IVF clinic asking for a COVID test before my scan next week - even though I don't have any symptoms

[Bluebell5569]

Hi all - wondering if you can help.

I have a viability (early pregnancy) scan next week at my IVF clinic (it's a private clinic but I'm an NHS funded patient). This week they rang me and said that I will need to self isolate for 10 days prior to my appointment, which is fair enough.

Here's where it gets a bit weird. They said I need to have a COVID test and confirm a negative result 2- 5 days before my scan, even if I don't have any symptoms. They said that my husband cannot attend my scan next week but HE will also need to have a COVID test and confirm a negative test.

They said we can get private COVID tests but this will cost £100 per test (so £200) or they said we can get NHS tests - but don't you need symptoms for an NHS test? I can check my temperature over the weekend and if it's high I can get a test..but what would people do if they don't have symptoms? Pay £100 for a test!?

The other complication is that we don't have a car so we will have to walk quite far to the NHS testing centre, which I don't feel comfortable with given I'm pregnant and the (ironic) risk of actually catching COVID!

So I'm at a loss. This is making me feel really anxious. This scan is really important to me as I've been worried sick about the pregnancy..I don't know why they are making it so strict for a health-related appointment?

Has anyone else had this?

Just to add that I totally get safety and minimising risk and I hope I don't sound too self centered..but I just think they are making it quite difficult...

Get a scan somewhere else. Would cost the same as getting a covid test

But I don't feel it's right that I should pay hundreds of pounds for a pregnancy scan that everyone should get after an IVF cycle..it just seems quite unreasonable to me. .

It might not feel right but it's £70 for an early scan at Ultrasound Direct so if you are stressed it seems like a small price to pay.

Wondering if this applies to all IVF appointments? Has anyone else had this?

I would order a test online sent to your door then you don't have to leave the house.

It comes back pretty quick same as if you went to a test centre.

They are asking you to get one as they wouldn't know you didn't self isolate for that time and they are protecting you and others so don't take any offence to that.

Also you can order a test now if you don't have any symptoms - you can in my area anyway not sure if it's the same

Failing that just order one anyway? I would do that option like you say why would you pay all that money when you've already paid thousands

Don't worry, it's not worth stressing out over x

If you look at other threads here many people are having their IVF postponed after already lengthy waits. Some NHS clinics are having staff redeployed, resources are stretched. As your clinic is private it probably won't close but due to extra covid protocols fewer appointments are available. I'd just pay for a scan somewhere convenient.

@LongerthanMrTicklesarms - yes you are right. I really feel for people who've had their treatment postponed..it must be really hard for them.

Just difficult not to stress about every little thing at the moment.. xx

Honestly this made me feel stressed and it's not even me.
Trying to get 10 days off work at short notice would be a nightmare, and having to pay out an extra £200 I hadn't budgeted for would also be an issue.
I know things are bad and safety is important but it feels a bit like taking advantage of people at a very emotional time.
Unfortunately I don't know what options you have other than what's already been said. I hope you get something arranged and your scan goes well.

This policy seems a bit ridiculous to me! There are loads of appointments going on in the NHS and privately (not just fertility) where people are having scans and face to face appointments without the need for a negative test beforehand. Doctors and nurses are wearing PPE and extra cleaning is happening to reduce risk. Our clinic just has a symptom questionnaire when you arrive. If I were you I'd just order a postal NHS test, send it off 5 days before your appointment so you stand the best possible chance of the result coming back in time. Good luck!

Hey- Just wanted to share that I am about to start my second cycle of IVF soon privately after our first NHS cycle failed in Dec. Our clinic (Kings) called me last week to say on top of the Covid tests we each have to get before EC we now have to pay for tests for both of us before I can be approved to start taking my stims for this round. We recently paid for a 3 cycle package and have to pay upfront for these Covid tests at £75/pp. So we have been asked to pay £900 for Covid tests before we are allowed to start treatment. I presume if we end up catching Covid our cycle will be cancelled and we will lose a lot of the money for that round/drugs. So I am thinking of it as almost an insurance policy (as much as it pains me to spend £900 on covid tests ) I'd rather be using that money for IVF! But I don't really get why you should have to have a covid test when you are just having a scan. Seems very OTT.
All the best for your scan. It's a crappy situation but making your peace with paying for the test may be for the best. Or just order an NHS one if possible xx

£900! That's crazy. I'm about to start an IVF cycle and have only been asked to pay for 2 tests at £82 each. It is scary doing this as Covid numbers are ramping up in London!

Yeah it is basically 2 tests each a cycle and we have bought a 3 cycle package so we have to pay for all the Covid tests in advance. 12 tests at £75 a go . It's tough enough only getting one round on the NHS and now having to pay privately. I guess we should be grateful we got that. Many people get none.
Let's hope none of us get Covid as it would be very upsetting to have our IVF cancelled. x

Ooh, I see! What a nightmare. It does seem like IVF is all of these additional costs that keep on mounting up. Good luck for your cycles! x

Many areas have rapid testing now for those with no symptoms

Kent London and herts do. Where are you ?

Or order test via nhs. Drive in or postal

But does seem a lot of ivf are asking for this at the moment - guess just trying just Tryinh to keep all safe