Antenatal Infection & Immunity Screening
Advanced Diagnostic Protocol
Clinical Significance
Pregnancy is a time when certain infections carry consequences far beyond their usual significance — and when knowing your immunity status genuinely matters. Our Antenatal Infection & Immunity Screening is a comprehensive panel developed around UK antenatal standards: blood group and antibody screening, haemoglobin electrophoresis (sickle cell and thalassaemia), full blood count, glucose and thyroid function, plus serology for rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis B and C, syphilis, varicella (chickenpox) and HIV.
Led by Nurse Luciana
Expert blood draws and comprehensive written reports for every protocol.
Biomarker Blueprint
Clinical Measurements
Antenatal Screening
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Doesn't the NHS already provide antenatal screening?
Yes — NHS antenatal care screens for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, blood group and haemoglobinopathies, and we fully support engagement with NHS maternity care. Our panel includes those tests plus several the NHS does not routinely offer — notably CMV, toxoplasmosis, rubella immunity and varicella immunity — which some parents wish to know, particularly those working with young children or planning pregnancy.
Q. Why test for CMV and toxoplasmosis?
CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth abnormalities in the UK, and toxoplasmosis (from cat litter, soil and undercooked meat) can also affect a developing baby. Neither is routinely screened by the NHS. Knowing your immunity status helps you and your midwife judge risk sensibly — women without immunity can take simple, effective precautions.
Q. What does haemoglobin electrophoresis show?
It identifies carriers of sickle cell trait, thalassaemia and other haemoglobin variants. If you are a carrier, testing your partner determines whether your baby could inherit a significant condition — information best known early, when counselling and choices are widest.
Q. When is the best time for this screening?
Ideal timing is pre-conception or early in the first trimester, when the results are most actionable — for example, confirming rubella and varicella immunity before exposure risk matters most. The panel remains informative at any gestation.
Q. Will you share results with my midwife?
Results belong to you and are delivered privately through our secure portal with a written nurse report. We recommend sharing them with your midwife or obstetrician, and we can provide formatted copies for your maternity notes.
Clinical Protocol
No fasting is required. Bring your maternity notes if you have them. This screening is suitable at any stage of pregnancy and pre-conception; tell our nurse your gestation or plans so the report can be interpreted appropriately.
- Standard Medical & Lifestyle Questionnaire
- Height
- Weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Gentle Blood Draws by Our Registered Nurse
Our South Kensington Clinic
Not sure which test you need? We'll guide you.
Book a health screening without choosing a package — our registered nurse will call you before your visit to talk through your health goals and recommend the right tests for you. No obligation, and you only pay in clinic for what you choose.
Guided bookings open from two days ahead so our team can call you first. Outside clinic hours? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll reply as soon as we open.
Antenatal Infection & Immunity Screening — Private Pregnancy Blood Tests in London
A comprehensive private antenatal screening at our South Kensington clinic covering blood group and antibodies, sickle cell and thalassaemia, full blood count, glucose and thyroid, plus immunity and infection serology including CMV and toxoplasmosis — infections the NHS does not routinely screen. Results in around three working days with a clear written report.
What's Included
- Blood Group, Rh Type and Antibody Screen
- Haemoglobin Electrophoresis (sickle cell/thalassaemia)
- Full Blood Count and Glucose
- Thyroid Function (Free T4, TSH)
- Rubella and Varicella immunity (IgG)
- Toxoplasma and CMV (IgG/IgM)
- Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, HIV 1 & 2
- Written report by a registered nurse
Not Included (Upgrade Available)
- —Ultrasound scanning
- —Genetic/chromosomal testing (e.g. NIPT)
- —Ongoing maternity care — continue NHS antenatal care
Who Is This Test For?
- Women planning pregnancy (pre-conception check)
- Pregnant women wanting screening beyond the NHS panel
- Women unsure of rubella or chickenpox immunity
- Those working with young children (higher CMV exposure)
- Couples wanting haemoglobinopathy carrier information
Immunity you can act on
Two findings in this panel are directly actionable before or between pregnancies: rubella and varicella immunity. Both vaccines are live and cannot be given during pregnancy — so discovering non-immunity pre-conception allows vaccination at the right time. During pregnancy, a non-immune result still matters, guiding sensible avoidance of exposure and rapid action if contact occurs.
CMV — the infection every parent should know about
Cytomegalovirus affects around 1 in 200 newborns, making it more common than Down's syndrome or spina bifida as a cause of congenital disability, yet public awareness is remarkably low and NHS screening is not routine. Knowing you are CMV-negative is valuable: transmission comes largely from contact with toddlers' saliva and urine, and simple hygiene measures — not sharing cutlery, careful handwashing — meaningfully reduce risk during pregnancy.
Thyroid and glucose — the metabolic side of a healthy pregnancy
Untreated thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy is associated with complications for both mother and baby, and is easily treated once found; our panel includes TSH and Free T4. Glucose testing provides an early baseline in the era of rising gestational diabetes. Your written report draws all threads together and flags anything your midwife or GP should know — with copies formatted for your maternity notes.
Important: This screening service does not replace consultation with your GP. If you have symptoms that concern you, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111. Our registered nurse will clearly signpost you to appropriate NHS care if any result requires follow-up.
"Our Antenatal Infection & Immunity Screening provides the comprehensive insight you need to take control of your health. Every biomarker is carefully analysed and results are reviewed by our clinical team."
Nurse Luciana, Lead Clinical Nurse
Same-day appointments available in South Kensington
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