Tests required prior to treatment at the ARGC
There are certain blood tests, urine tests and swabs that are required prior to any monitoring or treatment taking place at ARGC. It is helpful if these tests are undertaken before the consultation but if not, they can be arranged at ARGC on the day of the consultation or at a later date if preferred. Please refer to the price list for more information on the associated fees.
The hormone profile (female partner), may be done after the consultation as part of the pre-treatment monitoring cycle which is always carried out prior to the actual treatment cycle.
Tests required for both partners:
- HIV 1 and 2 antibodies *
- Hepatitis C antibodies*
- Hepatitis B surface antigen*
- Hepatitis B core antibody*
Please note that the blood tests must be undertaken in a UK registered laboratory and the results will only be accepted if they are on headed paper and/or stamped and signed by your GP.
For patients where gametes will be provided for the first time in treatment, virology results must be within 3 months of gamete use. If the period between initial virology testing and commencement of treatment is greater than 3 months, virology will need to be completed in line with regulatory requirements.
Please also be aware that they need to be updated every 12 months.
- Syphilis
- Vitamin D
Urine test or swabs
- Ureaplasma and mycoplasma
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
Additional tests required for the female:
Blood tests
- Rubella status
- Full blood count and haemoglobin electrophoresis
- Thyroid function test
- AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)*
- Luteinising Hormone (LH)*
- Oestradiol*
- Prolactin*
- Progesterone*
*These hormone levels are to be taken all together on day 1, 2 or 3 of your period
Swabs and urine tests
- High vaginal swab (for general infection)
Frequently asked questions about your appointment.
Why do we need a referral letter from our GP?
If you have not had any treatment previously then we will require a letter of referral from your GP. This is because we need to know about your past and present medical history which is important for your safety during the treatments and anaesthesia which you may be given as well as impacting on pregnancy.
If you have had fertility treatment elsewhere previously, we ask that you obtain a full copy of your notes from your previous clinic and a further referral letter will not be necessary at this stage.
Please post your notes to our Appointments Department at, 13 Upper Wimpole Street, London W1G 6LP (registered post is best), or you can email them to info@argc.co.uk again for the attention of the Appointments Department.
Do both partners need to attend the initial consultation?
Yes, it is very important that both partners attend for the initial appointment and we are not able to start any investigations, monitoring or treatment until we have seen both partners together for consultation. If one of you is unable to attend on the day, we advise that you rebook at a time which is convenient for both of you and our appointments secretary will be happy to arrange this for you.
How soon after the consultation can treatment commence?
Once you have had your consultation and all the tests detailed above have been completed, you can begin the pre-treatment monitoring cycle. This consists of a hormone profile at the start of the female’s menstrual cycle, followed by an ultrasound scan mid-way through the cycle and some further blood tests in the second half of her cycle. During the monitoring cycle, any further investigations that may be recommended can take place. Once the monitoring cycle has been completed and all is well, you can start your treatment cycle.
Please note that a semen assessment must be undertaken at ARGC prior to any fresh treatment being undertaken.
Please note that for patients wishing to use donor gametes, there will be other blood tests that will be necessary and a session with our counsellor (charged separately) will be required.
We are looking forward to meeting you and please do not hesitate to contact the Appointments Secretary on 0207 486 1779 or info@argc.co.uk should you have any further questions.