The "Egg Timer" or Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test
Recent media reports have drawn significant attention to a "new" "Egg Timer" test for women. Monash IVF has offered this test for over two years. The test remains available to all women.
The "Egg Timer" test is actually a combination of tests to determine the number of good quality eggs left within a woman's ovaries; known as the "ovarian reserve". Ovarian reserve is best tested by a combination of serum hormones (FSH, Anti-Mullerian hormone) and pelvic ultrasound (antral follicle count and ovarian volume). The serum Anti-Mullerian hormone is the most sensitive component of the "Egg Timer", and this test alone can be used as an iniital screening test for ovarian reserve.
AMH is a hormone produced by some cells in ovarian follicles. As a woman ages, the supply of follicles in the ovary decreases and this in turn is reflected by a decline in the AMH detected in the blood.
Monash IVF has offered testing for AMH since January 2008. Each year we test hundreds of patients for AMH as part of pre-IVF screening requests by our IVF doctors. While our laboratory can accept specimens following a referral from a General Practitioner, we recommend the results of AMH tests are discussed with a doctor with expertise in fertility issues. A full list of our affiliated IVF doctors are provided on Monash IVF's website.
Patients should note that no Medicare rebate applies for this test and the current private fee is $60. Other charges that may apply are a collection fee and consultation fee with a specialist doctor depending upon where the pathology referral was received from.
If you wish to undertake the "Egg Timer" or more correctly the Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test, you simply need to obtain a referral to "Monash Reproductive Pathology and Genetics", from your GP or a fertility specialist.