Groundbreaking Female Fertility Test Measuring Biological Clocks Launches In Illinois

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 21 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Fertility Centers of Illinois S.C. has joined forces with Repromedix Corp, the nation's leading diagnostic laboratory for fertility testing, to be the first in Chicago to offer the PlanAhead™ test, a cutting edge test measuring a woman's biological clock. PlanAhead is an innovative blood test that provides a much more convenient, accurate and less costly method of assessing a woman's supply of eggs, by combining several factors such as the measurement of ovary-related hormones AMH, Inhibin B, and FSH.

The window of opportunity for a woman to conceive naturally depends upon an adequate supply of eggs, which invariably decline with age making it a critical factor in the fertility process. PlanAhead enables women to compare their own supply of eggs with the normal expected range for women of their age and provides valuable directional information by helping them make more informed decisions about when to have a child.

"PlanAhead represents an extraordinary advance in fertility diagnostics compared to what has previously been available to the general population," explains Dr Benjamin Leader, Chief Medical Officer of Repromedix. "Many fertility experts have long viewed the gold standard of egg supply measurement to be the number of eggs obtained through egg retrieval; an expensive procedure usually reserved for specialty fertility clinics involving hormone injections and minimally invasive procedures. PlanAhead offers similar information to the general public via a simple blood test," he adds.

Fertility Centers of Illinois was selected by PlanAhead test co-developer Repromedix Corp., to be one of a select number of In Vitro Fertilization centers around the country to debut the test. Dr. Kevin Lederer, reproductive endocrinologist with Fertility Centers of Illinois comments that they are extremely pleased to be able to add this pioneer testing to their existing cutting edge, reproductive technologies. "Our mission is to always provide patients with the most advanced testing and treatment options available," he says.

The cost of the PlanAhead is $350 and can be purchased online at www.planaheadtest.com/us or at Fertility Centers of Illinois, where patients can also have their blood drawn. Blood samples will be sent to Repromedix, whose lab will perform the advanced testing and submits the report and recommendations to the patient's physician.

Repromedix will expand the PlanAhead launch to major markets across the United States throughout 2008. For more information visit: www.planaheadtest.com/us.

About Fertility Centers of Illinois

Fertility Centers of Illinois, S.C., is one of the nation's leading infertility treatment practices, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services in the Chicago area for over 30 years. FCI has more babies born than the next ten centers combined with high success rates that are recognized throughout the nation. In addition to a team of nationally recognized reproductive physicians who stay current on the latest technology and procedures, FCI patients have access to many other unique support services, such as professional counseling from a licensed, Ph.D. clinical psychologist, patient advocates and innovative financial options. FCI is part of IntegraMed, the nation's largest and most reputable network of fertility centers and has multiple offices conveniently located throughout the Chicago area. For more information visit http://www.fcionline.com

About Repromedix

Repromedix is the leading national diagnostic laboratory for fertility testing and offers a multifaceted approach to clinical fertility testing that encompasses many medical disciplines including endocrinology, immunology and genetics. Repromedix offers the most comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostic tests that provide valuable information regarding the complex problems of reproductive failure. Since its inception in 1993, the company has assisted more than 45,000 patients by performing over 100,000 diagnostic tests for recurrent pregnancy loss, premature ovarian failure, male infertility, and unexplained infertility. Repromedix is a portfolio company of Brook Venture Partners, Ironwood Capital Management, and Brooke Private Equity Advisors.

Repromedix