TEST DESCRIPTION

During pregnancy, a unique type of immunity develops to support the growth and development of the fetus. Normally, the genetic disparity between the mother and the fetus could trigger the mother's immune system to reject the fetus. However, in a healthy pregnancy, the mother's immune system adapts to accept the fetus through active immunological tolerance. This process involves the identification of at least a minimum level of genetic diversity from the father, including diverse human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes.

Studies suggest that fetuses with HLA haplotypes similar to the mother's are more likely to be aborted, indicating an immunological paradox. To maintain tolerance, adaptive processes come into play. Immune suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) and uterine natural killer cells (uNKs) help regulate the local uterine immunity and prevent rejection of the embryo. The activation of uNKs is facilitated by killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which interact with fetal HLAs. The balance between activating and inhibitory KIRs determines the activation or inhibition of NK cells, crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes.

Defective placentation, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and recurrent spontaneous abortion are associated with higher frequencies of inhibitory KIRs in women. Specific combinations of maternal KIR and paternal HLA-C genes may indicate a higher risk of infertility. In such cases, specialized treatment is necessary.

In Fertilysis, we specialize in Reproductive Immunology. Based on your results, we can provide personalized recommendations and immunomodulatory treatments to optimize the chances of a successful pregnancy.

By understanding the role of the immune system in maternal-fetal tolerance, interventions can be tailored to address specific immunological factors that may impact pregnancy outcomes.

SAMPLE COLLECTION: For collection of blood samples, you should arrange for a healthcare professional to draw the bloods for you according to the instructions, in a licensed medical facility.

SAMPLE STORAGE & SHIPPING: Samples should be stored and shipped at ambient temperature and away from light. Delivery of samples should be planned between Monday and Thursday but not Friday or during the Weekend. Sample collection and pick-up by courier should take place on the same day.

RESULT TURNAROUND TIME: Depending on how busy the lab is, we estimate you will get your results in 20 business days from the day your sample reaches us *.

* Please be advised that the turnaround time for specialized diagnostic tests is indicative and not guaranteed and may be extended due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to need for additional clinical evaluation of results, repeat of analysis in cases of unclear or ambiguous results and need for resampling in case of inadequate specimen quality. Therefore, the results will be available in the indicated timeframe as long as there are no additional overheads, as stated above, that may extend turnaround time.