Premarital Health Screening Services

Are you planning to get married soon? If so, you may need to undergo premarital screening as per the requirements of your country. We offer comprehensive premarital screening packages that are specifically designed to meet the requirements of various countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Our screening packages are tailored to provide you with a cost-effective solution that covers all the necessary tests in one go.

Moreover, we also provide standalone testing for sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia. These tests are essential for determining the blood genotype or phenotype (AA, AS, or SS) in certain countries. We understand the importance of premarital screening and strive to offer you the best possible service to help you make informed decisions about your future.

How Many Attempts to Collect the Blood Sample?

• Please take note of the following in our Phlebotomy policy, Each staff member is permitted only two attempts to collect a blood sample from a patient.
• However, if a patient’s veins are difficult to access, another phlebotomist may take over the collection, or the patient will be rebooked to be attended by Our Senior Registered Manager, with the patient’s consent.

1. Premarriage Screening Package – £245.00

Blood Test Included :

1. STI test: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis
2. Blood cell examination using HB electrophoresis can identify sickle cell or thalassemia genotypes. This information is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This is particularly important because sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia are chronic conditions that can cause serious health complications, such as organ damage and stroke, if not properly managed. HB electrophoresis is a crucial tool in the diagnosis and treatment of these blood disorders.
3. Optional Urine Drug Test can be added for substances including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cannabinoids, cocaine, methadone, and opiates.
4. If there are any extra blood tests that you need to conduct, please let us know and we will be happy to include them in your testing. It’s important to us that we provide you with comprehensive and accurate results, so any additional tests you require will be done with the utmost care and attention to detail. Just inform us of the specific tests you need and we’ll take care of the rest.

We provide comprehensive premarital screening packages for couples with complete confidence in our testing process. Our screening checks for genetic, infectious, and transmissible diseases, ensuring that couples can prevent the risk of transmission to each other and their future children. We strongly believe in the importance of educating couples about potential health risks and the necessary precautions to take, so they can make informed decisions about their future.

2. Haemoglobin Electrophoresis – Sickle Cell Screening (Genotype Testing) – £99

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test analyzes the different types of haemoglobin present in the blood, helping to identify abnormal haemoglobin variants. For African  couples considering premarital health screening, it is vital to include the following blood tests:

Identifies sickle cell disease and carrier status, crucial given the high prevalence in Nigeria. This test is essential as Nigeria has one of the highest rates of sickle cell disease. Knowing if either partner is a carrier can help in understanding the risk of having a child with sickle cell disease.

Purpose of Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

1. Diagnose Sickle Cell Disease: Identify the presence of hemoglobin S (HbS), the abnormal hemoglobin variant responsible for sickle cell disease.
2. Screen for Hemoglobinopathies: Detect other abnormal hemoglobins such as hemoglobin C (HbC), hemoglobin E (HbE), and hemoglobin D (HbD).

Interpretation of Results

• Normal Hemoglobin (HbA): Most common type in adults.
• Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF): Predominant in fetuses and newborns.
• Hemoglobin S (HbS): Associated with sickle cell disease.
• Hemoglobin C (HbC), D (HbD), and E (HbE): Other variants that can cause different hemoglobinopathies.
• Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2): Usually elevated in beta-thalassemia.

How AA Genotype Testing is Conducted

The testing involves a simple blood test where a sample is taken and analyzed in a laboratory to determine the haemoglobin type. The results will indicate whether an individual has the AA, AS (carrier of the sickle cell trait), or SS (sickle cell disease) genotype.

Implications of AA Genotype

• AA x AA: Children will also have the AA genotype, free from sickle cell disease and trait.
• AA x AS: Children have a 50% chance of being carriers (AS) but will not have sickle cell disease.
• AA x SS: Children will all be carriers (AS).

Who Should Be Screened?

• Individuals with a Family History: Those with a known family history of sickle cell disease or other hemoglobinopathies.
• Couples Planning to Have Children: Especially if both partners are carriers of sickle cell trait (HbAS) or other hemoglobin variants.

3. Haemoglobin Electrophoresis – Thalassemia Screening – £99

Detects thalassemia traits Screening Process

This test analyzes the different types of haemoglobin present in the blood, helping to identify abnormal haemoglobin variants.

Thalassemia screening is a crucial blood test designed to detect the presence of thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce normal haemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Types of Thalassemia

• Alpha Thalassemia: Caused by mutations in the alpha-globin gene, resulting in reduced or absent alpha-globin chain production.
• Beta Thalassemia: Caused by mutations in the beta-globin gene, leading to reduced or absent beta-globin chain production.

Implications of Results

• Normal: No thalassemia trait or disease.
• Carrier: Indicates the presence of one mutated gene, usually with mild or no symptoms.
• Thalassemia Major: Indicates the presence of two mutated genes, often resulting in severe symptoms requiring regular medical treatment.

Understanding one’s thalassemia status through screening can significantly impact personal and reproductive health decisions, helping to manage the condition effectively and prevent its transmission to offspring.

Importance of Premarital Screening:

• Gauge the positive health status of prospective bride and groom
• Detect infectious diseases – Hepatitis B infection, HIV, HCV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Identify carriers of genetic disorders, to assess the risk of having children with a severe form of the disease. The couple can then choose whether or not to have an affected child. e.g. Thalassemia, Hemophilia and Sickle Cell Disease
• Failure to diagnose and treat STDs at an early stage results in serious complications and sequelae, including infertility, fetal wastage, ectopic pregnancy, cancer and death.

Why Take This Test?

Sickle cell anaemia and beta-thalassemia are hereditary conditions caused by genetic mutations. These conditions can lead to abnormal development of red blood cells and result in health complications. If an individual carries only one gene, they are considered carriers and do not face any health issues. However, if both parents are carriers, their children have a 1 in 4 chance of inheriting these conditions, which can lead to severe health problems like pain, fatigue, organ damage, and a shortened lifespan.

To prevent affected children and lifelong medical care, many countries require screening for these disorders. Genetic counselling is also recommended for couples who are carriers to help them understand the risks to their future children and make informed decisions about family planning.

Alpha thalassemia, on the other hand, is a milder form of thalassemia and does not pose significant health problems. It is caused by the reduced production of alpha globin, a protein that forms part of haemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood. People with alpha thalassemia may experience mild anaemia, but it generally does not require treatment.

Results:

• Results in 3 working days, emailed to you
• Hard copy available upon request
• Avoid excessive fluids on the test day
• Timings are indicative

How It Works:

1. Book our premarriage package with your full name and date of birth.
2. Attend our clinic for the tests.
3. Receive discreet email notifications when results are ready. Hard copies can be mailed upon request.

Testing Process:

Blood tests are Carried out by trained phlebotomists.

Requirements:

• Date of Birth: Vital for individual sample identification.
• Photo ID: An original passport or driving license is required for all tests, as results may be presented to embassies or agencies.

We offer a wide range of blood tests, but the list below is not comprehensive. If you can’t find what you need or need more information, please feel free to contact us at 01138301371 and speak to one of our healthcare professionals. We’ll be more than happy to help you out.

• We provide a same-day blood result service for some blood tests (Monday –  Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays).
• To secure your appointment at Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Centre, the following payments are required:
  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of £30.
  • Phlebotomy Charges : An additional fee of £25 is charged for phlebotomy services and DHL courier service to timely deliver the blood to the laboratory.

  These payments must be made when booking to confirm your appointment. The remaining balance for your services can be paid through our website after your appointment. This ensures a smooth and efficient process for both our staff and patients.

  For any questions or assistance regarding payment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer service team at 01134608760

At Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Centre, we firmly believe that knowledge is the cornerstone of good health. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you on your unique health journey, offering expertise, compassion, and confidentiality every step of the way.

To get your Appointment Booked, please CLICK HERE