IVF Essential Profile

This test screens for 7 infections:

• Chlamydia Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK. Many people with chlamydia will show no symptoms which makes it easy to pass on during unprotected sex. The only way of knowing for certain you have the condition is through effective testing, but common symptoms include pain whilst urinating, unusual discharge in both men and women and pain during sex.
• Gonorrhoea Formerly known as "the clap", gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It can affect the vagina, penis, anus or throat and as a result can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. It regularly shows no symptoms, but some signs include yellowy or green discharge, burning when passing urine, abdominal pain in women or genital pain in men.
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody The Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) is a marker that shows a person has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. It typically appears after infection and can remain for life, even if the virus is no longer active. This test doesn’t show whether someone is currently infectious, but it helps determine whether they’ve had a past or ongoing infection, especially when used alongside other Hepatitis B markers.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus. Its presence in the blood indicates an active Hepatitis B infection, meaning the person is currently infected and can transmit the virus to others. This test is often the first marker to appear in a new infection. If the antigen remains present for more than six months, it may indicate a long-term or chronic infection.
• Hepititis C Antibody The Hepatitis C antibody test checks for antibodies your body produces in response to a Hepatitis C infection. These antibodies can remain in the body for life, even if the virus has cleared. A positive result indicates you’ve been exposed to the virus at some point, but further testing is needed to confirm whether the infection is still active. Hepatitis C is most commonly spread through blood-to-blood contact, including through shared needles or unprotected sex with someone infected.
• HIV P24 Ag Profile The HIV P24 antigen test detects a protein produced by the HIV virus in the early stages of infection, usually within a few weeks of exposure. It's part of the fourth-generation HIV test, which also checks for HIV antibodies. Detecting the P24 antigen helps identify an HIV infection sooner than antibody-only tests. HIV is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, often through unprotected sex or sharing needles. Early detection is crucial for managing and reducing the spread of the virus.
• Syphilis RPR The Syphilis RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test checks for antibodies that your body produces in response to a syphilis infection. It’s often used as an initial screening test. Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread through unprotected sex. If left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term health issues. A positive RPR result may indicate a current or recent infection and should be followed up with a confirmatory test.