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Natural Killer Cell Endometrial Biopsy
Natural Killer Cell Endometrial Biopsy
Natural killer cells (NK cells) form part of the body’s immune system. They help the body fight infection. Every organ has NK cells to protect it, including the uterus (womb). NK cells in the uterus are known as uNK cells.

The natural killer cells in the uterus function in a different way to natural killer cells in the rest of the body. We don’t completely understand yet what role uterine natural killer cells have, but it is thought that in some women, a hyperactive immune system within the uterine cavity may be present. This may reduce the rate of embryo survival or slow down a successful growth of the placenta to feed the fetus leading to recurrent implantation failures in IVF treatments or recurrent miscarriages.

uNK cells also help blood vessels to develop, which make sure that the baby gets a good supply of oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy. A NK cell biopsy test measures your level of NK cells. If you do decide to go ahead with tests or treatment, please be aware that the treatment is still considered experimental. It’s still not clear what the optimal level of uNK cells is and what is the best way to correct any imbalance. Your doctor will need to request the test and review the results.

Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the advantages of NK Cell testing?
Evidence suggests treatment to suppress the immune system may be of benefit for women with raised uKC. Treatment for abnormal NK cells includes medications that are often used to treat conditions that affect the immune system (known as autoimmune diseases).
Before deciding whether or not to have tests, it’s important to know that there are some issues with these tests:
  • There is a lack of evidence about the exact role that NK cells have in causing miscarriage.
  • There are no official guidelines for what ‘normal’ NK cell activity is.
When should the test be done?
NK cells should be tested in an endometrial biopsy during the mid-luteal phase if possible (around days 18-22 of the cycle).
How is the NK cell biopsy performed?
A speculum is inserted into the vagina, the same as when having a smear test or embryo transfer. A very fine tube is passed through the cervical canal and into the uterus. Gently suction is applied to take a biopsy of the endometrium (lining of the womb). The procedure should only take 15-20 minutes. You may experience a little discomfort but no anaesthetic is required. The Consultant Nurse performing the procedure will explain what is going to happen and then you will be asked to sign a consent form. Some mild bleeding is common after the procedure.
When will I receive my results?
Results are usually available 14 days from the date the sample is received in the lab. The results will be emailed to you.
Who will review my results?
Your Consultant or Clinic will need to review your results and decide if further follow-up and/or treatment is necessary.
Service Pricing:
NK Cell Biopsy Test - Monday to Friday: £550.00
NK Cell Biopsy Test - Saturday to Sunday: Not available
Please note a £100 non-refundable deposit is needed at time of booking NK Cell Biopsy, with the balance to be paid on attendance. The NK cell test is not available on Weekends or Bank Holidays. (Please be aware the deposit is not transferable and is only valid for use within 4 months of purchase).

The deposit payment can be made via BACS or PayPal. Your appointment will not be confirmed until the payment has been received. Bank details: CHERISH-UK ULTRASOUND SCANS LIMITED, Sort Code: 09-01-28, Account Number: 68824296 or Pay by PayPal
What Our Clients Say
  • Becky Vernon
    Diana was extremely friendly and professional. She made me feel completely at ease and explained every step of the process to me. She offered my advice for my next steps. I will definitely return if needed in the future and advise others to do the same if the situation arises.
    Becky Vernon
  • Annonymous
    Jacqui was very supportive, reassuring and knowledgeable. The scan was completed professionally and the report sent swiftly and directly to my clinic. I will definitely be using Cherish again.
    Annonymous
  • Annonymous
    Another amazing experience today, this is the 4th time I have been here including the times I came with my previous pregnancy with my son, I instantly felt at ease and was reassured by Dianne straight away that everything was perfectly fine with my baby. I will be back again soon! 🙂 x
    Annonymous
  • Jessica
    When I first arrived, I was so nervous, but instantly felt welcome as I walked in, Dianne talked me through the whole of the scan and reassured me, I definitely will be returning in a few weeks! Highly recommend!
    Jessica
  • Taylor
    Upon arrival we were greeted by Diana and welcomed, I had four family members with me, of which staff were happy to accommodate for and allow in the room to see our baby... the experience was so special and Diana worked hard to get the perfect images and provide the best information and reassurance.We will be booking up once I’m 26 weeks for the 4D scan and would highly recommend Cherish to all expecting mothers.
    Taylor
  • Vivien Johnson
    We visited Cherish this week for 4d Scan with our daughter in law and our son.  They let us all in to see these precious scans.  We thank you so much for that.  Lots of bodies in the room, grandparents and the babies sister but Diana took it all in her stride.  Our little baby wasn’t playing ball and did everything she could to avoid having her picture taken.  Diana was simply amazing, managing to get some pictures and was so lovely, caring and reassuring.  At the end she invited us back as the pictures hadn't been as good as she wanted for us.  We have been again today and our little girl was not quite as camera shy, and Diana was once again simply wonderful.  She even captured the little one holding her hands,  quite a difference to putting then completely intro to of her face, lifting the cord up and then turning her back on us completely.  Diana was so very patient.    Cherish you deserve every success.  Thoroughly recommended
    Vivien Johnson
  • Linda Krumina
    First of all making an appointment was so very easy and the clinic got back to me on email in less than 12 hours. We had an appointment on a Sunday and Diana was very professional, knowledgable and was able to answer all our questions with great knowledge and expertise. My partner and I felt very comfortable and reassured during the appointment. Overall a great experience and I would strongly recommend the clinic.
    Linda Krumina
  • Jade Matthews
    Jacqui and Rachel are absolutely fabulous. They always treated me with absolute respect. Did every test and every procedure required with utmost care and attention. They were rhere befire the start of my ivf cycle, throughout my ivf cycle and throughout my successful pregnancy. So much time spent cultivating a fantastic relationship. They were always there to support me through some pretty scary moments and they were always bang on with their reassurances. I will always be truly grateful to them for listening to me, and providing any and every service I needed in a caring, respectful manner. Thank you so much for everything you did for me.
    Jade Matthews
  • Tsvetelina
    The three ladies working at the clinic are amazing!They comforted me throughout my pregnancy assuring me with their professionalism.Thanks to Dianne I I had peaceful days and nights.She even called my midwife when the one refused to take action on the issue there was.Whithin 2 hrs I had booked an appointment at Triage.With all the support I received the pregnancy went smoothly and now we have a 16 months old healthy girl!Thank you ladies!
    Tsvetelina
  • Jessica
    When I first arrived, I was so nervous, but instantly felt welcome as I walked in, Dianne talked me through the whole of the scan and reassured me, I definitely will be returning in a few weeks! Highly recommend!
    Jessica
  • Taylor
    Upon arrival we were greeted by Diana and welcomed, I had four family members with me, of which staff were happy to accommodate for and allow in the room to see our baby... the experience was so special and Diana worked hard to get the perfect images and provide the best information and reassurance.We will be booking up once I’m 26 weeks for the 4D scan and would highly recommend Cherish to all expecting mothers.
    Taylor
  • Vivien Johnson
    We visited Cherish this week for 4d Scan with our daughter in law and our son.  They let us all in to see these precious scans.  We thank you so much for that.  Lots of bodies in the room, grandparents  and the babies sister but Diana took it all in her stride.  Our little baby wasn’t playing ball and did everything she could to avoid having her picture taken.  Diana was simply amazing, managing to get some pictures and was so lovely, caring and reassuring.  At the end she invited us back as the pictures hadnt been as good as she wanted for us. We have been again today and our little girl was not quite as camera shy, and Diana was once again simply wonderful.  She even captured the little one holding her hands, quite a difference to putting then completely intro to of her face, lifting the cord up and then turning her back on us completely. Diana was so very patient. Cherish you deserve every success. Thoroughly recommended.
    Vivien Johnson
  • Linda Krumina
    First of all making an appointment was so very easy and the clinic got back to me on email in less than 12 hours. We had an appointment on a Sunday and Diana was very professional, knowledgable and was able to answer all our questions with great knowledge and expertise. My partner and I felt very comfortable and reassured during the appointment. Overall a great experience and I would strongly recommend the clinic.
    Linda Krumina
  • Jade Matthews
    Jacqui and Rachel are absolutely fabulous. They always treated me with absolute respect. Did every test and every procedure required with utmost care and attention. They were rhere befire the start of my ivf cycle, throughout my ivf cycle and throughout my successful pregnancy. So much time spent cultivating a fantastic relationship. They were always there to support me through some pretty scary moments and they were always bang on with their reassurances. I will always be truly grateful to them for listening to me, and providing any and every service I needed in a caring, respectful manner. Thank you so much for everything you did for me.
    Jade Matthews
  • Tsvetelina
    The three ladies working at the clinic are amazing!They comforted me throughout my pregnancy assuring me with their professionalism.Thanks to Dianne I I had peaceful days and nights.She even called my midwife when the one refused to take action on the issue there was.Whithin 2 hrs I had booked an appointment at Triage.With all the support I received the pregnancy went smoothly and now we have a 16 months old healthy girl!Thank you ladies!
    Tsvetelina
  • Rena Miras-Pye - Sutton Coldfield
    I had such great care from Cherish at two separate scans. I needed a scan to check lining for embryo transfer and I was fitted in at short notice and given lots of information. I was so impressed and if the transfer is successful I will be using Cherish for an early scan.
    Rena Miras-Pye - Sutton Coldfield
  • Hannah Bevan - Birmingham
    With a scary start of pregnancy I did not know what to expect at the scan. Even when I walked in i found it calming and a nice atmosphere to be in. Jacqui greeted me and is so so lovely. She put me at ease and scan went perfectly! All my worries went away. I would recommend this company to anyone, you do a brilliant job. Thank you so much.!
    Hannah Bevan - Birmingham
  • Magdalena Eren - Birmingham
    What a wonderful service, very friendly Jackie provided us more details about mine pregnancy then I found from my previous 4 NHS scans. Plus Diana delivered to us Panorama test results which made us the most happy future parents.
    Magdalena Eren - Birmingham
  • Katy Nichols - Leicestershire
    It's been a year since our little boy arrived into the world, and we could not have embarked upon the journey of IUI and, later IVF, without the support of Jackie and Diana from Cherish. From the tests needed for the clinic in Denmark, to follicle tracking scans, they met all of our treatment needs and did so in the warmest way, always making us relaxed and comfortable. No last minute appointment (needed before flights could be booked or medication could be taken) was ever too much trouble. We could think of no better place to find out our baby was healthy with an early scan or that we were expecting a boy at 16 weeks. This review is long overdue, but we wish to thank you ladies for helping to make our dreams come true. We wish you every success with Cherish - the women of the midlands rely on you and your incredible service! Katy and Fay
    Katy Nichols - Leicestershire
  • Mahya Johnson - Derbyshire
    We visited Cherish for the Harmony Test after having a previous Edward's syndrome baby. Diana was very kind and understanding of our anxieties. She was patient with us and explained everything in detail. Results were emailed back to us after a week as promised. Facilities were clean and quiet. We would highly recommend.
    Mahya Johnson - Derbyshire
  • Aleksandra - Birmingham
    I had a Harmony test and a scan, as according to NHS test results, there was a higher risk of Down Syndrome. We were really anxious and wanted to be sure that our baby is fine. I was a lot calmer after the scan. Diana was wonderful, she answered all my questions, checked everything, let me listen to baby's heartbeat and even gave me lots of pictures. The results came very quickly (low risk), so I can enjoy my pregnancy without stress. I really recommend Cherish and this test, it's worth every money to know that your baby is fine!
    Aleksandra - Birmingham
  • Lauren Irvine - Birmingham
    Absolutely fabulous service when my husband and I had our reassurance scan. Diana was so lovely and made me feel really comfortable and at ease! Have already booked in for my next scan! Brilliant!
    Lauren Irvine - Birmingham
  • Samina Ali - Birmingham
    I had a most amazing experience seeing my baby at 7 weeks 3 days for the reassurance scan. Jacqui made sure everything was ok whilst doing the scan and was happy for me and husband to. I was then shown how a baby grows in each week. It was truly an amazing experience. Even managed to capture a video of the heartbeat. Would definitely recommend and would definitely come back for a gender scan.
    Samina Ali - Birmingham
  • Katie Williams - Sutton Coldfield
    I had a gynaecology scan with Jacqui following a miscarriage 12 weeks ago. The hospital had unfortunately left me with many unanswered questions as to my ongoing bleeding and an abnormality found on a scan with no follow up arranged. Jacqui was great with us and we feel a lot more reassured. It was definitely worth it for the peace of mind. Thank you!
    Katie Williams - Sutton Coldfield
  • Samina - Birmingham
    Had a really good experience today. Felt comfortable and made sure I was comfortable at all times. Gave really good advice on next step as well as reassuring me everything would be ok. I would recommend Cherish to anyone. Thank you for all you help xx
    Samina - Birmingham
  • S Begum - Birmingham
    I was experiencing some pain and very heavy cycles and I was quite worried. I have visited Cherish a few times and I must say that the service is outstanding. I had a gynaecology scan and I was reassured that everything was ok. Definitely recommend Cherish to everyone !
    S Begum - Birmingham
  • Rifat Riaz - Birmingham
    Excellent prompt service. Felt very relaxed and reassured.
    Rifat Riaz - Birmingham
  • Hayley Neal - Birmingham
    I have used Cherish for a number of services during my IVF cycles and have always found them to be extremely friendly and professional during what can be a stressful time. The services they offer have been invaluable to me whilst having IVF treatment abroad.
    Hayley Neal - Birmingham
  • Debbie King - Leamington
    The ladies at Cherish are fantastic and so supportive. They do a brilliant and professional job and are also willing to do all they can to help you stay sane through what can be anxious times. Have been back numerous times for various reasons including scans, blood tests, administering medication and prescription requests, and will continue to go back despite the distance from my home. Thank you ladies
    Debbie King - Leamington
  • Sam Moore - Birmingham
    I visited Cherish via a referral from my private GP and I can only say good things about my experience. To say I was nervous beforehand is putting in lightly but from Rachel who made the appointment to Jacqui who conducted the scan, I was made to feel ease and not embarrassed. Which for me was hugely important as a previous scan with a private hospital was not handled so sympathetically or professionally.Each step of the scan was explained and the whole experience was made as painless as possible. The results emailed to me the same day, impeccable service, Thank you, Sam.
    Sam Moore - Birmingham
  • Sam Hirons - Birmingham
    Absolute amazing. Appointment same day I called, images and report within hours of appointment. Thank you so much
    Sam Hirons - Birmingham
  • Shelley Clarke - Birmingham
    I've had first came to Cherish when I couldn't get seen at my local EPU and Jacqui was so reassuring and supportive at such a vulnerable time. I've since returned for scans and an endometrial scratch in preparation for IVF cycles. Jacqui, Diana and Rachel offer a first class service and you never have a problem fitting me in for appointments at late notice. I wouldn't go anywhere else after experiencing your excellent care and service and you've all been so helpful and reassuring every time I visit. I hope that someday I'll be returning to have my pregnancy scans with you. Thanks ladies and I'll always recommend you to others.
    Shelley Clarke - Birmingham
  • Hannah Metcalfe - Sutton Coldfield
    I cannot fault the service we received today. As soon as I arrived Diana made me feel at ease. Having being very worried this was very welcome. The scan was very detailed, I listened to the heartbeat and I came away with lots of photos and reassurance that at 10 weeks pregnant everything is as it should be. I would definitely use Cherish again for a scan in the future. Thank you!
    Hannah Metcalfe - Sutton Coldfield
  • "I've met Jacqui here at Cherish on 3 occasions now, Jacqui gives you high standards of service, you automatically feel relaxed when you met her & is very clear with all she talks through with you, I will always return back here for all pregnancies, and most definitely highly recommend there friendly, professional service."
For more information or assistance, feel welcome to contact one of our friendly team and they will be happy to help.