focus area, and can also be added to any booking on its own. If either applies to you, start these steps several days before you fly — the bowel prep kit has to be collected in person.
Step 1 — Pick Up Your Bowel Prep Medication You must collect your bowel preparation kit before your appointment date. Kits are available approximately 3–7 days in advance.
Your kit must be picked up directly from the clinic. Pickup location varies depending on your clinic — the confirmed location will be included in your confirmation email.
Collection hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Step 2 — Follow the Pre-Colonoscopy Diet (See dietary instruction images below)
Step 3 — Take the Bowel Prep Medication (See medication instruction images below)
After Your Colonoscopy
- If polyps are removed: air travel is restricted for at least 7 days due to risk of bleeding or perforation.
- Polyp removal costs start at ₩250,000 KRW, with additional fees depending on the number of polyps found.