AMH is a vital test to give your fertility provider information about your ovarian function and egg reserve. AMH can be tested at any point in your menstrual cycle and can also be done if you’re taking oral contraception. Your AMH blood test results will play a vital role in the treatment decisions made by your fertility clinic.

A Full Blood Count blood test provides details about your iron levels. Research has shown that iron deficiency can be linked to infertility, as iron can directly impact ovulation and oxygen levels that contribute to egg quality. Your fertility provider can make decisions about your treatment based on your iron levels.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Testing prolactin levels can help evaluate infertility and determine why a woman is not ovulating.

The Thyroid T3 Blood Test measures the amount of T3 in your blood, which can indicate whether your thyroid is functioning normally or not. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

The Thyroid T4 Blood Test measures the amount of T4 in your blood, which can indicate whether your thyroid is functioning normally or not. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

Testing TSH is a vital part of fertility treatment, as TSH can affect how you respond to treatment. The functioning of the thyroid needs to be managed during and following fertility treatment as both low and high TSH levels can impact pregnancy. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

Testing Vitamin D before fertility treatment can provide your fertility provider with a baseline level to ensure that your levels are within a normal range. It will enable your clinician the opportunity to advise you of treatment for a deficiency if required at an early stage in your fertility journey.
Having a good level of vitamin D can have a positive impact on female fertility and pregnancy. Having higher levels of vitamin D can also improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, which are both common conditions that affect female fertility.

FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and the growth of follicles, which contain eggs, in the ovaries. The blood test is done on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle and is used to evaluate egg supply and ovarian function.
In men, FSH regulates the production and transportation of sperm. The test is used to determine sperm count.

LH is linked to ovarian hormone production and egg maturation. A luteinising hormone test performed at the beginning of your cycle may help diagnose hormonal imbalances, like polycystic ovary syndrome. When LH testing is performed midway through your menstrual cycle (day 14 of a 28-day cycle), the level may assist in determining when you’re ovulating.

In men, LH stimulates the hormone testosterone which affects sperm production. An LH test may be useful in evaluating male-factor infertility.

This test checks for the presence of the HIV virus.

This blood test is used to screen for a current syphilis infection. It detects antibodies that your body produces when fighting a syphilis infection.

This blood test checks for the presence of the hepatitis B antigen, a protein of the virus. A positive result for the antigens means you are currently infected with hepatitis B and are infectious.

This test checks for the presence of antibodies in your blood, which indicate a past hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage, and is transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles or from any situation where you come into contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. Mothers can also pass it to their babies. The presence of this antibody does not guarantee immunity from hepatitis B.

Testing for hepatitis C antibodies in your blood can tell you whether you’ve previously been infected with hepatitis C, but can’t tell you if the infection is still active in your system. If you receive a positive result for antibodies, you should then have a blood test to determine if the infection is current. Hepatitis C can seriously damage the liver, and is transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles or from a mother to a baby.

Rubella testing is a simple blood test performed to identify whether you have developed antibodies after and infection or vaccination in order to protect you and a baby against rubella.  A positive rubella test indicates that you have the antibodies and therefore do not require a vaccination.  If the antibodies are not detected, then you will need to have the MMR vaccination prior to fertility treatment.

This test checks for the presence of chlamydia, which will need to be treated before starting fertility treatment. Please note that this is a urine test and you will be required to provide a urine sample at your appointment.

To check your blood group

HTLV-1 antibody testing is a virus in the same category as HIV. This test must be performed for donors of eggs or sperm and for patients living in high-prevalence areas or with sexual partners originating from those areas.  Your individual history will be assessed by your clinician and advised whether testing is required.

Oestradiol is made by the egg follicles as they grow in the ovaries. It is one of the hormones that is responsible for preparing the lining of the uterus to receive a fertilised egg.

This test may also be used to determine your ovaries’ ability to produce eggs and through an IVF treatment cycle. Your fertility provider may test this level to determine how your ovaries are responding to stimulation.

Progesterone is a hormone made in the ovaries after ovulation and is responsible for maintaining the lining of the uterus, where the fertilised egg must attach to grow.  Progesterone is measured during the second part of the menstrual cycle, usually a week after ovulation.
If ovulation has occurred, you should see a rise in your progesterone levels.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment your fertility provider may recommend testing to measure your progesterone levels before and after an embryo has been transferred to ensure that these are of an adequate level to support implantation and a subsequent ongoing pregnancy.

Testosterone is the primary male hormone which is produced in the testes. When levels of testosterone drop below what is considered normal, it may lead to erectile dysfunction or a reduced sex drive. These factors can have a direct impact on fertility.

While testosterone is a significant male hormone known to stimulate the development of male characteristics, it is also important for females. The majority of testosterone in women is produced in the ovaries, and it can be converted into the primary female sex hormone, oestradiol.

Testosterone in women also impacts libido, bone and muscle health, mood and energy, menstrual cycles, and fertility. Therefore, high or low testosterone levels in the blood could lead to women’s infertility.

AMH is a vital test to give your fertility provider information about your ovarian function and egg reserve. AMH can be tested at any point in your menstrual cycle and can also be done if you’re taking oral contraception. Your AMH blood test results will play a vital role in the treatment decisions made by your fertility clinic.

A Full Blood Count blood test provides details about your iron levels. Research has shown that iron deficiency can be linked to infertility, as iron can directly impact ovulation and oxygen levels that contribute to egg quality. Your fertility provider can make decisions about your treatment based on your iron levels.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Testing prolactin levels can help evaluate infertility and determine why a woman is not ovulating.

The Thyroid T3 Blood Test measures the amount of T3 in your blood, which can indicate whether your thyroid is functioning normally or not. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

The Thyroid T4 Blood Test measures the amount of T4 in your blood, which can indicate whether your thyroid is functioning normally or not. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

Testing TSH is a vital part of fertility treatment, as TSH can affect how you respond to treatment. The functioning of the thyroid needs to be managed during and following fertility treatment as both low and high TSH levels can impact pregnancy. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

Testing Vitamin D before fertility treatment can provide your fertility provider with a baseline level to ensure that your levels are within a normal range. It will enable your clinician the opportunity to advise you of treatment for a deficiency if required at an early stage in your fertility journey.
Having a good level of vitamin D can have a positive impact on female fertility and pregnancy. Having higher levels of vitamin D can also improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, which are both common conditions that affect female fertility.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a hormone produced in the brain and is a vital element of fertility. In women it triggers egg release and in men it causes testosterone production. When your LH level is not as expected, it can cause infertility, problems with your menstrual cycle and a low sex drive in men.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced in the brain and is an essential part of egg production. It stimulates the follicles in the ovaries to enlarge, leading to egg release. Understanding your FSH level during your menstrual cycle can help investigate your potential fertility.

A Full Blood Count blood test provides details about your iron levels. Research has shown that iron deficiency can be linked to infertility, as iron can directly impact ovulation and oxygen levels that contribute to egg quality. Your fertility provider can make decisions about your treatment based on your iron levels.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Testing prolactin levels can help evaluate infertility and determine why a woman is not ovulating.

The Thyroid T3 Blood Test measures the amount of T3 in your blood, which can indicate whether your thyroid is functioning normally or not. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

The Thyroid T4 Blood Test measures the amount of T4 in your blood, which can indicate whether your thyroid is functioning normally or not. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

Testing TSH is a vital part of fertility treatment, as TSH can affect how you respond to treatment. The functioning of the thyroid needs to be managed during and following fertility treatment as both low and high TSH levels can impact pregnancy. Healthy thyroid function is important for reproductive health in women and mean.

Testing Vitamin D before fertility treatment can provide your fertility provider with a baseline level to ensure that your levels are within a normal range. It will enable your clinician the opportunity to advise you of treatment for a deficiency if required at an early stage in your fertility journey.
Having a good level of vitamin D can have a positive impact on female fertility and pregnancy. Having higher levels of vitamin D can also improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, which are both common conditions that affect female fertility.

No, we will send you the results and recommend that you share these with your GP or fertility provider.

It is not unusual for some bleeding to occur under the skin following your blood test and sometimes this can extend a little further around the puncture site.  If this causes you concern, check with your practice nurse.

Sometimes we cannot get a blood sample from you. This can be for many reasons, such as not being hydrated enough, feeling cold or having another blood test recently. We will always offer you another appointment so we can try again.

On rare occasions we are unable to complete the primary purpose of a scan. For pregnancy scans, this may be due to your baby being in a difficult position, or something else such as overlying bowel gas which can obscure the ultrasound image. If this happens, we’ll book you a free of charge rescan so we can try again! The primary purpose is outlined on each scan webpage.

Absolutely! Every scan at Ultrasound Direct is performed by a fully qualified sonographer whose primary interest is your health. All our sonographers are fully trained and appropriately qualified to perform ultrasound scans. Many of our team also work in the NHS locally. 

All our sonographers are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and/or the Register of Clinical Technologists and follow the latest safety guidelines.

We are also registered with the Care Quality Commission, an independent regulator, to make sure you always receive the highest possible standards of care. 

All our sonographers who take blood for blood tests are phlebotomy trained.

No, you can book your ultrasound directly without any sort of referral. If you have any concerns about your health, it can be useful to have scan results ready to discuss with your GP to reduce any waiting times. An ultrasound scan appointment with us can typically be booked quickly and allows enough time to ask questions too.

We will give you same day results in a clear written report with supporting images.  Your scan report will advise you if any further steps are necessary. And if we recommend a medical follow-up with your healthcare provider, we can securely email them a copy of your report at no extra cost.

Your GP can refer you to Ultrasound Direct for a scan via our booking system.

No, we will only discuss your scan appointments or results directly with you. With your consent, we can send a copy of your report and images to your preferred healthcare professional.

Visit our FAQs page for any further questions you may have.