My clinic doesn’t offer BETA test?

[theotherblonde]

Hi everyone I hope you are all keeping well.

I have my Frozen Embryo Transfer in 2 days. After 2 years nearly of infertility, in 2 days it is all up to God from then on and I am faithful it will work.

I just got a bit stressed today when I realised that my clinic do not provide BETA blood tests and it’s just, you do a pregnancy test and then a scan at 8 weeks. Is this common for most U.K. NHS and even private clinics? My clinic is NHS in Glasgow.

Do you think I need the BETA? All my research (you tube video after video of success stories) shows girls getting their beta results and crying when the numbers are great and preparing themselves for the worst when they are not so great.

Is this just an American thing or is it cause I am NHS as to why it’s not really done?

Any experiences any of you have would be so helpful.

Thanks everyone ❤️

[Niki_B]

Hi hun, I really dont understand why the UK does not do beta tests. It's the only reliable test really. I'm in New Zealand and all my clinic does is beta tests. They dont even give you a urine test to take home...just a beta test 9dp5dt or 10dp5dt if it's a frozen transfer. So definately not an American thing. So I'm sorry no advice on why, maybe you could get a beta test done privately? I'm not sure. But best of luck for your transfer and 2ww xxx

[theotherblonde in reply to Niki_B]

Thank you I just found it so strange as all my research indicated good or bad numbers and it just seemed normal to me. I am really confused. I found a private hospital where I can get the test but I am not sure if they are open because of Covid. Hopefully I will find out soon. Thank you for your well wishes. I am even confused if I should be a test early kinda gal or wait until OTD 😂 xx

[Niki_B in reply to theotherblonde]

Oh yes forgot about covid (we are covid free here now, just cases at the border in managed quarantine) but hopefully you can get one if you decide too. I always test early, usually 7dpt or 8dpt people say not too but personally I start going crazy by then..AND I always wanted to be prepared of what my results would be before I got the call from my nurse from my BETA. Both my BFN were stark white at 7dpt and 8dpt but had a very strong line 7dpt on my BFP (sadly ended in miscarriage at 11 weeks 😥) just be prepared if you do test early..you will test everyday until OTD as you wont be able to stop! Which is why I love my clinic does beta at 9dpt so not much of a wait. I know you poor girls in the UK have to wait 12 - 15dpt ... I'd be insane by then! 🤣. Sending lots of baby dust your way 😘❤

[theotherblonde in reply to Niki_B]

I am so sorry for your loss, after everything to get to that point and then if end in MCC. I hope you will try again, next time is your time. I am going to look into some options for a private BETA. I don’t mind spending the money if I have to. My transfer is tomorrow so excited. Xx

[Niki_B in reply to theotherblonde]

Thanks hun. It was truely devastating. Especially being so close to that "safer" 12 week mark. It broke me and took me a long time to come right. But 1 year later..am with a new partner whom I love dearly, and am currently 21 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby boy..which happened naturally!! Still cant believe it happened..my chances of ever conceiving naturally were very very low. I had given up my dream. And I just turned 40 in April. Miracles really do happen! Good luck with your transfer I hope this is your time 😘❤💕

[Twiglet2]

Hey I think I saw you post this on the clinic Facebook page earlier too. The beta might be able to tell you with more precise detail whether you are pregnant or how the pregnancy is progressing in early stages but it ultimately makes no difference to the actual outcome, you are either pregnant and it’s going well or your not. A pregnancy test and then an 8 week scan does the same thing so it’s really only to put mind at ease. I think you said you were going private with it anyways but honestly a decent pregnancy test in your own home on test day does the trick and actually for me Personally after 7 negatives and a positive that turned into a chemical A few weeks later I would rather be at home. Good luck with your transfer 🤗xx

[theotherblonde in reply to Twiglet2]

Thank you for your reply. I am probably just getting worried over nothing maybe. Yeah I know it doesn’t change the outcome. I think I just saw that test as an added step to make me believe I am pregnant if this makes sense. I would love to do the test private but I am not sure if the Nuffield is open because of Covid. The website lets you book and pay (£80) but then it also says the Glasgow hospital is closed.

I have emailed to find out more information. My husband said the beat isn’t important actually when I told him. Will see how I feel after I find out on a home pregnant test the result.

Thanks again for commenting xx

[Twiglet2 in reply to theotherblonde]

Yeah if you need one after the result your GP might provide but I don’t think it’s needed in most cases 🤗 lots and lots of luck 💕 xx

[Edel7303 in reply to theotherblonde]

Hi, I am based in Ireland, and my clinic didn't do a Beta test either. I went to my local GP and got a blood test (cost me €30). Not sure about UK but that should be an option for you? I had the results back same day. GP's get blood tested everyday. They just need to tick what they are checking for.

[theotherblonde in reply to Edel7303]

Hello Edel7303 thank you. I did try to call my GP but getting information from them was hard. They are going to call me back and let me know if I can get it there. Xx

[Wishingfortheday]

Hi, I had my beta test at Nuffield (pre Covid), as my overseas clinic asked me to get one. They are a little tricky to find in the UK, and I think the reason they are not carried out here commonly is cost. A urine strip test costs pennies, while a blood test costs lab time.

The test won't change the outcome of your treatment, but the main advantages beta tests give are: a) knowing the outcome of your transfer a few days sooner, and b) by comparing the hormone increase over a couple of days you can also have a good indication of the viability of a pregnancy. These are things that would still happen over time, but let's face it we do enough waiting in the IVF world and we just want to know!

I wouldn't worry too much if you can't find anywhere able to do your beta during Covid, just be prepared to hang on a little longer for your answer. Best of luck and fingers crossed for you 🤞 x

[Hidden]

I think its quite normal not to, I have never had a Beta test and only gone with a home pregnancy test and then a scan between 7 and 8 weeks. I think each clinic is different but for every clinic that does bloods there is a clinic that doesn't. I think in truth often the blood results just add to the worry if they are low or not doubling so I think my clinic goes with the 'you are pregnant until proven otherwise' approach. Interestingly even when I have had suspected MC it has been a real fight to get HCG bloods done on the NHS! I often think its a cost thing x

[Kseye]

My clinic used to do a BETA, but since COVID they don’t do it anymore. My first transfer I had a low beta that wasn’t doubling right and gave me time to prepare for the loss that was coming. So this time when the clinic said they wouldn’t do it I knew it would drive me mad. So I ordered a private testing kit from medichecks, did one on test day and 2 days later and it is high and doubling well. The reassurance it has given me is priceless, so worth the money in my opinion. I am UK based also.

[theotherblonde in reply to Kseye]

Thank you for your reply. When you ordered one of medichecks, was it the finger print one or go to see a nurse? How did you find the service xx

[Kseye in reply to theotherblonde]

It was the finger prick one, I find as long as you run your hands under hot water for a while it is easy to do. Takes a couple of days to get the result but otherwise it is good service. The “pregnancy progress” one tells you your progesterone level too which is helpful.

[ChloeDE]

You can buy a finger prick HCG test from medichecks, do it yourself and send it off if you want to do one.

It's best to do two tests - two days apart - to check your numbers are doubling.

[theotherblonde in reply to ChloeDE]

Thank you so you think the finger prick one is any different to a nurse drawing blood in germs of the result? I found a website where I can do that for £30.00 xx

[ChloeDE in reply to theotherblonde]

I think they are fine. It's pretty standard that they are just measuring the amount of HCG in your blood.

Good luck!

[Hidden]

Mine was just pregnancy test and then scan at 8 weeks. I thought that was quite normal x

[Florencenightingale]

I was private and my clinic didnt do hcg either. I think even if you do it, people worry so much about the numbers x

[London_Lady1]

My clinic do as part of a private IVF/ICSI package cycle. But due to stupid, horrible covid they are trying to reduce appointments so aren't currently offering it as standard. That being said when I called them yesterday to say I was spotting (5 weeks pregnant) they got me in there that afternoon to test. The only thing a blood test will do is ease a worried mind (a bit!) But you could also do several pregnancy tests and see the line getting darker or the expensive week counter one once a week to make sure its going up.

If you're pregnant and feeling fine I wouldn't worry but if you're having niggling doubts (probably like we all will do) then defo get it done. It won't change the result but might help you relax a bit.

Wishing you all the luck with your treatment xx