Diagnostics

The Verity Allen Acupuncture clinics are truly one of a kind. Nowhere else can a patient expect to find cutting-edge diagnostics alongside their acupuncture treatment - rivalling private fertility clinics for more relevant and meaningful results. 

In her capacity as Clinical Lead, Verity keeps up-to-date with the latest fertility trends and diagnostics used in clinical practice abroad and applies them to her own practice. The UK is far behind much of the world when it comes to applying targeted diagnostics to shape and inform IVF treatment outcomes and so our clinics are there to bridge the gap. 

By using state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, patients are given a more well-rounded overview of their case - often explaining what has previously gone "unexplained". 

It is our view that all infertility cases can be explained given the right tools and diagnostics. In this day and age, unexplained infertility is, put simply, a cop-out!

Laboratory Testing

Where modern medicine truly excels is in its diagnostics. Chinese Medicine uses pulse diagnosis to inform our treatments, which is invaluable, but it cannot deliver intricate details about all the different interrelations and nuances between the hormones. 

Patients are given the option to have private testing to give us more individualised information, meaning that treatments, advice and medications can be targeted more effectively.

​It is important that we deliver quick results as our clinics are very busy and we find that using Western medical diagnostics works to everyone's advantage. 

Semen Analysis

We've partnered with MOJO to be able to deliver an at-home sperm testing service that rivals any fertility clinic. 

It's cheaper than a male MOT test at your local fertility centre, covers all the same markers, and can be done in the privacy of your own home.

Continuous Blood Glucose (CGM) Service

Always at the forefront of modern diagnostics, we've enlisted the help of our resident Nutritionist, Rachel, to deliver our CGM service. 

CGMs are growing in popularity in the States and are useful in fertility when better understanding insulin resistance. If you're new to this then head over to our blog for details. insulin-resistance-and-fertility.html

This insightful test is recommended for those of our patients with PCOS, erectile dysfunction, adrenal fatigue and premature ovarian failure (POF/POI). 

Thyroid Health

Thyroid health is crucially important in fertility. Clue yourself up here: miscarriage-myths.html

We work closely with Dr Georgina Conway who has tirelessly supported our patients and given them the help needed when no other fertility consultant was prepared to. As a thyroid specialist she too takes her lead from more advanced countries in the field of endocrinology and is able to apply these insights to our patients. 

Comprehensive thyroid blood work and cortisol profiling is used to better inform your case and from there Dr Conway and her team can provide advice, medication and ongoing support in pregnancy. 

Prescription Service

We are proud to be able to provide for our patients medications when they need it the most. 

As a holistic practitioner first and foremost I understand that medication is not and should not always be the first approach. However, as a fertility specialist, I understand that the holistic approach takes time and this is not always a luxury patients can afford when it comes to fertility. 

Therefore, we are able to access The Thyroid Clinic's quick prescribe service for our patients. 

DHEA, progesterone and antibiotics all should have their place in a modern fertility clinic and we are delighted to be able to offer this as a service. 

Genetics Testing

Some IVF clinics in this country align to our way of thinking... 

IVF Matters is an online IVF clinic that prioritises diagnostics before a decision is made as to whether IVF is needed. 

Dr Irfana Koita, the clinic's founder, runs our more in-depth fertility diagnostics, including karyotyping and coagulopathy profiling. 

If you're new to genetics testing, clue yourself up here: balanced-translocation-ever-heard-of-it.html

Vaginal Microbiome Profiling

Our most recent diagnostic to add to our services but proving to be the most invaluable. 

Bacterial vaginosis, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, candida, enterococcus faecalis all have a wealth of research showing them to have adverse effects on pregnancy outcome, preterm birth and stillbirth. And yet these tests are not run as standard in this country. Most of our patients that test positive for bacterial overgrowth are asymptomatic - meaning they had no symptoms. 

We aim to run this diagnostic for all patients with recurrent miscarriage and/or unexplained infertility and from here we can organise antibiotics/probiotics for you and your partner to fix the issue. 

Blood Testing and Phlebotomy Service

We have an array of at-home finger prick blood tests that we call upon when we need further insight. Day 3, day 21, progesterone, thyroid, vitamin, autoimmune tests - you name it, we can run it! 

And for those tests that cannot be carried out via a finger-prick we offer a phlebotomy service. Some of our Associates are also Phlebotomists and can carry out your blood testing during your acupuncture treatment. For those that cannot access phlebotomy treatment during their acupuncture appointment we can organise for one of our affiliated Phlebotomists to visit you at home. 

Progesterone Service

For those of our patients who suffer miscarriage, taking progesterone in those very early stages can prove invaluable. But getting hold of progesterone in those very early stages can prove impossible! 

We organise a hCG blood test to be carried out 10 days post ovulation. If positive, we arrange a further blood test to ensure the levels of pregnancy hormone are doubling. 

We are able to arrange a progesterone prescription so that you can be taking synthetic hormone as early as 10 days post ovulation, which is often when the patient needs it the most. 

Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test

We've partnered with Examen to provide the Comet Test - the most accurate DNA fragmentation test on the market. 

If you don't yet know about DNA Fragmentation clue yourself up here: could-it-be-sperm-dna-fragmentation.html

THE PRICE LIST

CGM Service

Includes 14 day use of CGM, a 60 minute consultation with Rachel, our Nutritionist. A full detailed report of Rachel's findings, including dietary and lifestyle advice. A 30 minute follow-up consultation. 

​£300

Semen Analysis

The test kit arrives to your door with its own cryogenic freezer.

Once the sample is received at the lab, results are available within 48 hours. 

£199
​

Karyotyping 

This test is an at-home finger prick blood test for yourself and your partner to ascertain whether there is a genetic concern affecting your case. It includes a clinical review with Dr Koita. 

​£399 each
​

Vaginal Microbiome Profiling

An at-home swab test that can simply be popped in the post. 

​£199

Hormone Profiling

This test maps the female hormones across a whole cycle and gives us more insight into hormonal imbalance - oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol and DHEA. It involves collecting 18 vials of saliva in a 28 day period. 

​£215

Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test

Patients are required to travel to Oxford Street, London to deposit their sample. 

​£350