We understand fertility treatment can be a long and challenging journey, so we make sure you feel fully supported with the right treatment plan. Sometimes, if you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriage, implantation failure or unexplained treatment failure, where no other cause is obvious, we may recommend immunology testing. Research has shown that an “overactive” immune system may negatively affect pregnancy outcomes – a problem that often gets overlooked. If we think these tests may help uncover the root cause of your recurrent miscarriages and increase your chance of a successful pregnancy, we’ll talk to you about your options.
We put every patient on the best possible treatment plan with the highest chance of success. As immunology testing is an advanced investigation we use to support other fertility treatments such as IVF, , the first step will be a discussion between you and your doctor about whether it might be beneficial for you.
Step 2: A blood test
We’ll arrange for a convenient time for you to come into the clinic so we can take a blood sample from you. We’ll be able to carry out all the relevant testing from a single visit. We’ll then check for:
Test: Inherited thrombophilia and autoimmune factors
In this test we check for undiagnosed genetic conditions and autoimmune diseases, some of which are more common than you might think. All can cause fertility problems and may be associated with increased risk of pregnancy failure.
Test: Natural Killer (NK) cell assay panel
This test measures the killing power of the NK cells in your blood. In normal amounts they fight infection but it’s believed that elevated levels are associated with failed embryo implantation and miscarriage. We’ll also test the numbers of various types of white cells in your blood. Again, elevated levels are associated with fertility problems.
Test: TH1:TH2 intracellular cytokine ratios
Cytokines are chemical messengers in the blood. High levels are associated with reduced egg quality, implantation failure and miscarriage.
Additional advanced investigations
Explore the full range of world-class treatments we have at our state-of-the-art clinic to support your fertility journey.
EMMA Test
The EMMA or Endometrial Microbiome Metagenomic Analysis test evaluates the microbial environment in your uterus.It’s painless and carried at the same time as the ALICE test during your natural cycle after ovulation.
The Analysis of Infectious Chronic Endometritis (ALICE) test detects the bacteria causing chronic endometritis. It’s painless and carried at the same time as the EMMA test during your natural cycle after ovulation.
It's important to know that there is hope for all miscarriage sufferers, with advancements in medical understanding and support offering prospects for successful pregnancies.
