Q2A

Got an enquiry ........

Hi, just wondering what kind of pregnancy testing is available through talkwize in Preston as I want a blood test? If talkwize offer this kind of testing, how long does it take for the results and also if it doesn't, where can you get them?

This is our reply.......

The usual way to do an initial test for pregnancy is by weeing onto a small stick which then shows whether the 'pregnancy hormone' HCG is present, or not. You will get either a positive or a negative result straightaway. Talkwize will probably use this method because it's quick, accurate (if done properly), and non-invasive. Try to remember not to have a wee before you go to Talkwize so that you can produce something!

If you really want to have a blood test, which can detect very small amounts of HCG earlier than the type of test we mentioned above, you can visit your GP and ask for a blood test. These usually take over 24 hours and can be up to a week. Another advantage of this type of test is that they can measure the actual level of HCG, which can help them help them to monitor the health of the early pregnancy.

In the above answer we are assuming that you mean a pregnancy blood test, but other blood tests are also available from your GP depending on the info you give them should you turn out to be pregnant. Examples could be that you aren't sure whether you have immunity to Rubella (German measles), or if you are aware of certain medical conditions which run in your family and you are concerned about their possible effect during pregnancy.

From our research these kinds of blood tests aren't usually done until the first antenatal appointment when the pregnancy will be confirmed by doing another test. This is called the 'booking appointment' and will either be with a GP or a midwife. The tests are for anaemia, blood group, immunity to rubella (German measles), and some blood disorders e.g. sickle cell anaemia. Tests are also done for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis. Also, during the first three months of a pregnancy blood tests are done to check whether the baby has any abnormalities e.g. Down's Syndrome. If you'd like more information about blood tests and
pregnancy have a look at:

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Pregnancy-Routine-Screening-Tests.htm
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/testsandcare/bloodtests>

In this reply we've explained the usual procedure for testing for pregnancy, and the blood tests which are done once a pregnancy is confirmed but if you have any more questions we're confident that Talkwize will be able to answer them for you.

Here are their contact details and opening times:

Talkwize
Urban Exchange
Mount Street (off Fishergate)
Preston
Telephone: 01772 255303.

They are open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 12 - 6pm, Saturday 12 - 3pm. No appointment needed.

We hope this is helpful. Please email us again if you think we can help, with this or anything else.

Best wishes from q2a.

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