You receive your Korean health checkup report, open the first page, and immediately see a box marked:
질환의심 — Disease Suspected
A translation app may make this sound as though you have already been diagnosed with a serious disease.
In most cases, that is not what the report means.
“Disease suspected” is a screening category, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Korea’s national health screening system uses categories such as Normal A, Normal B, and Disease Suspected to identify results that may need prevention, monitoring, or confirmation.
A slightly abnormal result may be enough to trigger a follow-up recommendation. That does not mean you should ignore it, but it also does not mean you should panic.
Think of the report like the dashboard of a car. A warning light tells you which system deserves attention. It does not always tell you the exact cause or mean that the engine is about to fail.
Quick Answer: Should You Be Worried?
Most abnormal health screening results are not medical emergencies.
Start by asking three questions:
- Does the report say Normal B or Disease Suspected?
- Does the doctor recommend lifestyle management, a repeat test, or a clinic visit?
- Is this a one-time abnormal number, or has it been changing over several years?
The official 2026 NHIS report uses categories including Normal A, Normal B (Borderline), General Disease Suspected, Hypertension, Diabetes, or Dyslipidemia Suspected, and Known Disease Under Treatment.
A health screening result cannot confirm every disease or rule out an urgent medical problem. Seek medical care regardless of the report if you currently feel seriously unwell.
What Is a Korean Health Checkup?
The Korean term for a health checkup is:
건강검진 — geongang geomjin
It generally refers to one of two services:
- An NHIS national health screening provided through Korea’s National Health Insurance Service
- A private comprehensive health checkup purchased from a hospital or screening center
This article focuses mainly on the standard NHIS general health screening report.
The national screening may include physical measurements, blood pressure, urine testing, blood tests, a chest X-ray, and additional examinations based on age, sex, or eligibility. Not every person receives every test each year. The NHIS generally covers the cost of the national general health checkup for eligible insured people.
How the Standard Report Is Organized
On the standard NHIS report, you will normally find:
| Report Area | Korean Term | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Overall assessment | 건강검진 종합소견 | Your main result category |
| Test result | 검사결과 | Your measured number |
| Reference value | 참고치 or 참고범위 | The laboratory comparison range |
| Assessment | 판정 | Normal, borderline, or suspected |
| Suspected condition | 의심 질환 | The area requiring follow-up |
| Lifestyle management | 생활습관 관리 | Diet, alcohol, smoking, or exercise advice |
| Other comments | 기타 | Additional instructions from the doctor |
On the official form, the disease and test names appear toward the left, your result and reference value appear in the central columns, and the assessment boxes appear toward the right.
A useful reading rule is:
Test name → Your value → Reference range → Assessment → Recommended action
Do not look only for red text or upward arrows.
Understanding the Overall Assessment
정상A: Normal A
Normal A means the screening result falls within the standard favorable category.
It does not guarantee that every possible medical condition has been excluded. National screening programs test selected risks rather than every disease.
정상B(경계): Normal B or Borderline
Normal B means that no definite disease was identified, but prevention or lifestyle management may be appropriate.
Examples can include:
- Borderline fasting glucose
- Borderline cholesterol
- Blood pressure above the ideal range
- Being underweight or overweight
- Mildly elevated liver enzymes
Normal B usually means:
“This is not a confirmed disease, but it should not be ignored.”
일반 질환의심: General Disease Suspected
This means that one or more results may be associated with a health condition and should be reviewed.
The next step may include:
- A repeat blood test
- A medical consultation
- Additional laboratory testing
- Imaging
- Continued monitoring
The Korean word 의심 means “suspected.” It does not mean “confirmed.”
고혈압·당뇨병·이상지질혈증 질환의심
This means:
Hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia suspected
Dyslipidemia is an abnormal pattern of cholesterol or other fats in the blood.
A screening value may place you in this category, but a doctor may need to repeat the measurement, review your medical history, or perform another test before making a diagnosis.
유질환자: Known Disease Under Treatment
유질환자 generally refers to a person who has already reported a diagnosis or is receiving treatment for the relevant condition.
This category does not automatically mean that the disease has worsened.
The Reference Range Matters More Than the Color
The official report notes that blood test classification values can vary between screening institutions because laboratories may use different testing methods.
Always check these items together:
| Item | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Your result | The number measured in your sample |
| Unit | For example, mg/dL, g/dL, or U/L |
| Reference range | The range printed by that laboratory |
| NHIS category | Normal A, Normal B, or Disease Suspected |
| Doctor’s comment | The recommended next step |
Do not compare a value from one hospital with a reference range found on a random website.
Interpretation may also depend on your age, sex, medications, pregnancy status, muscle mass, existing conditions, and cardiovascular risk.
Common Korean Terms on the Report
| Korean Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| 건강검진 | Health checkup or health screening |
| 혈액검사 | Blood test |
| 공복 | Fasting |
| 검사결과 | Test result |
| 참고치 | Reference value |
| 정상 | Normal |
| 경계 | Borderline |
| 질환의심 | Disease suspected |
| 유질환자 | Person with a known condition |
| 재검 | Repeat test |
| 추적검사 | Follow-up test |
| 정밀검사 | Detailed or confirmatory examination |
| 생활습관 관리 | Lifestyle management |
| 진료 필요 | Medical consultation required |
| 내과 | Internal medicine |
| 가정의학과 | Family medicine |
| 검진 결과 상담 | Health checkup result consultation |
How to Read the Main Test Results
1. Fasting Glucose
Korean term: 공복혈당
English term: Fasting blood glucose
Fasting glucose shows your blood sugar level at one point in time after fasting. One high result does not automatically confirm diabetes.
The Korean national screening rules use at least eight hours of fasting as the general principle for fasting blood testing.
Korean Screening Categories
| Fasting Glucose | NHIS Screening Category |
|---|---|
| Below 100 mg/dL | Normal A |
| 100–125 mg/dL | Normal B / impaired fasting glucose suspected |
| 126 mg/dL or higher | Diabetes suspected |
These are screening categories. A value of 126 mg/dL or higher may require repeat or additional testing before diabetes is confirmed. The same numerical categories are also used in widely recognized international diabetes guidance.
Example: What Does Fasting Glucose of 105 Mean?
A result of 105 mg/dL falls within the borderline range.
It does not mean that you definitely have diabetes.
A doctor may consider:
- Repeating the fasting glucose test
- Ordering an HbA1c test
- Reviewing your diet, weight, activity, and family history
- Checking whether you fasted correctly
What Is HbA1c?
HbA1c, also called glycated hemoglobin, estimates your average blood glucose level over approximately the previous two to three months.
Fasting glucose measures one point in time, while HbA1c provides a longer-term view.
2. Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Korean term: 이상지질혈증
English term: Dyslipidemia
Do not judge cholesterol from the total number alone. LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and your overall health risk must be considered together.
A standard cholesterol panel may include:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Korean Screening Categories
| Test | Normal A | Normal B | Disease Suspected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL | 200–239 | 240 or higher |
| HDL cholesterol | 60 or higher | 40–59 | Below 40 |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 | 150–199 | 200 or higher |
| LDL cholesterol | Below 130 | 130–159 | 160 or higher |
These are NHIS screening classification values, not personalized treatment targets.
Total Cholesterol
총콜레스테롤 — total cholesterol
Total cholesterol combines cholesterol carried by several types of lipoproteins.
A high total result should be read with LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
LDL Cholesterol
저밀도 콜레스테롤 — LDL cholesterol
LDL is often called “bad cholesterol” because higher levels can contribute to cholesterol buildup in the arteries.
Your ideal LDL target may be lower than the general screening threshold if you have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other major risk factors. The official NHIS report specifically notes that an LDL level below 100 mg/dL may be considered for people with diabetes, subject to a doctor’s judgment.
HDL Cholesterol
고밀도 콜레스테롤 — HDL cholesterol
HDL is commonly called “good cholesterol.”
Unlike most screening numbers, a higher HDL value is generally more favorable.
Triglycerides
중성지방 — triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats used by the body for energy storage.
Results can be influenced by:
- Recent meals
- Alcohol
- Weight
- Blood sugar control
- Certain medications
Always confirm whether your test was performed under the required fasting conditions.
3. Liver Enzymes: AST, ALT, and Gamma-GTP
Korean term: 간기능 or 간장질환
English term: Liver-related tests
Elevated AST, ALT, or GGT means that the liver or another related system may need attention. It does not identify the exact cause by itself.
Korean Screening Categories
| Test | Normal A | Normal B | Disease Suspected |
|---|---|---|---|
| AST | 40 U/L or below | 41–50 | 51 or higher |
| ALT | 35 U/L or below | 36–45 | 46 or higher |
| GGT, men | 11–63 U/L | 64–77 | 78 or higher |
| GGT, women | 8–35 U/L | 36–45 | 46 or higher |
These are the national screening criteria. Your laboratory may print a different reference range based on its testing method.
AST
AST, formerly called SGOT, is found in the liver, muscles, heart, and other tissues.
AST may rise because of liver injury, but it can also be influenced by muscle injury or strenuous exercise.
ALT
ALT, formerly called SGPT, is found mainly in the liver.
When liver cells are irritated or damaged, ALT may enter the bloodstream.
Gamma-GTP or GGT
감마지티피 — gamma-GTP or GGT
GGT is found mainly in the liver. An elevated value may be related to liver or bile duct problems and can also be affected by alcohol and some medications.
Does an Elevated Result Mean Liver Disease?
Not automatically.
Possible influences include:
- Alcohol
- Prescription medicine
- Supplements
- Recent strenuous exercise
- Fatty liver
- Viral hepatitis
- Liver or bile duct conditions
Liver blood tests alone usually cannot identify the exact cause. Additional testing may be needed.
Do not stop a prescribed medicine solely because of a health checkup result. Discuss it with the prescribing doctor.
4. Kidney Function: Creatinine and eGFR
Creatinine and eGFR should be read together. One abnormal value does not automatically confirm chronic kidney disease.
Serum Creatinine
혈청 크레아티닌 — serum creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product related to normal muscle metabolism. The kidneys remove it from the blood.
The Korean screening criteria generally classify:
| Creatinine | Screening Category |
|---|---|
| 1.5 mg/dL or below | Normal screening range |
| Above 1.5 mg/dL | Kidney function abnormality suspected |
Creatinine can also be influenced by muscle mass and individual physical characteristics.
eGFR
신사구체여과율 — estimated glomerular filtration rate
eGFR estimates how effectively the kidneys filter the blood.
| eGFR | Screening Category |
|---|---|
| 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher | Normal screening range |
| Below 60 | Kidney function abnormality suspected |
The Korean thresholds are set out in the national screening criteria.
An eGFR below 60 may indicate reduced kidney function, but chronic kidney disease generally requires persistent abnormalities or other evidence of kidney damage over time.
Urine Protein
요단백 — urine protein
The standard categories are:
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Negative | Normal A |
| Trace | Normal B |
| Positive +1 or higher | Proteinuria suspected |
A single positive urine test may require confirmation because temporary factors can affect the result.
5. Hemoglobin and Anemia
Korean term: 혈색소
English term: Hemoglobin
Low hemoglobin can suggest anemia, but hemoglobin alone cannot explain why the anemia occurred.
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
The standard Normal A ranges on the Korean screening report are:
| Group | Normal A Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 13.0–16.5 g/dL |
| Women | 12.0–15.5 g/dL |
The national criteria also apply separate borderline and disease-suspected categories below these ranges.
A doctor may consider additional tests such as:
- Iron and ferritin
- Vitamin B12 or folate
- Other blood cell measurements
- Evaluation for bleeding or chronic illness
Interpretation may differ according to age, pregnancy, menstruation, symptoms, and medical history.
6. Blood Pressure
Korean terms:
- 수축기 혈압 — systolic blood pressure
- 이완기 혈압 — diastolic blood pressure
One high clinic reading can be affected by stress, caffeine, pain, or recent activity. Hypertension is usually assessed using repeated measurements.
Korean Screening Categories
| Blood Pressure | Screening Category |
|---|---|
| Below 120/80 mmHg | Normal A |
| Systolic 120–139 or diastolic 80–89 | Normal B |
| Systolic 140 or higher, or diastolic 90 or higher | Hypertension suspected |
The official procedure requires at least five minutes of rest before measurement. If the first reading is 120/80 mmHg or higher, the screening institution should repeat it after an interval of at least two minutes.
A doctor may ask you to measure your blood pressure at home or return for another clinic measurement.
7. BMI and Waist Circumference
BMI
체질량지수 — body mass index
BMI is calculated as:
BMI = weight in kilograms ÷ height in meters²
BMI is a general screening tool. It does not directly distinguish body fat from muscle.
Korean Screening Categories
| BMI | Screening Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Normal B: underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal A |
| 25.0–29.9 | Normal B: overweight |
| 30 or higher | Obesity suspected |
Waist Circumference
The NHIS screening criteria generally identify abdominal obesity at:
- 90 cm or more for men
- 85 cm or more for women
These are Korean screening thresholds and may differ from the standards used in another country.
8. Chest X-Ray
Korean term: 흉부방사선촬영 or 흉부촬영
English term: Chest X-ray
The standard NHIS chest X-ray is primarily a tuberculosis screening examination. It is not a lung cancer screening test.
Possible result categories include:
- 정상 — normal
- 비활동성 폐결핵 — inactive tuberculosis-related finding
- 질환의심 — disease suspected
- 기타 — other finding
The official 2026 report clearly states that this examination is for tuberculosis-related screening and is not a lung cancer screening test.
An abnormal result may require comparison with older images, another X-ray, or additional imaging depending on the finding.
Why Is Cholesterol Missing From My Report?
A blank cholesterol section does not necessarily mean that the hospital forgot your blood test.
Under the current national general screening rules, the four-part cholesterol panel is generally provided:
- To men aged 24 or older
- To women aged 40 or older
- Once every four years on the applicable NHIS screening cycle
The panel includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
The exact year in which you are eligible depends on the NHIS screening cycle. Check your screening notice or contact the NHIS when the test is missing and you are unsure about your eligibility.
Private health screening packages may include cholesterol testing more frequently.
Other tests may also appear only at specific ages or intervals.
How to Read the Report in Five Steps
Step 1: Read the Overall Assessment
Start at the top of the first page.
Find:
건강검진 종합소견 — Overall Health Checkup Assessment
Identify whether the report says:
- Normal A
- Normal B
- General Disease Suspected
- Hypertension, Diabetes, or Dyslipidemia Suspected
- Known Disease Under Treatment
Do not begin by searching every page for red numbers.
Step 2: Find the Recommended Action
Look for:
- 의심 질환 — suspected condition
- 생활습관 관리 — lifestyle management
- 재검 — repeat test
- 진료 필요 — medical consultation required
- 기타 — other comments
The recommended action is often more important than a mildly abnormal number.
Step 3: Match Your Result With the Correct Reference Range
For each abnormal result, confirm:
- The name of the test
- Your value
- The unit
- The reference range printed by the clinic
- The assigned assessment
Common units include:
- Glucose and cholesterol: mg/dL
- Hemoglobin: g/dL
- Liver enzymes: U/L or IU/L
- Creatinine: mg/dL
- eGFR: mL/min/1.73 m²
Do not compare numbers that use different units.
Step 4: Look for Related Patterns
A single mild abnormality may be temporary.
Several related results can provide more useful context.
Examples include:
- High fasting glucose with high triglycerides
- Elevated ALT with elevated GGT
- High creatinine with low eGFR
- Low hemoglobin with other abnormal blood cell results
These patterns still require medical interpretation. They should not be used for self-diagnosis.
Step 5: Compare With Previous Reports
A trend is often more useful than one isolated result.
Ask:
- Is this the first abnormal result?
- Has the number increased over several years?
- Did your weight, diet, medication, exercise, or alcohol intake change?
- Were both tests performed under similar fasting conditions?
- Were they processed by the same laboratory?
Bring previous reports when discussing the result with a doctor.
What Should You Do After an Abnormal Result?
When the Result Is Normal B
For a mild borderline result:
- Read the lifestyle recommendation.
- Confirm that the test preparation was correct.
- Review relevant medications, supplements, alcohol, diet, and exercise.
- Ask when the test should be repeated.
- Compare the value with previous years.
Normal B does not always require medication.
It does require attention.
When the Report Says Disease Suspected
Schedule a consultation rather than trying to diagnose yourself from the report.
For general blood test abnormalities, you can usually start with:
- 내과 — internal medicine
- 가정의학과 — family medicine
A primary-care doctor can arrange additional testing or refer you to a specialist when needed.
Useful Korean Sentences at the Clinic
건강검진 결과 상담받으러 왔어요.
I came to discuss my health checkup results.이 수치가 재검이 필요한가요?
Does this result need to be repeated?공복 상태로 다시 검사해야 하나요?
Do I need to repeat the test while fasting?추가로 필요한 검사가 있나요?
Are any additional tests needed?이전 검사 결과와 비교해 주실 수 있나요?
Could you compare this with my previous results?약이나 영양제가 이 수치에 영향을 줄 수 있나요?
Could my medicine or supplements affect this result?
NHIS Follow-Up Support After a Suspected Result
The official 2026 result form states that people suspected of certain conditions may receive one initial follow-up visit without a copayment at an eligible medical institution.
The listed conditions include:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Depression
- Early psychosis
- Hepatitis C
The covered service differs by condition.
For example:
- Hypertension: consultation and blood pressure measurement
- Diabetes: consultation, fasting glucose, and HbA1c
- Dyslipidemia: consultation
- Pulmonary tuberculosis: consultation and specified sputum tests
The current form states that the visit should generally be completed by March 31 of the year following the screening year. Eligibility, covered services, and acceptable medical institutions should be confirmed using the instructions on your own report.
Action reminder: Do not assume that every private test is covered. Bring your health checkup report and ask whether the clinic provides the NHIS follow-up service before the examination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Treating “Disease Suspected” as a Diagnosis
It means that confirmation or medical review is recommended.
Mistake 2: Looking Only at Red Numbers
The degree of abnormality, related results, symptoms, history, and trends all matter.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Clinic’s Reference Range
Laboratories may use different testing equipment and methods.
Mistake 4: Assuming “Normal” Means Every Disease Was Excluded
A national screening program tests selected conditions. It is not a complete examination of every possible health problem.
Mistake 5: Comparing mg/dL With mmol/L
Korean reports commonly use mg/dL, while some countries commonly use mmol/L.
Always check the unit before comparing results.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Fasting Conditions
Food and alcohol can affect glucose and triglyceride results.
Mistake 7: Stopping Medicine Without Medical Advice
An abnormal value may be related to a medicine, but stopping treatment without advice can create a different health risk.
Mistake 8: Ignoring Symptoms Because the Report Was Normal
A screening report does not replace a medical consultation when you have persistent or serious symptoms.
FAQ
What does Normal B mean on a Korean health checkup report?
Normal B, written as 정상B(경계), means that no definite disease was identified, but prevention or lifestyle management may be needed.
It can be assigned for borderline glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, or liver enzyme results.
Does “Disease Suspected” mean that I definitely have the disease?
No.
질환의심 means that the screening result meets a category that may require consultation, repeat testing, or confirmation.
Is fasting glucose of 100 already diabetes?
No.
A fasting glucose level of 100–125 mg/dL is categorized as impaired fasting glucose or a prediabetes-range result. Diabetes is suspected at 126 mg/dL or higher, but confirmation may require repeat or additional testing.
What does fasting glucose of 105 mean?
It falls within the borderline range.
A doctor may recommend lifestyle management, repeat fasting glucose, or HbA1c depending on your history and other risk factors.
Which cholesterol number is the most important?
There is no single number that is most important for everyone.
Doctors consider LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, smoking, age, and cardiovascular history together.
Why is my cholesterol section blank?
Under the current NHIS rules, the standard four-part cholesterol panel is generally performed every four years for men aged 24 or older and women aged 40 or older on the applicable screening cycle.
Does high AST or ALT mean that I have fatty liver?
Not necessarily.
Fatty liver is one possible cause, but liver enzymes may increase for several reasons. Blood tests alone generally cannot identify the exact cause.
Can alcohol affect gamma-GTP?
Yes.
Alcohol can affect GGT, but a high GGT result can also be related to liver, bile duct, medication, and other factors. It is not an alcohol test by itself.
Is an eGFR below 60 always chronic kidney disease?
No.
An eGFR below 60 may indicate reduced kidney function, but chronic kidney disease usually requires persistent abnormalities or other evidence of kidney damage over time.
Can foreigners receive an English health checkup form?
The NHIS website provides multilingual health checkup forms, including English forms for adults, young people, infants, and children.
The NHIS contact numbers currently listed are:
- 1577-1000: General customer center
- 033-811-2000: English consultant service
Should I visit internal medicine or family medicine?
Either department is generally a reasonable starting point for abnormalities involving glucose, cholesterol, liver enzymes, kidney function, blood pressure, or anemia.
The doctor can order additional testing or refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Final Takeaway
Do not read a Korean health checkup report by asking only:
“Is this number red?”
Use this order instead:
- Read the overall assessment.
- Find the recommended action.
- Match the value with the correct reference range.
- Look for related patterns.
- Compare the result with previous years.
- Arrange follow-up when recommended.
The two most important ideas are:
“Disease Suspected” is not the same as “Disease Confirmed.”
“Normal” does not mean that every possible health problem has been excluded.
A health checkup report is most useful when it becomes a starting point for prevention and appropriate follow-up rather than a source of panic.
Sources and References
- Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and Korean Law Information Center, 2026 General Health Checkup Result Notification Form and National Screening Assessment Criteria.
- National Health Insurance Service, Health Promotion and Guidance for Foreign Residents.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Diabetes Testing.
- MedlinePlus, Liver Function, ALT, AST, and GGT Tests.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Kidney Test Interpretation and Chronic Kidney Disease Guidance.
Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information about health checkup reports in Korea. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose, treat, or exclude any medical condition.
Screening categories, reference ranges, test eligibility, and follow-up policies may vary according to the laboratory, medical institution, age, sex, medical history, and future policy changes.
Always use the reference range printed on your own report. Consult a licensed medical professional when a result is abnormal, the report recommends follow-up, or you have symptoms that concern you.