What testing of the immunological system is performed and what are the possible treatments?
At Zouves Fertility Center we do screen all patients embarking on IVF for evidence in their blood of auto antibodies which may suggest that implantation may be adversely affected. In patients without a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or recurrent failed IVF, we would do a full panel of the antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) as well as both thyroid antibodies (thyroglobulin antibody and microsomal antibody). If these are abnormal or if patients have recurrent failed IVF or recurrent pregnancy loss, we would add to this testing an evaluation of the cellular side of the immune system through a test called the natural killer assay or the NK assay. Sometimes it may be appropriate to check the chromosomes on both partners to be sure that there are no inherited genetic problems contributing to the recurrent loss. Some patients may share certain immunological markers in which case both partners should be tested for the DQ alpha allele. Some patients with recurrent loss may also have inherit
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