Buy an IVF blood test for women with a wish to conceive

Before IVF treatment starts, many clinics like to know a number of blood values. A blood test for IVF can give you and your care team insight into your hormonal starting point and into a few infections and immunities that can be relevant around pregnancy.

By having these values drawn all at once, you do not need a separate visit for each part. That can take some of the hassle out of arranging your appointments.

This panel is put together for women who are considering IVF or ICSI treatment, or who have already started. Even if you are simply exploring your options around your wish to conceive, an IVF intake blood test can give you a factual starting point.

Every clinic works a little differently. It can therefore be helpful to check in advance which values your clinic likes to see, so you measure exactly the right things.

This extensive panel measures a range of values in your blood:

• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): gives an impression of your ovarian reserve, that is, your egg supply.
• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): involved in the maturation of follicles and says something about your ovarian function.
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone): plays a role in ovulation and works together with FSH in your cycle.
• Estradiol (E2): an important estrogen that fluctuates with your cycle.
• Prolactin: a hormone that, when elevated, can influence your cycle.
• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): gives insight into your thyroid function, which is linked to your fertility.
• HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen: screening for antibodies and the p24 antigen that can point to HIV.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen: can point to an active hepatitis B infection.
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody: shows whether you have ever been in contact with the hepatitis B virus.
• Hepatitis C Antibody: antibodies that can point to contact with the hepatitis C virus.
• Syphilis Screening: screening for an infection with the syphilis bacterium.
• Chlamydia IgG: antibodies that can point to a past chlamydia infection.
• Rubella IgG: gives insight into your protection (immunity) against rubella.
• Toxoplasmosis IgG: shows whether you have been in contact with the toxoplasmosis parasite before.
• Varicella Zoster: gives insight into your immunity against chickenpox.
• Blood Type + Rh: determines your blood type and your Rhesus factor.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): gives an overview of your red and white blood cells and platelets.
• D-Dimer: a marker that relates to clotting processes in your blood.

The results can give you insight on several fronts. Your hormone values such as AMH, FSH, LH and estradiol together give an impression of your ovarian reserve and your cycle, while TSH and prolactin can say something about factors that co-influence your fertility.

The infection and immunity markers show whether there are signs of certain infections and whether you appear protected against infections such as rubella, chickenpox and toxoplasmosis. Your blood type and Rhesus factor are good to know around a possible pregnancy. Together these values form separate pieces of the puzzle that your doctor helps to interpret.

This test requires a blood draw at a certified laboratory. In the Netherlands you can choose from 700+ sample points.

After ordering, you pick a location near you and schedule a moment that suits you. The draw itself usually takes only a few minutes. You do not need a referral from your GP.

An IVF blood test can be valuable at different moments, for example:

• when you are preparing for IVF or ICSI treatment and want your intake data in order
• when your clinic asks for a number of blood values before treatment begins
• when you are exploring your wish to conceive and want an early picture of your hormones
• when you want to measure again after an earlier treatment

Which values are relevant for you depends on your situation and the way your clinic works.

Your result shows a value with a reference range and a short explanation for each marker. What counts as usual varies by laboratory and sometimes by person.

A value inside or outside the range can mean different things, depending on your situation. For the infection and immunity markers it is often a positive or negative result. The doctor helps you place your results in the right context.

For part of the hormone values, such as FSH, LH and estradiol, the day of your cycle can influence the result. These are therefore often drawn around the start of your cycle. Discuss with your clinic which moment is suitable for you.

For most other values no special preparation is needed, and you usually do not need to fast. If in doubt, check with your clinic or GP.

Your result is usually available online within a few working days. Each value is shown clearly with a reference range and an explanation, so you understand what you see and can take it to your clinic.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.