SWU Clinic at Srinakharinwirot University

SWU Clinic

It may be a good idea to have some medical exams and tests done every so often. Personally, we are not exactly in favor of undergoing a lot of check-ups. Nevertheless, it seems reasonable to have some blood work done from time to time (but certainly not as often as yearly, unless you have a chronic condition that needs follow-up). This may include : blood cell counts and exam, glucose (possibly with Hb1Ac), liver function tests, kidney function test, lipid profile. If possible include a urinanalyis. Stool exams may be somewhat more elaborate to arrange.

Now the above basis tests are included in all the standard medical check-ups you can find in Thai hospitals. Personally, on a few occasions, we went to Bangkok Christian Hospital for our blood work. It still is a good place to go to, if you want quick results, the standard tests, and a reasonable price. Going to the famed internationally oriented hospitals in Bangkok, will certainly cost you twice as much.

Srinakharinwirot University is located towards the Phetchaburi end of Asoke Road. It is located just short distance from Rutnin Eye Hospital, on the right side of Asoke road, when coming from Sukhumvit. There is a kind of wide entrance to the university campus. The Clinic is located on the third floor of the building where a Starbucks coffeeshop is located on the ground floor. Just walk about 200 meters from Asoke road, and keep to the right side. SWU Clinic is located at the same location as SWU Skin Center, and SWU Physical Therapy Clinic.

We live close to Srinakharinwirot University, which is located on Asoke road, and can also be reached from Sukhumvit Soi 23. The university, which looks like a private university, is reported as being a public one on Wikipedia and other sources. The website of the university bring no clarity to this issue. The university offers standard academic courses, with some important ones like medicine and engineering available at a campus outside Bangkok (Nakhon Nayok).

With all the students around (including a school for secondary education), it is no surprise that the university operates a clinic providing medical services for students and personnel. When visiting a Starbucks at the university, I first noticed a clinic mentioned (and other medical services) on a directory board of the building wall. We went to check it out, and we're informed that SWU Clinic has two sections : one for students (and staff, we think), one for the general public. Operating hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Interestingly, the clinic offers basic laboratory tests, as well as a wide variety of specialty tests.

So you can have the following exams (see below) : routine chemistry, lipid profile, liver function tests, electrolytes, hematology, microbiology, special chemistry tests. And also have the following tests : hormones, hepatitis tests, tumor markets, immune complex tests, infectious disease serology, drug monitoring tests, toxicology, etc.

There is also a promotion that includes : fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, creatinine, liver function tests, hematology, urinalysis. The price is 1,499 baht, and this also includes a visit with a physician. An optional ECG costs 200 Thai baht. You can also elect (at a higher price) to include a standard variety of tumor (cancer) markers.

Pricing overall seems to be quite reasonable. The tests are outsourced to an outside lab, so results will not be instantaneous (usually after one hour or so for standard tests at major hospitals). In any case, if you undergo one or more of the special tests, you will also have to wait longer or come back later at a hospital.

The staff at SWU Clinic will gladly give you the price of various exams in advance. This is useful, since pricing is difficult to judge. For example, we found that checking Vitamin D (combined D2 and D3) levels, was costing 1,440 Thai baht. On the other hand, checking Testosterone levels, costs only a few hundred baht. As a standard to compare with other facilities : lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and calculated LDL-cholesterol) goes for 646 Thai baht. And importantly, you are not obliged to see a doctor, to get the tests done. However, we do not recommend doing so, unless you know 100 % what you are doing. Diagnosing a medical condition takes some knowledge!

Routine chemistry tests, lipid profile, liver function tests, special chemistry tests, hematology, microbiology, urine and stool exams.

All tests ordered at SWU Clinic are done at ProLab (Professional Laboratory Management Corp Co. Ltd.). You can elect to go there, the lab is located at Bangkapi. Check out their website here.

A wide variety of specialty tests are available : these include hormone levels, hepatitis tests, immunology tests, infectious disease serology, drug monitoring and toxicity tests.

Special promotion of tests at SWU Clinic. Note that the price includes a visit with a physician. Columns 2 to 5 lists some commonly used tumor marker tests. ECG may also be a bargain at 200 baht.