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+356 23291603/4/5
Sliema / Żejtun / Burmarrad
Saint James Hospital
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Female and Male Hormones
Hormone testing can provide information about reproductive function in both women and men.
Hormone testing in women may include tests such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestradiol (E2), progesterone, prolactin, testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), depending on the reason for testing. These may be relevant when investigating menstrual changes, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, or other hormone-related concerns.
Hormone testing in men may include tests such as testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and oestradiol (E2), depending on the reason for testing. These may be relevant when investigating symptoms such as low energy, reduced libido, changes in muscle mass, fertility concerns, or other hormone-related changes.
FEMALE HORMONE PROFILE
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinising hormone (LH), Progesterone, Prolactin, Testosterone, Estradiol (E2)
MALE HORMONE PROFILE
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinising hormone (LH), Testosterone, Prolactin
Special requirements:
If hormone test results are required within a specific timeframe, please inform reception at the time of booking or sample collection.
Your doctor may recommend for hormone tests to be performed on specific days of your menstrual cycle.
If you are undergoing IVF treatment, your doctor will guide you.
Pregnancy test or hCG test
Early pregnancy testing is based on measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. This blood test is quantitative, often referred to as beta-hCG, and measures the level of hCG in the blood.
Beta-hCG may help detect pregnancy around 10 to 12 days after conception, or from around the time of a missed period. In early pregnancy, hCG levels usually rise steadily and may approximately double every 48 to 72 hours, although this can vary between individuals.
Special requirements: N/A
Male Fertility Tests - MFTs (Semen Samples)
Male fertility testing involves a semen analysis, which assesses sperm count, movement and appearance. The result provides useful information when investigating fertility concerns or before assisted reproduction treatment.
Special requirements:
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Patients need to abstain from passing sperm for at least 3 days but not more than 5 days.
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Patients must pass the sample in a sterile container – which is available at our Pathology receptions otherwise it can be purchased from a pharmacy.
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If the patient decides to pass the sample at home and not on the premises, it must be brought to the laboratory within 1 hour. The sample should not be left in extreme temperatures, but kept at room temperature.
Strictly by appointment
Monday to Thursday: 12.00pm–5.00pm
Friday: 10.00am–2.00pm
Preconception genetic screening
Pre-conception genetic carrier screening can help individuals or couples understand their chance of passing certain inherited genetic conditions on to their children. The test looks for genetic changes that usually do not affect the health of the person carrying them but could be passed on to a child. If both partners carry a genetic change linked to the same condition, there may be an increased chance of having an affected child.
Sample type: Blood (no fasting required)
TAT: 4-5 weeks
Special requirements:
An appointment needs to be made with the genetic consultant prior to this test. Phone 2329 1000 – St James Hospital Contact Center.
IVF-related genetic tests
Certain IVF-related genetic tests may be requested as part of fertility assessment or assisted reproduction planning. These may include cystic fibrosis (CF) screening, karyotype analysis, and Y-chromosome microdeletion testing, depending on individual circumstances and medical advice.
TAT: 4-6 weeks
Special requirements:
Strictly by appointment.
A referral form (see resource link) must be completed by your doctor, clearly indicating the reason for testing, and signed by both the patient and the doctor.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
We collaborate with a specialised laboratory overseas for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).
VERAcity or VERAgene is a Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) which can be performed during or after the 9th week of pregnancy to screen for certain genetic conditions in the developing fetus before birth.
VERAcity requires a blood sample from the mother (see resource link).
Package 1. Trisomies 13, 18, 21
Package 2. Trisomies 13, 18, 21 including gender
Package 3. Trisomies 13, 18, 21, Gender, Aneuploidies X, Y
Package 4. Trisomies 13, 18, 21, Gender, Aneuploidies X, Y, Microdeletions
VERAgene is a more comprehensive test which includes 100 monogenic diseases, as well as the ones above (see resource link). This also requires a buccal swab from the father, in addition to a blood sample from the mother. The father must not eat, chew, or smoke anything for one hour before the test. Other NIPT tests may also be performed upon request, subject to clinical indication.
These tests can be done on a walk-in basis.
We would need your gynaecologist to sign and fill in the VERAcity or VERAgene SIF forms (you can download these two forms from the above links).
Turnaround time is a 7 to 10 working days.
Hormones
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AMG
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HCG test
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NIPT testing
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Sperm test
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Preconception genetic screening
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Fertility and Pregnancy tests
Family planning is a significant milestone in a couple’s life and can sometimes feel overwhelming. Laboratory testing can help simplify your journey by providing clear, practical steps.
Request more information
Get in touch with us if you require assistance.
Start your registration
Schedule an appointment - fill out a test requisition form.