Genetic Testing
It is estimated that genetics contribute up to 10% of infertility issues or recurrent pregnancy losses in couples. The risk of finding chromosomal abnormalities grows as the age of the woman increases. Most embryos with an incorrect number of chromosomes fail to implant or miscarry during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Performed during an IVF cycle, preimplantation genetic testing allows our physicians and laboratory team to identify genetic or chromosomal defects in an embryo prior to being used in an IVF cycle.
The resulting high-quality, chromosomally-normal embryos that we select will then have the best chance of implanting successfully in the uterus and later developing into a healthy baby.
DPU IVF And Endoscopy Centre - offers two different types of genetic tests for embryo evaluation: preimplantation genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) and preimplantation genetic testing for Monogenic disorders (PGT-M). These tests were formerly named, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS).
What are the benefits from PGT?
- Increase implantation rates and pregnancy rates
- Reduce pregnancy losses
- Reduce the chance of having a child with a chromosomal or genetic condition
How is PGT done?
Blastocyst D5-D6 embryo biopsy is taken from trophoblast cells using a latest technology microscope in the lab. This genetic material is further transported to a certified genetic lab for further testing on the cells. This procedure is considered completely safe , with no evidence of birth defects in children.
PGT-A Couples who have experienced multiple pregnancy losses or IVF failures may want to consider utilizing PGT-A to screen their embryos for chromosomal imbalances or abnormalities. Such abnormalities are the most common reason that embryos fail to implant in the uterus. When such embryos do implant despite the abnormalities, the result is most often a miscarriage although, on occasion, the result is the birth of a child with developmental problems and/or mental retardation.
PGT-A allows embryos that are affected by genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities to be identified before they are transferred to the uterus. In other words, only genetically normal embryos with a complete complement of chromosomes will be considered for transfer, giving the best chance for an ongoing pregnancy and delivery of a healthy child.
PGT-A & Advanced Age
Yes. As women age, the risk of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities increases. This leads to a lower chance of pregnancy and a higher risk of miscarriage. Abnormal embryos that create a pregnancy may result in a miscarriage or a baby with a chromosome disorder.
If you're close to or over the age of forty, have had multiple miscarriages, or been through several unsuccessful IVF cycles, PGT-A is an extremely accurate test to determine whether your embryos are healthy prior to implantation.
PGT-M
PGT-M: Couples who are both carriers of a known genetic disorder should strongly consider using PGT-M technology. Examples include when both couples carry sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis, or if they carry certain genes that may increase the risk of their child developing cancer. Additionally, men with severe non-obstructive azoospermia or other forms of severe male infertility may consider PGT, if they are found to carry potentially harmful genes that can be passed to their offspring.
Spent culture media can also be tested for embryonal genetic material. This is the latest technique and it completely eliminates the need for biopsy.