FAQs
Have questions about IVF and infertility? We have answers.
Prerequisite Testing
Certain tests must be performed prior to initiating a cycle of IVF. Some are required by law and others by national standards of care. Other tests are important to rule out problems that could reduce your chance of conception or increase the risk to mother or baby.
MANDATORY PRIOR TO IVF
| Female HIV Hepatitis B antigen Hepatitis C antibody RPR Pap smear Blood group, Rh, and antibody screen |
Male HIV Hepatitis B antigen Hepatitis C antibody RPR Complex semen analysis, antisperm antibodies, and strict morphology |
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED PRENATAL TESTS
All Patients
| Female Rubella titer Varicella titer Cystic fibrosis carrier screen * Cervical swab for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia |
Male Cystic fibrosis carrier screen * |
Patients of Jewish Eastern European Orgin
| Female Tay Sachs Canavan’s Gaucher’s Bloom’s Niemann-Pick Fanconi’s anemia |
Male These tests are performed on the male if his partner has a positive test result. |
Patients of French Canadian and Cajun Origin
| Female Tay Sachs (enzymatic) |
Male |
Patients of Mediterranean Origin
| Female Hemoglobin electrophoresis |
Male |
Patients of African or African American Origin
| Female Hemoglobin electrophoresis |
Male |
Patients of Asian Origin
| Female Hemoglobin electrophoresis |
Male |
Patients with Family history of Mental Retardation
| Female Fragile X |
Male |
If you are an oocyte donor, several additional tests are required. These include blood testing for evidence of previous or current cytomegalovirus (CMV infection), a genetic consultation to evaluate your family medical history, and a psychological screening interview.
*Test one partner first. If he or she is positive, test the other.
