Hi everyone
Just wanted to.ask some advice on clinics to ise for nk cells testing.My ivf clinic doesn't offer it and the only places I can find is London, which is a long way for me to go just for a blood test. No where seems to do it unless I'm missing something.
Where has everyone had the tests done?? xx
Hi soapsuds86,
I am going here in a week or two hopefully- uhcw.nhs.uk/miscarriage/nk-...
Hey
Are you with this clinic or just going there for nk cells? Is this nhs or self funding?
Now I'm ready to test for it, I'm finding it difficult to find a clinic that tests for it. My ivf clinic don't do it which is so frustrating.
How are things going?? xx
I am with a different clinic in Newcastle and they don't do this unless it's your 1st cycle of IVF.
This procedure would be private. You wait till you have a positive ovulation test and phone up that day, to be given an appointment for 7-10 days later. The consultation & procedure happens in the same appointment and you get a follow-up telephone consultation for the results. So you'd only have to travel once. This is a minimum 4hr journey each way for us.
We are starting our 3rd IVF cycle at end of March, so keen to have this done now so the results are back in time. I am in the middle of ovulation testing and expecting a positive result by Friday (hopefully!) and we'd go to the clinic maybe on the 3rd or 6th March.
I wasn't aware it had to be done just after ovulation. I think travel time would be around the same time for me too.
I'm not sure i can do ivf again so not sure if nk cells is apropriate still but its such a ball ache!!
Good luck and fingers crossed for your ovulation 😁 xx
I was told the test needs to be done around day 21 (or a week after ovulation). Whether you have more IVF I don't think matters as if you have high uterine NK cells I believe it can be treated so you'd have an answer and a possibility of conception once treated. I don't know the ins and outs of treatment but really just hoping to rule it out so it's not another question mark hanging over our next cycle. And I believe the taking of the biopsy generates a healing process that can help an embryo implant.
Good luck with what you decide. xx
Thanks. I think I should have it done. Just so hazy on next steps.
Good luck to you. Everything crossed xx
Prof Siobhan quenby at Warwick is the expert. Her treatment for nk is still in research/testing phases so not a certain cure. This is because the significance of nk cells is still uncertain.
I would recommend watching the panorama episode on ivf treatment, it discusses nk cells
Like with everything, there are mixed expert reviews/opinions:
A. If nk cells actually make/cause any difference?
B. If testing via blood or biopsy is better?
I'd read about them and always wondered....after the second IVF miscarriage, we pushed for various testing.
We went to a clinic run by Hassan Shehata who is known in his field...they only do blood testing as they say the uterine lining changes every month. Results came back as normal range.
Siobhan Quenby is known, believes in and does uterine biopsies as the other ladies have mentioned. I haven't seen her, but that is mainly because various miscarriage consultants and the IVF clinic have suggested trying a cocktail of blood thinners/steroids, so I'm guessing that would be similar to what would be advised if the nk cells are high.
What part of the uk are you in?
I'm with busy bee on this one.if it's still available, watch the panorama doc -NKC was a big topic on it.theres still a lot of controversy as to whether this is an actual thing. My current clinic don't agree with it & told me if there was really good evidence for it, there really would not be so few clinics offering specialist treatment-they would all be doing it. Having said that b4 I did a lot of reading on it I did spend a small fortune on the test at a clinic in epsom as I feel I was scared in2 having it done.
Sorry don't want to sound like I'm lecturing-just don't want anybody to be ripped off. U have to do what feels right for u, whatever is going to make u feel u have done everything u can to achieve a successful pregnancy so good luck to u on whatever route u choose.xxx
I had a miscarriage followed by one failed round and one fet on the NHS with good quality embryos. I then went private and the clinic suggested the nk cell blood test (it was around £750 so expensive) but mine came back high.
I had treatment for this with my second fet and I became pregnant and am now currently 35 weeks with a little girl. I feel it was down to the treatment I received for the high cells- but everyone has their own opinions on the test. I feel it's worth it as how many unsuccessful rounds was I going to go through spending all that money- in the grand scheme of things and everything else £750 was worth every penny! I'm glad I had the test!
I had this done at my private clinic in Surrey xx
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