Fertility Dictionary - our guide to understanding some of the common abbreviations

What is AMH?

Anti-Mullerian Hormone, a blood test is used to measure your current level of this protein hormone. This should correspond to a person’s observed antral follicle count.  Together known as an ovarian reserve test. Highly relevant to but not an absolute predictor of fertility.

What is the HFEA?

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom. Basically, the UK’s fertility watchdog.

What is FBC?

Full Blood Count - This is a test to check the types and numbers of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

What is TSH?

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, a blood test is used to measure your current level of this hormone. This checks your thyroid function; important as thyroid problems can affect ovulation and your menstrual cycle.

What is Vit D?

Vitamin D, a blood test is used to measure your current level. Vitamin D appears to be linked to both better fertility and a healthier pregnancy for women.

What is NICE?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.

What is a Blastocyst Culture?

Blastocyst Culture refers to the practice of developing embryos within a laboratory setting until they reach the blastocyst stage (Day 5 of development).

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), involves the sperm being injected directly into the egg. This maximises the chance of fertilisation taking place as it bypasses any potential problems the sperm will have in getting inside the egg. More commonly used when a male factor cause for sub fertility is present.

What is IMSI?

Intracytoplasmic morphologic sperm injection (IMSI), is a sperm selection method used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The technique involves using a microscope to view sperm under very high magnification (over x6000). This allows clinics to view detailed images of sperm.

What is PGT-A?

PGT-A - stands for Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. It is a genetic screening test performed on embryos. It allows us to comprehensively screen embryos for abnormalities in all 24 chromosomes before transfer. Genetically normal embryos have a higher chance of implantation, and the resulting pregnancies have a lower chance of miscarriage. Testing embryos may therefore increase the likelihood of pregnancy, reduce the chances of a pregnancy loss, and improve the odds of a live birth outcome.

What is DNA-Frag?

DNA fragmentation testing is a type of male fertility test which measures the amount of damaged DNA in a sperm sample. All men have some amount of damage to their sperm DNA, but high percentages of damage may indicate greater difficulty achieving an ongoing pregnancy. We can now measure both single and double stranded DNA fragmentation.

What is Beta-HCG?

Beta HCG – is a test that measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the blood. Essentially, this test is used to confirm and/or evaluate a pregnancy via a blood test.