Killer cells? cytokines? -anyone have any info on this?

[KC11]

I wonder if anyone knows anything about killer cells that attack an embryo because the cells in the womb think it's a foreign body/cell and destroys them thereby preventing pregnancy? Can a woman be tested to ascertain if she has "killer cells"?

Thanks in advance.

Hi there

I had a blood test for this after my 2nd m/c and found that I was borderline. I've been going to the m/c clinic on Harley St since then and taking steroids from ovulation to af (sadly no pregnancy yet).

I think, though, that I only got the blood test because I live in the area where Mr Shehata from the m/c clinic does his NHS practice, so they are happy to give it. I've heard that other people have found it tricky to get the test on the NHS

Thanks Heebee. I am sorry to hear that you've had two m/c. That's really awful. I hope you'll have success very soon.

Can you recall if the blood test have a particular name or was carried out only when you had acheived a pregnancy? I've never had a BFP. I've had 3 IUIs and two IVFs and still not even a sniff of a BFP.

I might be tempted to go and have the test done privately if I can find out what it's called.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Thank you

I think it was just called the killer cells test - I can't remember what they wrote on the form. I do know that my consultant said that my (nhs) dr might not be able to do it. It was definitely done when I wasn't pregnant though.

If you check out the miscarriage clinic's website, they have a lot of info on it - www.miscarriageclinic.co.uk/

For slightly complicated reasons, I'm also seeing him privately for fertility treatment while I'm waiting for ivf on the NHS, so don't be put off by the fact it is a miscarriage clinic.

I really hope you get your bfp very soon