How much does a pregnancy blood test cost in the UK private?

After getting a positive indication of conception upon missing periods, it is necessary to undergo pregnancy blood tests. These tests help protect your and your unborn’s well-being and are considered to an essential part of medical care during pregnancy.

This blog aims to highlight the pricing structure of private pregnancy blood tests in London with all the procedure essentials explained along.  It will help you obtain a clear understanding of what these tests are and guide in making a well-informed decision.

What is a pregnancy blood test?

A pregnancy blood test, as the name suggests, is a medical test that checks and confirms pregnancy. It helps measure the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood. Hormone levels rapidly increase during the initial days of pregnancy, with the levels doubling after every two to three day. The peak increase is noted in the 11^th week.

The greatest advantage of obtaining a private pregnancy blood test in London is that trace quantities of hCG can be determined early, even before you miss your monthly cycle. You can expect an upfront price range between £60 and £195 for having a private pregnancy blood test. 

Why a pregnancy blood test is important?

You will require to do a pregnancy blood test if:

• ·         You have been tested positive on at-home urine pregnancy kit
• ·         You engaged in unprotected sexual activity within three months
• ·         You are already pregnant and currently under the monitoring phase
• ·         You are undergoing IVF treatment, and your healthcare provider recommends hCG testing

What are the essential blood tests you need during pregnancy?   

A healthy pregnancy revolves around taking good care of yourself and your baby. Blood tests throughout pregnancy are vital components of prenatal care, providing important information about your overall health and the growth of your baby. You might need to have these tests performed while pregnant:

1.     First trimester blood tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): It evaluates iron and haemoglobin levels in the blood. Also, CBC helps with determining blood disorders and infections by counting on haematocrit and number of platelets and white blood cells.

• Blood Group and Rh Factor: Identifying Rh factor and blood type is crucial during pregnancy. This is because it helps avoid Rh incompatibility problems in later stages. Patients having Rh-negative blood might require Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) injections.

• Rubella (German Measles) Immunity: It guarantees protection from the deadly rubella virus

• Hepatitis B and C Testing: It can identify infections that may pass to the baby.

• Syphilis Testing (VDRL or RPR Test): Screening for syphilis is essential since this notorious STI can lead to severe health complications if left unchecked for long.

• HIV Test: Having a HIV test reduces the risk of virus transmission from the mother’s body to the child. 

2.     Second trimester blood tests

• Glucose Screening Test: This assessment evaluates gestational diabetes in pregnant females. Generally, doctors recommend getting this test between 24-28^th week of pregnancy.

• Triple or quadruple Marker Test: It helps evaluate genetic disorders like Down syndrome and defects in the neural tube.

3.     Third trimester blood tests

• Group B Streptococcus Screening: Shortly termed as GBS screening, this test helps detect GBS bacteria that can cause serious infections in newborn babies. Blood contamination during delivery is the main cause.   

• Additional CBC: It acts as a double confirmatory test in which levels of haemocrit and haemoglobin are checked. The test is best suited for anaemic mothers (detected during the first trimester).  

4.     Other special pregnancy blood tests

·        Thyroid Function Tests: Help check T4, T3 and TSH levels to diagnose thyroid disorders. Imbalance in thyroid hormones can severely affect foetal development and pregnancy.

·        Antibody Screening: Helps look out for antibodies in Rh-ve blood type and specific incompatibilities that can potentially threaten foetal development.

·        Toxoplasmosis Screening: This test detects the infection which may lead to a complicated pregnancy.

When will the pregnancy blood tests conducted?

Most clinics in London carry out the blood tests once, and your concerned healthcare professional will preferably collect your blood sample during one of your clinic visits. If needed, they can be repeated during the later stages of pregnancy – everything will be discussed by the doctor.

The Procedure Explained

• ·        Preparations for test

Most pregnancy tests are conducted from the very initial day you missed your period. If you were not sure of what phase you had been during that time, you can get the test at least 3 weeks after your last unprotected sex.  

• ·        During the test

A pregnancy test will need your blood sample, which will be collected by your concerned professional.  

•  Pregnancy test results

You must ideally receive your blood test results at your next clinical visit. Worry not - all results will be confidential, and you may need to repeat some tests during the later pregnancy stages. Your doctor will contact you from time to time if you require professional advice. This also holds true for further investigations (if necessary).

Why choose MD for pregnancy blood test in London?

MD.co.uk is a leading clinic in London to facilitate private pregnancy blood tests. Here’s why you must choose it.  

• Collaborated with top healthcare clinics located in London. 
• Partnership with laboratories accredited by UKAS 
• Quick and effortless access to GP consultations 
• All findings are verified by the internal physicians. 
• Same-day pregnancy blood tests in London
• Available every day of the week 
• Cost-effective and accessible care for before and after childbirth

Conclusion: Schedule your appointment today with us

At MD.co.uk, we can assist you in booking an appointment for a pregnancy test in London. You can receive testing at our partner clinics recognised for their contemporary, comfortable, and soothing facilities.

Additionally, you can have convenient access to a GP consultation both prior to and following the test. Sign up now! If you are a pregnant lady, schedule your consultation today. We only charge you £20 for a single visit (with an extra £20/month for membership).