Approval for at-home fertility test could ease pressure on the NHS

A Swiss firm has received European approval for its fertility home test kit with real-time results that could relieve the pressure on GPs amid ongoing pressure caused by pandemic.

The Bloom Ovarian Reserve test developed by Bloom Diagnostics measures the AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone), a hormone produced by the granulosa cells in the ovarian follicles, considered a fertility marker.

The single-use self-testing kit for quantitative in-vitro diagnostic examination of the anti-Müllerian hormone is designed for women 18 to 39 years. Pin-prick blood samples are captured in the Bloom test strip, which is then deployed into Bloom’s lab.

Cloud-based algorithms aggregate test results with other information about health status indicators alongside medical history, lifestyle, and individual symptoms. The patient receives fully encrypted feedback through a personalised report on Bloom’s app after 20 minutes.

Low AMH levels can be an indication of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). High levels of AMH are common in cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and can be a risk factor for ovarian hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHHS), potentially a life-threatening complication to hormonal treatment during IVF.

When using Bloom’s system to test AMH levels, the app provides results and a detailed report. Knowing AMH levels support treatments and insights on egg quantity, which is why the use is essential for women who are planning to become pregnant or looking to start a personalised fertility treatment with a specialist.

Angelica Kohlmann, co-founder and chairperson at Bloom Diagnostics said: “This is a game-changing step for home testing and for women. There is nothing of this nature on the market at present and with the addition of the Bloom ovarian reserve test to the Bloom system, women all over the world can now track their egg count with real-time results from the comfort of their homes.

“This is something we welcome during what continues to be a turbulent time for global health care services,” she added.

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