Pregnancy Blood Testing

Private Pregnancy Blood Tests London

The very first sign of pregnancy is usually a missed period, causing most women to purchase and undertake a home pregnancy test. However, a medical test is the most reliable method of confirming pregnancy.

At Private Blood Tests London, we conduct a blood test to check your beta HCG levels (for this a blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm). It gives more accurate readings, unlike urine tests, since the concentration of beta HCG is higher in your blood. This ensures precise results – whether it is an unambiguous positive or negative – which is reassuring.

We provide same day pregnancy testing to women across London. If you suspect that you may be experiencing some early symptoms of pregnancy or you have performed a home test and are seeking a second opinion, then we can assist. Contraceptives like contraception patches are not 100% effective,and you can have accurate pregnancy results back on the same day with our pregnancy testing services. We regularly conduct pregnancy blood tests for wmen across London to confirm pregnancy or monitor HCG levels in early pregnancy when clinically indicated.

In case you require a private pregnancy test in London, do not hesitate to make an appointment with Private Blood Tests London. Our friendly and experienced staff members can offer you the appropriate support and guidance regarding pregnancy.

Antenatal Profiling

In-Depth Maternal and Foetal Health Test

Antenatal profiling is a critical component of prenatal care, providing a thorough evaluation of maternal and foetal health. The extensive examination consists of a series of tests aimed at tracking and maintaining the health of mother and baby during pregnancy. The key components of antenatal profiling are:

• Genetic Screening: To detect any genetic disorder or inherited illness that may be present in the baby. They may involve screenings for cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome and other geneticconditions.
• Infection Screening: Examinations to determine the presence of any infections that may be harmful during pregnancy, including syphilis, rubella, toxoplasmosis and HIV. Detection at an early stage ensures timely intervention and treatment.
• Scans with Ultrasound: Periodic scans with ultrasound to check the growth and development of the baby to confirm if the milestones are being achieved and checking early on if any issues are arising.
• Blood Tests: General blood tests to look for blood group, anaemia, Rh factor and other significant health parameters.
• Urine Tests: Urine tests to identify any infection or conditions such as preeclampsia, which may impact pregnancy.

Our antenatal profiling service will give both mother and baby peace of mind by guaranteeing that they both get the best possible treatment right throughout the pregnancy process.

Chromosomal Analysis

Identifying Chromosomal Abnormalities for Foetal Health

Chromosomal analysis is aessential diagnostic tool that identifies chromosomal abnormalities that might affect the development of the baby.

This type of analysis assists in early detection of genetic disorders during the pregnancy, facilitating informed planning and decision-making. Some of the main features of chromosomal analysis are:

• Karyotyping: A diagnostic test that analyses the number and composition of chromosomes to check for signs of abnormality like trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).
• Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): A maternal blood test that screens for some chromosomal abnormalities by testing for foetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream.
• Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): More invasive tests where placental tissue or amniotic fluid is sampled to give a thorough chromosomal examination.

By identifying chromosomal disorders at an early stage, our chromosomal testing service enables parents to make good choices and be ready for any further medical attention that may be required.

Ovarian Reserve Profile

Evaluating Fertility Potential through Hormone Levels

Ovarian reserve profile is a critical series of tests for women intending to conceive or having issues with conceiving. The tests measure the number and quality of eggs remaining in a woman and reflect her potential for fertility. Key aspects of the ovarian reserve profile are:

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test: Checks the blood levels of AMH, a good marker for the number of eggs still remaining in the ovaries.
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: Checks the FSH levels on day 3 of the menstrual cycle to see how well the ovaries are reacting to the hormone, essential for egg development.
• Oestradiol (E2) Test: Tests the amount of oestradiol, one of the oestradiol hormones, to yield further information on ovarian function.
• Antral Follicle Count (AFC): A transvaginal scan to measure the number of follicles which can be seen in the ovaries,which are associated with the ovarian reserve.

All these tests together provide an overall view of a woman’s fertility status and can be used to guide decisions related to fertility treatment, family planning or intervention, if needed. All these tests at our clinic are done with utmost care and with personalised advice based on findings.

By providing these in-depth examinations, Private Blood Tests London aims at assisting women throughout all phases of their reproductive life cycle – from conception to pregnancy and beyond.

What Does Pregnancy Blood Tests Look For?

Pregnancy tests screen for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta HCG) hormone in the bloodstream.After implantation, cells from the developing placenta produce HCG, which helps maintain the uterine lining and supports early pregnancy.

Beta HCG is also significant in maintaining pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining to provide nourishment for the growing embryo and which maintains progesterone production, preventing menstruation and supporting the developing pregnancy.

Why is a Pregnancy Blood Test Important?

In the early stages of pregnancy, HCG levels increase very quickly and can be identified by blood or urine testing, which is an effective marker of pregnancy. Normal HCG levels confirm pregnancy, assist in estimating the baby’s gestational age, and provide an approximate due date.

Abnormal HCG levels or a sudden decrease in beta HCG, however, may indicate possible issues such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which can cause rupture of the fallopian tube and life-threatening internal bleeding. This underscores the paramount significance of early and precise pregnancy testing.

When to Get Tested

For the best results, wait for 11 days following conception before undergoing a blood test as the hormone beta HCG might not be present in sufficient amounts before the given time. If you are not sure of your conception, it is recommended to wait until your estimated date of the period before you take a test. This guarantees clear and accurate results.

Ideal Candidates for Pregnancy Blood Testing

You could be a suitable candidate for pregnancy blood testing if you:

• have skipped or missed your period
• test positive with a home pregnancy kit (urine test)
• have a past record of miscarriage
• are undertaking IVF or fertility treatments

A blood test can verify your pregnancy and monitor your levels of beta HCG.

Early signs of pregnancy that can cause a blood test are:

• A missed period
• Nausea, typically occurring at around 6 weeks from your last period
• Fatigue
• Sore and tender breasts
• Frequent need to urinate
• A stronger sense of smell

Navigating Your Pregnancy and Overall Health

Blood testing at early stages of pregnancy provides information far beyond just confirming the pregnancy – it reveals critical insights into your pregnancy status as well as overall health. A beta HCG test is used to detect and evaluate different health conditions, such as:

• Multiple pregnancies
• Ovarian cancer
• Choriocarcinoma of the uterus
• Hydatidiform mole
• Miscarriage
• Missed miscarriage
• Incomplete miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy

A blood test performed by a qualified medical practitioner is a precise and reliable evidence of pregnancy, ruling out anydoubt. Book your appointment today to be sure and know for certain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When can I have a pregnancy blood test?

You may have a pregnancy blood test from the first day of a missed period or 21 days since having unprotected sex for the best results.

How reliable are home pregnancy tests in comparison to blood tests?

Blood tests for pregnancy are usually more sensitive and can detect even the lowest levels of HCG, and thus are more accurate in diagnosing pregnancy sooner as compared to home pregnancy tests.

What do I do if I test positive for a pregnancy blood test?

If your test result is positive, you need to make an appointment with a GP to consultwhat to do next and receive prenatal care.

Can an ectopic pregnancy be detected by a blood test?

Yes, ectopic pregnancies can be diagnosed by blood tests in the case of abnormal HCG readings, but an ultrasound will normally be needed for confirmation.

When can I get a beta HCG test?

Beta HCG can first be measured by a blood test around 11 days from the time of conception. Generally, your HCG will double every 72 hours and peak in the first 8 to 11 weeks of pregnancy. It will then decrease and plateau for the rest of the pregnancy.

What do I do once I have the test?

If you are found positive by your test and wish to proceed with your pregnancy, you will need to continue checking your beta HCG levels to ensure that it is rising adequately. You may do this by arranging a follow-up blood test. You can then be referred back to your gynaecologist or GP for ongoing monitoring, or you can also proceed with your pregnancy privately through our clinic. In case you do not wish to go on with your pregnancy consult your GP regarding this.

How do I know that my HCG is high?

An HCG level of below 5 mIU/mL is negative for pregnancy, and over 25 mIU/mL is positive for pregnancy. very high HCG levels, particularly if inconsistent with gestational age, may require further investigation.