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Showing posts from September, 2024

CRP Blood test - Identifying inflammation

 Introduction   The CRP (C-reactive protein) blood test is a common diagnostic tool used by doctors to assess inflammation in the body. It can help identify the presence of an infection, an autoimmune disease, or other inflammatory conditions. Though the test itself is simple, the information it provides can be crucial in diagnosing and managing a wide range of health issues. If you have unusual symptoms, are suspected to have an infection or chronic inflammatory disease, a private CRP blood test at Fusion Healthcare can provide some valuable information on you health and help plan next steps. What is CRP?  C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. When there’s an infection, injury, or inflammation, your body releases CRP into the bloodstream. The CRP blood test measures the amount of this protein in your blood, serving as a marker for inflammation. While inflammation is a natural part of the body’s immune resp...

3D/4D Private pregnancy scans: See your baby in more detail

Introduction  Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of anticipation and milestones. One of the most memorable experiences for expecting parents is seeing their baby on an ultrasound scan. While traditional 2D scans offer invaluable medical insights, 3D and 4D baby scans provide something extra: a detailed glimpse of your baby’s features, movements, and expressions before they’re born. In the UK, these scans are increasingly popular for parents wanting a keepsake of their baby’s journey in the womb. At Fusion Healthcare these scans can be performed 18 weeks. As these scans are not offered on the NHS, may parents opt for a private 3D/4D scan to see more of their baby. In this blog post, we’ll explore what 3D and 4D baby scans are, how they differ from traditional scans, and what to expect when you book one.  What is a private 3D/4D baby ultrasound scan?   4D baby scans, otherwise known as 3D baby scans, are a great advancement in modern medicine and technology. Cutting-edge ...

Growth and Reassurance Baby scans: know more about your baby

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also bring a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, nervousness, and the natural desire for reassurance. Among the key milestones during pregnancy are ultrasound scans, which provide valuable insights into the baby’s development and offer much-needed peace of mind to expecting parents. Ultrasound scans are a fundamental part of the pregnancy journey. These scans use sound waves to provide build pictures of the foetus which provide valuable information about the baby’s health and development. In the UK, reassurance and growth ultrasound scans are essential tools used to monitor a baby’s progress and address any concerns along the way.   The NHS offers two ultrasound scans during pregnancy, one between 11-14 weeks and one between 18-21 weeks. However, many parents would like additional ultrasound scans for their own peace of mind. This is why private pregnancy ultrasound scans are so valuable. Additonally, these scan combined with private...

Cortisol blood test

Introduction Cortisol is a hormone with a big job — it's often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it plays a vital role in how your body responds to stress. However, its influence goes far beyond stress management. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, control blood pressure, and support the immune system, among other essential functions. Given its critical role in the body, it’s important to keep cortisol levels in check, which is where a cortisol blood test comes into play. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a cortisol blood test is, why it’s performed, how it works, and what the results may reveal about your health. What is cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. It is released in response to signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain, particularly during times of stress. But cortisol’s effects extend beyond just the fight-or-flight response. Some of its key functions include: • Regula...

AMH blood test – Assessing the quality of fertility

Introduction  If you've been exploring fertility options or trying to conceive, you may have come across the term "AMH blood test." This test, which measures Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels in the blood, is a key indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve — or how many eggs she has left. The AMH blood test has become an essential tool for women and healthcare providers in assessing fertility potential, especially for those planning a pregnancy later in life or undergoing fertility treatments. This blood test, coupled with private fertility ultrasound scans can provide valuable information about your fertility status.  What is AMH?  Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by cells in the ovaries. It plays a critical role in the development of follicles, which are the structures that contain eggs. The amount of AMH present in a woman’s blood is closely linked to the number of follicles in her ovaries and, by extension, her ovarian reserve. Unlike other hormones,...

Early pregnancy blood test - Too early for a scan? Have a blood test

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  Introduction Blood tests play a crucial role in pregnancy, whether it's in preparation with a fertility blood test or in monitoring the health of the pregnancy throughout. Blood tests are also valuable in confirming the pregnancy following symptoms of a positive pregnancy test when the pregnancy is too early to be confirmed by an ultrasound scan . Early pregnancy blood tests play a crucial role in determining not only whether you're pregnant but also how well the pregnancy is progressing. While many women confirm their pregnancy with a home urine test, blood tests provide more precise information and can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests. It can be disheartening when a pregnancy can’t be visualised on the ultrasound scan due to being too early, but a blood test can provide valuable information and peace of mind that the pregnancy is progressing healthily. What Are Early Pregnancy Blood Tests? Blood tests in early pregnancy measure levels of specific hormones pr...

Ectopic pregnancy Ultrasound scan: Is your pregnancy safe?

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  Introduction Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. Since the egg cannot develop properly in this location, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as internal bleeding and damage to reproductive organs. Ultrasound scans play a critical role in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy, allowing healthcare providers to assess the location of the pregnancy and guide appropriate treatment. Early detection of this condition is vital to ensure safe and timely treatment and management. Ultrasound scans are a fundamental part of monitoring the health of a pregnancy and can be fundamental in identifying an ectopic pregnancy. What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy? In a healthy pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the lining of the uterus, where it can grow and develop. However, in about 1-2% of pregnancies, the eg...

How Much Does a Private Ultrasound Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

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 When it comes to medical diagnostics, ultrasound scans are essential for monitoring various health conditions, from pregnancy to musculoskeletal issues. If you're considering a private ultrasound, you might be wondering about the cost, the benefits of going private, and what factors influence pricing. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of private ultrasounds. Why Choose a Private Ultrasound? There are several reasons why someone might opt for a private ultrasound over a public healthcare system, such as the NHS in the UK: Quicker Appointments : Private clinics often offer faster appointment scheduling, which can be especially important for time-sensitive issues. Specialized Services : Private ultrasound providers may offer a broader range of specialized scans, including 3D and 4D ultrasounds, which are less commonly available in public healthcare settings. Personalized Experience : You can expect longer appointments with more personalized ca...