Estradiol- Estradiol levels are used in evaluating ovarian function. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea – for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development in the ovary in the days prior to in vitro fertilization.

Progesterone – To help determine the cause of infertility, track ovulation, help diagnose an ectopic or failing pregnancy, monitor the health of a pregnancy, and help diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) – In women, FSH and LH levels can help to differentiate between primary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries themselves) and secondary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries due to disorders of either the pituitary or the hypothalamus).

LH – In women and men, LH (and FSH) tests are ordered as part of the workup of infertility, suspected pituitary problems, or gonadal disorders when a woman is having trouble getting pregnant or when pituitary, ovary, or gonadal disorders are suspected.

Testosterone- In Women, testosterone levels are used to explain the appearance of masculine features, inability to get pregnant, and as a marker for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Comprehensive Infertility Panel Price – $ 297

The post Trying to Get Pregnant? appeared first on Any Lab Test Now - Killeen.

Visit us Today and you will be in and out in 15 minutes!

The post How It Works appeared first on Any Lab Test Now - Killeen.

Routine Prenatal Blood Tests:
Most of the routine blood tests will be done on your first prenatal checkup. Some will be repeated during additional prenatal care appointments to ensure the pregnancy is going smoothly. Other than the slight pain, and possible bruising, due to the needle prick, all of these prenatal blood tests are safe and do not present a risk to the fetus.

ABO Blood type and Rh factor:
ABO Blood type and Rh factor – A prenatal blood test will be performed to discover the blood type of the mother and if she is Rh-positive or Rh-negative.

The Rh factor is a protein found on the covering of red blood cells of some people. 85% of people are Rh-positive, meaning they have the Rhesus (Rh) protein. The 15% who do not carry the protein in their blood are Rh-negative. Having or not having the protein does not cause a physical issue until a pregnancy is involved. The baby of an Rh-negative woman can inherit the Rh-positive trait from its father. If the blood of the mother and baby mix at some point during the pregnancy, which is common, the mother’s blood may develop antibodies to the blood of the baby. This is similar to an allergic reaction. The antibodies in the mother’s blood can cross the placenta and attack the baby’s blood. This can lead to the baby developing anemia, brain damage or even death.

A medication called immunoglobulin (Rhlg) may be given to a mother with Rh-negative blood to prevent the formation of antibodies. This is commonly done during the 28th week of pregnancy. She will most likely receive an additional treatment of Rhlg after delivery to prevent problems during future pregnancies.

Anemia (CBC):
Prenatal blood tests will be done to test your iron and hemoglobin levels. Low levels on either test can mean you either have or are at risk for anemia. Anemia during pregnancy will cause a woman to feel extremely fatigued and weak. It can also lead to a premature birth and low birth weight for the baby.

If your prenatal blood test results show anemia or a risk for anemia, your doctor may give you iron supplements or injections to bring you back into normal range.

Rubella:
A prenatal blood test will be done to test for immunity to Rubella (German measles). Becoming infected with Rubella during pregnancy can cause birth defects in unborn children. Common birth defects due to the disease include blindness, hearing impairment, heart defects, and mental retardation. It can also lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

If the prenatal blood test shows you are not immune to Rubella, you will need to avoid exposure to the disease during your pregnancy. Rubella is rare in the United States due to childhood vaccinations, but your risk of infection increases if you are in crowds where visitors from countries who do not vaccinate for Rubella are present or if you plan to travel internationally during your pregnancy.

Sexually transmitted diseases:
Sexually transmitted diseases can be passed from mother to unborn child during pregnancy and delivery. Prenatal blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis are routine.

Hepatitis B can cause extreme liver damage and death in babies. Syphilis can cause blindness, brain damage and death. HIV attacks the immune system and leads to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

If you are found to have Hepatitis B, your delivered baby will be treated with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and several injections of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Treatment for the mother also consists of the vaccine and HBIG, which are considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Syphilis is treated during pregnancy with a single penicillin injection when the disease has been present for less than one year, or with a longer dose of antibiotics if the infection is more severe.

Toxoplasmosis:
A prenatal blood test will be done to check for toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a blood infection caused by a parasite transmitted by cats or through eating undercooked meat. The infection may not produce symptoms in the mother, but can cause severe complications when passed to the fetus. It can cause low birth weight, retinal abnormalities, brain calcification, mental retardation, and premature birth.

If the prenatal blood test is positive for toxoplasmosis, antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent damage to the unborn baby.

Bacteria in your urine:
Up to 10 percent of pregnant women have bacteria in their urine, which indicates a urinary tract infection. Most have no symptoms, but even a symptomless urinary tract infection may spread upwards to the kidneys, where it can pose a serious risk to mother and baby. Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics that are safe for mother and baby.

Sugar in your urine. This can be a sign of diabetes. Your health care provider may suggest additional tests if sugar shows up in your urine.

Protein in your urine. This can indicate a urinary tract infection or, later in pregnancy, a pregnancy-related condition that includes high blood pressure. Your health care provider may suggest additional tests if your urine has protein in it.

Sources:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• American Pregnancy Association
• March of Dimes

The post Prenatal Lab Tests appeared first on Any Lab Test Now - Killeen.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may not be present at all.

Below is a listing of some of the most common pregnancy signs symptoms. If you have been sexually active and experiencing any of the following symptoms it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Implantation Bleeding:
Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

• Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation:
A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.

• Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

Swollen/Tender Breasts:
Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.


Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.


Fatigue/Tiredness:
Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.

• Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Nausea/Morning Sickness:

This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.

• Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Backaches:
Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy

• Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Headaches:
The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

• Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

Frequent Urination:
Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.

• Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

Darkening of Areolas:
If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.

• Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

Food Cravings:
While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.

• Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

There may be signs on the above list that make you wonder if you might be pregnant. Don’t remain in the dark. Come to ANY LAB TEST NOW® and order a blood pregnancy test. It is quick and easy. You will be in and out in 15 minutes and you will receive your results the next day.

The post Early Signs appeared first on Any Lab Test Now - Killeen.