Blood Tests at Starlight Ultrasound
Supporting Fertility & Pregnancy Journeys
Starlight Ultrasound offers fertility and pregnancy ultrasound scans at both clinic locations.
Additionally Laura Gardner, an Advanced Practitioner Clinical Specialist Sonographer and Senior Registered Midwife, also offers a comprehensive range of fertility and pregnancy-related blood tests to support individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
It is normal for blood tests to be requested by a fertility clinic or a doctor who is then able to interpret and act on the results.
Some tests don't require GP or specialist referral so please enquire before booking.
Our website lists prices for some individual blood tests but if you require multiple tests, there are some profiles or combinations that include multiple tests that can work out more economical for you so we will always check for you.
Fertility-Related Blood Tests
Understanding one's fertility health is a crucial step in the conception process and is often required by fertility clinics prior to and during treatment. Starlight Ultrasound provides various blood tests to assess fertility status, including:
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Baseline Hormone Tests: These evaluate hormone levels essential for ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation and may include Oestrogen and Progesterone.
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Tests: These hormones play pivotal roles in egg development and release.
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Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test: This measures ovarian reserve, indicating the remaining egg supply.
there are many more that may be required or requested by your clinic and all should be available from Starlight.
Starlight has access to practically every type of blood test, with the most common and popular available to book online but if there is a particular test you have been asked for we advise you to check with us if you cannot see it on our website.
These tests provide valuable insights into reproductive health, aiding in identifying potential challenges early on. They are also used to monitor treatment plans.
Pregnancy-Related Blood Tests
Throughout pregnancy, regular blood tests are vital to monitor both maternal and fetal well-being. Starlight Ultrasound offers a comprehensive suite of tests, including:
- Beta HCG: This test measures the specific level of HCG in the blood, with HCG being a hormone produced during pregnancy. It can confirm a pregnancy with greater accuracy than a urine test and earlier than ultrasound scan.
- Antenatal profile: A profile comprising 14 tests and the equivalent to what you would receive when booking in at an NHS hospital with the midwife including full blood count and blood group.
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Full Blood Count (FBC): Assesses overall health by measuring various blood components.
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Blood Group and Rhesus Status: Determines blood type and Rh factor to anticipate and manage potential compatibility issues.
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Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Screens for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. Starlight offers the Illumina VeriSeq v2 NIPT with a complimentary courier service to ensure prompt results as well as IONA and IONA Care. Typically both NIPTs generate results within two to five working days.
Other Pregnancy-Related Tests
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Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening: Identifies the presence of GBS bacteria to manage and reduce the risk of neonatal infection. As it not offered as standard by the NHS, this can be done at any time but in pregnancy it is recommended from 36 weeks.
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Urine Analysis: The analysis includes testing for the presence of amongst other things proteins, glucose, ketones and leucocytes as well as testing for infection.
Convenience and Efficiency
To ensure timely results, Starlight Ultrasound provides a complimentary courier service that delivers samples directly to a Manchester-based laboratory. Many tests offer a rapid turnaround, with results available on the same day including evenings and weekends.
Booking and Accessibility
Appointments for blood tests can be conveniently scheduled online, via email, social media, over the phone or even in person at either of our clinic locations.
Starlight Ultrasound operates two clinics in Greater Manchester serving the North West of England: one in Bury town centre and another in Hale village. Both locations are designed to provide a welcoming, calm, and reassuring environment.
The clinic in Bury is on the ground floor and whilst the clinic in Hale is on the first floor meaning visitors need to ascend a flight of stairs, there is a stair lift for wheelchairs, pushchairs and buggies, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
By offering these comprehensive blood testing services, Laura Gardner and her team at Starlight Ultrasound play a pivotal role in supporting individuals and couples through their fertility and pregnancy journeys, ensuring they receive the necessary information and care at every stage.