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Understanding Your Women's Health Lab Results
Quick answer: Lab reports in Korea usually list test names in English abbreviations, such as hCG, AMH, LBC, HPV, ROMA, and IgG. This guide explains what each test measures and what results generally mean in plain language. Always ask your doctor to interpret your own results. At Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station, Dr. Eun Mi-na explains results in English.
How to read a Korean lab report
Korean lab reports usually show test names in English letters and results with a reference range (참고치, cham-go-chi). Values outside the range may be marked H (high) or L (low). A result outside the range is not always a problem; it depends on your situation. Reference ranges also differ between labs. Use this guide for general understanding, and ask your doctor what your results mean for you.
hCG (pregnancy hormone)
What it is: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone made during pregnancy. A urine test shows positive or negative. A blood β-hCG test gives a number.
- In early pregnancy, the level usually rises quickly over the first weeks.
- Doctors often repeat the blood test after about 48 hours to see the trend, especially if there is bleeding or pain.
- A single number cannot confirm a healthy pregnancy. Ultrasound is used together with hCG.
See pregnancy test.
AMH (ovarian reserve)
What it is: anti-Müllerian hormone is made by small follicles in the ovaries. It gives an estimate of how many eggs remain (ovarian reserve).
- AMH naturally decreases with age.
- A low AMH suggests a lower egg supply but does not mean you cannot get pregnant naturally.
- A high AMH can be seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- AMH does not measure egg quality.
See AMH test.
Pap smear and LBC (cervical cells)
What it is: cells from the cervix are checked for abnormal changes. LBC means liquid-based cytology, a method that places cells in liquid. Results are often reported using the Bethesda system:
| Result | Plain meaning |
|---|---|
| NILM (negative) | No abnormal cells found |
| ASC-US | Some cells look slightly unusual; the cause is unclear. Often followed by an HPV test or repeat test. |
| LSIL | Low-grade changes, often from HPV. Many clear on their own. |
| ASC-H or HSIL | Higher-grade changes that need closer examination, usually colposcopy |
| AGC | Unusual glandular cells; further tests are needed |
An abnormal result is not a cancer diagnosis. See colposcopy.
HPV genotyping
What it is: a test that checks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus and names which types are present (for example, types 16 and 18). A positive result means the virus was found, not that you have cancer. Most HPV infections clear within about one to two years. Types 16 and 18 are linked to higher risk, so doctors may follow them more closely. See HPV test.
ROMA (ovarian cancer risk)
What it is: the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm combines two blood markers, CA-125 and HE4, with whether you are before or after menopause. It estimates the chance that a pelvic mass is cancer. It is mainly used when an ovarian mass has been found, not as a general screening test. CA-125 can also rise with endometriosis, fibroids, and even periods, which is why it is combined with HE4. See ROMA test.
Vitamin D
What it is: usually measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Low vitamin D is common, especially in people who spend most of the day indoors. Labs and guidelines use slightly different cut-offs for deficiency and insufficiency. Your doctor may suggest sunlight, diet changes, supplements, or an injection.
Hepatitis and rubella antibodies
These tests show whether you have immunity or a current infection. Common labels:
- HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen): positive means current hepatitis B infection. Further tests are needed.
- Anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibody): positive usually means you are immune, from vaccination or past infection.
- Hepatitis A IgG: positive means immunity. IgM positive suggests a recent infection.
- Anti-HCV: positive means exposure to hepatitis C; a further test checks for active infection.
- Rubella IgG: positive means immunity. Negative before pregnancy usually means vaccination (MMR) is advised, then waiting before trying to conceive.
In general, IgM suggests a recent infection and IgG suggests past infection or immunity. See immunity blood tests.
Test prices at Eunice Women's Clinic
Posted non-covered prices (list last checked 2026-01-01; prices may change; confirm with the clinic): blood β-hCG 30,000 KRW; AMH 60,000 KRW; ROMA 60,000 KRW; vitamin D 20,000 KRW; hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rubella IgM/IgG 20,000 KRW each; hepatitis C 20,000 KRW; LBC 40,000 KRW. Many tests are covered by NHIS when medically indicated.
Book an appointment in English
Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3
Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays
Frequently asked questions
What does a negative Pap smear result mean?
A negative Pap result, often reported as NILM, means no abnormal cervical cells were found. You can usually continue routine screening. The doctor may still suggest an HPV test depending on your age and history.
Is a low AMH level a sign of infertility?
Not by itself. A low AMH suggests fewer eggs remain, but many women with low AMH still conceive. AMH does not measure egg quality. Doctors look at AMH together with age, cycle history, and ultrasound when giving fertility advice.
What does rubella IgG negative mean?
It usually means you are not immune to rubella. If you are planning pregnancy, a doctor may recommend the MMR vaccine and advise waiting a period of time before trying to conceive. MMR is not given during pregnancy.
Can Eunice Women's Clinic explain lab results from another hospital?
Yes. You can bring reports from another clinic or country, and Dr. Eun Mi-na can explain them in English during a consultation. She may suggest repeat tests if results are old or if the method was different.
Why was my HPV test positive when my Pap was normal?
HPV can be present without causing cell changes. Most HPV infections clear on their own. Your doctor will suggest follow-up based on which HPV types were found and your age, often a repeat test after a set time.
Related pages
This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.