Why tests come first
Tests decide whether IVF is the right step, and how to plan it. They show egg reserve, sperm quality, the state of the uterus and any health issue that needs care first.
They also keep the treatment safe. Infection screening protects you, your partner, the embryos and the lab.
Tests for the woman
| Test | What it checks |
|---|---|
| AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) | An estimate of egg reserve |
| FSH, LH and estradiol (day 2 or 3) | Ovarian function at the start of the cycle |
| Transvaginal ultrasound with antral follicle count | Number of small follicles, uterus shape, cysts or fibroids |
| TSH (thyroid) | Thyroid function, which affects ovulation and pregnancy |
| Prolactin | A hormone that can disturb ovulation if high |
| Blood sugar and HbA1c | Diabetes risk |
| Complete blood count and blood group | Anaemia and Rh status |
| HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis | Infection screening required before IVF |
| Rubella immunity | Whether vaccination is needed before pregnancy |
| Tube test (HSG) or hysteroscopy if advised | Tubes and the inside of the uterus |
Tests for the man
| Test | What it checks |
|---|---|
| Semen analysis | Sperm count, movement and shape |
| HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis | Infection screening required before IVF |
| Blood group | Basic record |
| Hormone tests or sperm DNA test if advised | Used when the semen report is abnormal |
If the semen report shows very few or no sperm, more detailed tests follow. Our page on male infertility explains these.
Tests only some couples need
Some tests are not routine. Your doctor adds them only when your history points to them.
- Karyotype. A chromosome test for repeated miscarriage or very low sperm counts.
- Hysteroscopy. A camera look inside the uterus when a polyp or scarring is suspected.
- Vitamin D, B12 or other blood tests. Based on symptoms or local advice.
- Thrombophilia or immune tests. Considered after repeated losses, not as a first step.
Be careful of long test bundles offered to everyone. A test is useful only when its result can change your plan.
What the tests cost
We do not quote a separate price for each test here. The pre-IVF tests appear as one line in the itemised IVF cycle estimate below, along with every other part of the cycle.
| What it covers | Cost |
|---|---|
| Consultation and diagnosisDoctor visits before treatment | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Pre-IVF testsHormones, AMH, infection screening, semen analysis | ₹7,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Stimulation medicinesDepends on age, AMH and body weight | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Sperm preparationWashing and selecting sperm in the lab | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Anaesthesia for egg collectionShort anaesthesia, same-day discharge | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| IVF procedureEgg collection, fertilisation, embryo culture and fresh transfer | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Total per cycle | ₹1,60,000 – ₹3,56,000 |
Figures as of 27 October 2026. Your exact cost is given in writing after your consultation and tests.
The full cycle costs ₹1,60,000 – ₹3,56,000. Extra tests such as a hysteroscopy are added only if your doctor advises them. For more on each line, see our IVF cost in India page.
Doing tests in your own city
Most basic tests can be done at a good laboratory near your home. You can then send the reports on WhatsApp for review before you travel to Delhi.
This saves travel and lets the doctor plan your cycle in advance. Some tests, such as the follicle scan at the start of stimulation, are best repeated at the clinic.
- Share your historySend old reports, previous treatment details and current medicines.
- Get a test listThe doctor tells you which tests are needed and on which day of the cycle.
- Do the tests locallyUse an accredited lab near you where possible.
- Send reports for reviewShare them on WhatsApp. The doctor explains the plan and the written estimate.
What happens if a result is abnormal
An abnormal result does not always mean IVF cannot go ahead. Often it simply changes the plan or adds a short step first.
- High TSH or prolactin. Usually treated with tablets, then rechecked before stimulation.
- Low AMH. The dose of medicines may be adjusted. See our guide to low AMH and IVF.
- Polyp or fibroid in the uterus. Some may need removal before embryo transfer.
- Low sperm count. ICSI may be planned so that fewer sperm are needed.
- Positive infection test. The lab follows special handling steps, and you are referred for treatment where needed.
- Not immune to rubella. Vaccination may be advised, with a gap before trying for pregnancy.
Your doctor will explain what each result means for you and whether any step should come first.
Tests during the cycle
Testing does not stop once IVF begins. During stimulation, you have repeated ultrasound scans and some blood hormone tests. These track follicle growth and help time the trigger injection and egg collection.
About two weeks after embryo transfer, a blood pregnancy test (beta hCG) is done. These in-cycle checks are part of the treatment plan, not the pre-IVF tests.
How long reports stay valid
Infection screening reports are usually accepted for a limited time, often a few months. Hormone tests may need repeating if a long gap passes. Ask the clinic before you repeat any test, so you do not pay twice.
Preparing for the tests
- Day 2 or 3 hormone tests must match the cycle day. Note when your period starts.
- For semen analysis, follow the advised abstinence period, usually two to five days.
- Some blood sugar tests need fasting. Check before you go.
- Carry a list of medicines you take, including thyroid tablets.
Results tell your doctor a lot, but not everything. Success depends mainly on age, egg reserve, sperm quality and embryo quality. Read our IVF process day by day to see what follows the tests.