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Immune Testing

You are here: Home / IVF / Immune Testing

Immune Testing at the Zita West Clinic

We carry out two levels of testing, using blood tests, to help identify any underlying reasons that implantation may not be happening. At the clinic we call these tests ‘Level One’ and ‘Level Two’ tests. Level One tests will indicate whether there are any underlying medical issues and whether there are clotting factors (thrombophilia) present. Level Two tests check for immune implications at a deeper level.

LEVEL ONE TESTING

The Level One tests will show us whether there are any underlying medical issues, e.g. anaemia, diabetes, how the liver and kidneys are functioning, and how the thyroid is functioning – over or underactive. By looking at the levels of the thyroid hormones TSH, T3 and T4 we can also see whether there are any antibodies present that might attack the thyroid gland (thyroid peroxidise antibodies). Level One tests have the most evidence to support their use and are used by many doctors in the NHS when a woman has had three or more miscarriages.

Level 1 Tests

  • FBC (Full Blood Count)
  • Fasting blood glucose,
  • LFTs,
  • U&Es,
  • Thyroid function – TSH, FT4,
  • Thrombophilia screen – anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM),
  • Antithrombin 111,
  • Factor V Leiden,
  • Factor II prothrombin gene,
  • PAIP polymorphism,
  • Activated protein C resistance,
  • Protein C / Protein S,
  • Lupus anticoagulant,
  • MTHFR,
  • Auto-immune antibodies – including anti-nuclear antibodies,
  • Thyroid peroxidise and anti-mitochondrial antibodies,
  • Thrombotic Risk Screen – FBC, anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM),
  • Antithrombin 111, factor V Leiden, factor II prothrombin gene, MTHFR,
  •  Activated protein C resistance, Protein C, Protein S, lupus anticoagulant,
  • PAIP polymorphism
  • Auto-immune antibodies
  • Chromosome karotype (female)
  • Chromosome karotype (male)

LEVEL TWO TESTING

In the second level of tests we look at the immune implications at a deeper level to give us a greater understanding by looking at subsets of white blood tests (NK cells) in the immune system that may affect embryo implantation.

Level 2 Tests

  • NK assay, TH1:TH2- intracellular cytokine ratio,
  • HLADQ alpha – female
  • HLADQ alpha – male
  • NK assay, TH1:TH2 – for female partner only
  • HLADQ alpha
  • NK Assay
  • Follow-up NK Assay
  • TH1:TH2

Please see our Fees Page for details of fees charged for these tests

HFEA comment

Are the treatments safe and effective?

The independent regulator of fertility treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), has developed a ‘red-amber-green’ rating system for treatments that are optional extras in fertility treatment. They consider that the only way to be confident that a treatment is effective enough to be used routinely is to carry out a randomised controlled trial (RCT). In an RCT, patients are assigned randomly to two groups: a treatment group, given the new treatment and a control group, given either a well-tried treatment or a placebo. 

The HFEA has given reproductive immunology tests and treatments (the name given to treatment using intralipid and steroid) a red rating because it considers that there is no evidence these tests or treatment increase the overall chances of having a baby. We recommend that you read the information on the HFEA website before making a decision about having the tests and treatment outlined here.

We believe it is important that you know and understand that these treatments remain unproven. We can provide you with detailed information documents about these treatments, which we would recommend you read carefully before you decide to have these treatments.

Are there any risks to treatment?

If you are considering using any of the therapies listed, your doctor will make sure the medication or treatment is safe for you and explain the possible risks and side effects. We also have separate information leaflets about each treatment that includes this information. 

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IVF resources

  • Treatment Options
    • IVF
    • Reproductive Immunology
    • ICSI
    • Natural and Mild IVF
    • Single Women and Same Sex Couples
    • Egg Freezing
    • Genetic Testing
  • Treatment Options before IVF
    • Ovulation Induction and IUI
  • Complementary Therapies for IVF
    • Nutrition for IVF
    • Acupuncture for IVF
    • Counselling during IVF
    • Hypnotherapy for IVF
  • Common Questions
    • Failed IVF Previously?
    • Boost Your Chances of IVF Success
    • 4 questions everyone asks us about IVF
    • Pregnancy after IVF
  • More About IVF with Us
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    • What Our Clients Say

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