Immune testing

This test first measures the killing power of the NK cells in your blood. Secondly, it looks at the numbers of different types of white cells in your blood. We look at these specific types of cells because elevated concentrations of them have been shown to be associated with various fertility problems. 

Cytokines are chemical messengers in the blood. High levels of the TH1 pro-inflammatory cytokine – TNF-alpha, in particular – have been shown to be associated with reduced egg quality, implantation failure and miscarriage.

This test requires a sample of blood from both the prospective mother (or gestational carrier) and another person (usually the prospective father). It measures the levels of blocking antibodies in the prospective mother’s blood to samples of white cells from the prospective father. Low levels of blocking antibodies are associated with higher rates of miscarriage and implantation failure.

The test determines which DQ Alpha markers your body cells carry. To achieve the best results, this test is usually carried out for both the prospective mother and the prospective father. This is because where the prospective mother and father carry very similar markers, there is an increased chance that their embryos may carry identical markers to the mother. In that case, there may be an increased rate of implantation failure and/or miscarriage. This can be due to an increased immune response which may become more aggressive with each successive attempted implantation of a DQ Alpha matching embryo.

This test requires a small sample taken from the lining of the uterus, ideally before your period is due. The sample can be taken at our clinic or, in some cases, taken elsewhere and forwarded to us. Samples are analysed for excessive levels of uterine NK cells, for adequate levels of FoxP3 +ve T-regulatory cells and for the health and development of the uterine lining.

These are genetic conditions, some of which are very common. All thrombophilia (‘sticky blood conditions’) can cause problems for maintaining an adequate blood supply to the uterine lining and to the growing placenta, which results in increased rates of implantation failure and miscarriage.

Additional tests for thrombophilia may be available to you via your GP, but if not, can be arranged through The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy.

Undiagnosed autoimmune disease may be associated with increased risk of pregnancy failure, potentially due to elevated TNF-alpha ratios. A screening panel will commonly include tests for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA), Anti-Histone and ds-DNA antibodies. These tests may be available to you via your GP, but if not, can be arranged through The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy.

KIRs are a family of protein receptors on the surface of NK cells, mostly inhibitory but some activating. There is an increased risk of implantation failure and/or miscarriage if particular members of the activating KIRs are missing. The risk can be reduced by using G-CSF (Neupogen).