Complete List of Pre-IVF Examination Items in China: Mandatory and Optional Tests Explained

Opening: Examination report scenario

1. Overview of Pre-IVF Examination Items in China

According to the standard procedures of domestic reproductive medicine centers, pre-IVF examinations are divided into three categories: Female Examinations, Male Examinations, and Joint Items for Both Partners. By nature, they are further classified into Mandatory Items (basic items stipulated by the National Health Commission) and Optional Items (recommended by the doctor based on individual circumstances). The following is a general list; specific requirements depend on the hospital where you seek treatment.

1.1 Female Examination Items

1.2 Male Examination Items

1.3 Joint Items for Both Partners

• ABO blood group + Rh blood group — Mandatory, for blood preparation and neonatal hemolytic risk assessment.
• Chromosome Karyotyping — Optional, but increasingly recommended by reproductive centers as a basic screening.
• Thalassemia Screening — Recommended as mandatory in southern regions (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, etc.).
• G6PD Deficiency Screening — Recommended in southern regions.

2. Interpretation of Key Test Indicators: What the Doctor Looks For

Understanding the meaning of indicators helps assess your own situation, but the final plan must be evaluated comprehensively by a reproductive specialist.

2.1 Ovarian Reserve Indicators

2.2 Semen Analysis Core Parameters (WHO 5th Edition)

3. Actual Examination Process and Timeline

Arranging the order of tests wisely can save time and avoid repeating tests due to expired results.

3.1 Recommended Examination Order

1. Step 1: Initial Consultation for Both Partners — Bring all previous examination reports; the doctor evaluates and issues test orders.
2. Step 2: Female Menstrual Cycle Days 2–4 — Complete basal hormone panel (FSH, LH, E2, etc.), AMH (can be random), baseline ultrasound, and antral follicle count.
3. Step 3: Non-Menstrual Phase Tests — Thyroid function, infectious disease screening, CBC, coagulation, urinalysis, ECG, chest X-ray, etc.
4. Step 4: Male Examinations — Semen analysis (abstain 2–7 days), infectious disease screening, reproductive ultrasound, CBC, etc.
5. Step 5: Optional Items — Chromosome karyotyping, hysteroscopy, immunological tests, genetic screening, etc., based on initial results.
6. Step 6: File Creation — After all results are complete, both partners bring original identification documents to the hospital to create the medical file.

3.2 Timeframe and Validity Periods

Note: Validity periods vary by hospital policy; some centers have stricter requirements. It is recommended to confirm proactively.

4. Five Most Easily Overlooked Details

The following details are frequently missed by patients in clinical practice but can directly affect the speed of starting the cycle or result interpretation.

• ① Male Examinations Neglected — Many couples assume "if the woman is fine, IVF is fine." In fact, semen analysis is mandatory and must be done after 2–7 days of abstinence. Male infectious disease screening is also essential.
• ② Thyroid Function Not Tested or Only TSH Checked — Thyroid autoantibodies (TPOAb) are indicative for recurrent implantation failure; a complete thyroid panel is recommended.
• ③ Chromosome Karyotyping Not Done in Advance — Chromosome karyotyping takes a long time (15–30 days) for results. Waiting until file creation may delay the cycle. Those with recurrent miscarriage or family genetic history should arrange it earlier.
• ④ Previous Reports Not Brought — Some hospitals accept results from other hospitals within the last 6 months, but original reports or clear copies are required. Bring all reports to the initial consultation to avoid redundant testing.
• ⑤ Required Documents Not Confirmed — File creation requires original and copies of both partners' ID cards and marriage certificates. Some centers also require household registration books or residence permits. Incomplete documents prevent file creation.

5. Five Most Common Pitfalls

1. "The more tests, the better" — Not all tests are necessary. For example, repeatedly testing the full immune panel, cytokines, blocking antibodies, etc., without clear indications not only increases costs but may also cause anxiety due to false positives. When is additional testing appropriate? In cases of recurrent miscarriage, recurrent implantation failure, or history of autoimmune disease.
2. "Low AMH means IVF is impossible" — Low AMH indicates a smaller egg supply, but it does not mean no usable embryos can be obtained. The doctor will comprehensively assess FSH, AFC, and age to develop a personalized stimulation protocol. AMH of 0.5–1.0 ng/mL may still yield 1–3 eggs.
3. "Normal semen analysis means no other tests needed" — A normal semen analysis does not guarantee normal sperm function. Abnormalities in sperm DNA fragmentation, acrosome reaction, or chromatin packaging can still lead to fertilization failure or poor embryo quality. When is additional testing needed? In cases of low fertilization rates in previous IVF, slow embryo development, or recurrent miscarriage.
4. "All tests must be done at a tertiary hospital" — Some tests (e.g., AMH, infectious disease screening) can be done at hospitals above the secondary level, but chromosome karyotyping and hysteroscopy are best performed at a reproductive center or tertiary hospital to ensure report standardization. Reference ranges may vary between hospitals; it is best to complete key tests at the same center.
5. "Expired tests must be completely redone" — Some tests (e.g., CBC, coagulation) have short validity periods, but chromosome and blood type results are lifelong valid. Confirm with the center which tests need to be redone before file creation to avoid waste.

6. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

6.1 How long does it take to complete pre-IVF examinations?

Routine items can be completed within 1–2 weeks (excluding special tests like chromosome karyotyping). Chromosome karyotyping takes 15–30 days for results, so it is recommended to start testing 1–2 months in advance. If hysteroscopy or genetic counseling is involved, the overall preparation period may extend to 2–3 months.

6.2 What is the approximate cost of the examinations?

Costs vary significantly across different regions in China. The total cost for basic tests (mandatory items for both partners) is approximately 3000–6000 RMB (including AMH, semen analysis, infectious disease screening, etc.). Optional items such as chromosome karyotyping (about 600–1200 RMB/person), hysteroscopy (about 2000–4000 RMB), and genetic carrier screening (about 2000–5000 RMB) are additional. Specific costs depend on the hospital's fee schedule.

6.3 Are test results from other hospitals accepted?

Most tertiary reproductive centers accept results from other tertiary hospitals within the last 6–12 months, provided original reports are submitted. Some centers have specific laboratory requirements for tests like AMH and infectious disease screening. It is recommended to consult the treating center in advance.

6.4 What if test results are abnormal?

Evaluation by a reproductive specialist or relevant department (endocrinology, hematology, genetic counseling, etc.) is required. For example, abnormal thyroid function must be corrected to target levels; positive infectious disease results require evaluation by an infectious disease specialist; chromosomal abnormalities require genetic counseling. The IVF cycle can proceed only after abnormal items are corrected or cleared.

6.5 What additional tests are needed for advanced maternal age (≥38 years)?

Women of advanced age have a higher risk of diminished ovarian reserve. It is recommended to routinely add chromosome karyotyping, coagulation function, and immunological screening, and consider hysteroscopy if necessary. For male partners aged ≥40, sperm DNA fragmentation testing is recommended.

Author: Patient Education Specialist · Reproductive Medicine Center
Content Review: This article is based on general standards of domestic reproductive medicine. Specific examination items are subject to the latest requirements of the treating hospital. This does not constitute medical advice. For any questions, please consult a reproductive specialist.