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Services

Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)

 

The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit/Aislinn Suite in CUMH is a specialized unit where trained ultra-sonographers provide scans for women in early pregnancy. This unit is appointment based, and your GP or the Emergency Room will organize the scan appointment for you.

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Blood tests

 

Blood tests will sometimes be used to give doctors more information about your pregnancy. The pregnancy hormone or HCG is a blood test that can be performed in early pregnancy.

 

This is done when:

  • an ultrasound scan is inconclusive

  • the gestation of a pregnancy is unknown

  • there is a query that the pregnancy is not in the right location i.e. in a suspected ectopic pregnancy

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Two or more results are needed, usually 48 hours apart, in order to accurately interpret the test. If the HCG increases by more than 60% in 48 hours this is reassuring and is likely to be associated with a healthy viable pregnancy. If the HCG decreases by more than 15%, this suggests a likely miscarriage. It is important that blood results are interpreted in conjunction with a detailed history, a clinical exam and if medically indicated, an ultrasound scan.

 

In all cases, the blood HCG test is performed to help the medical team to plan the appropriate care for you.

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