Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A)
PGT-A: Understanding Your Embryos’ Genetic Health
At evelyn Fertility Centre, we’re committed to giving you
the best possible chance of a healthy pregnancy. Preimplantation Genetic
Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is an advanced screening technology that helps
us identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes before transfer,
giving you valuable information to inform your treatment journey.
What is PGT-A?
PGT-A is a genetic screening test performed on embryos
created through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It checks for chromosomal
abnormalities called aneuploidies – when an embryo has too many or too few
chromosomes. These abnormalities are a leading cause of implantation failure
and miscarriage.
Think of chromosomes as instruction books for development.
Just like having missing or extra pages in a recipe book can lead to cooking
problems, having missing or extra chromosomes can prevent an embryo from
developing properly.
How Does PGT-A Work?
The PGT-A process is carefully integrated into your IVF
cycle:
- IVF
Cycle: You’ll undergo a standard IVF cycle to create embryos.
- Embryo
Biopsy: On day 5 or 6, when embryos reach the blastocyst stage,
our skilled embryologists gently remove a few cells for testing. This
biopsy does not harm the embryo’s potential for development.
- Genetic
Analysis: The biopsied cells are sent to a specialized genetics
laboratory for analysis.
- Freezing
& Awaiting Results: Your embryos are safely frozen while we
wait for the test results (typically 2-3 weeks).
- Informed
Transfer: With the results in hand, your doctor can select an
embryo with the correct number of chromosomes for transfer.
Who Might Consider PGT-A?
PGT-A may be considered for:
- Women
of Advanced Maternal Age (typically 35 and older)
- Patients
with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
- Those
with Previous IVF Failures
- Couples
Concerned About Chromosomal Conditions
- Patients
Wanting to Maximize Their Chance of Success per Transfer
Benefits of PGT-A Testing
- Potentially Increasing Implantation Rates: By selecting chromosomally normal embryos
- Reduced
Risk of Miscarriage: Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal
abnormalities
- Single
Embryo Transfer: Increased confidence in transferring one tested
embryo, reducing the risk of multiples
- Shorter
Time to Pregnancy: By avoiding transfers of embryos unlikely to
succeed
- Personalized
Information: Results provide valuable insights for your specific
situation
Important Considerations
PGT-A is a powerful tool, but it’s important to understand
that:
- It’s
a screening test, not a guarantee of pregnancy
- It
doesn’t test for all genetic conditions (specific inherited
conditions require different testing called PGT-M)
- Not
every embryo will be suitable for testing
- Your
doctor will discuss whether PGT-A is right for your specific situation
We’re Here to Guide You
Deciding about genetic testing is personal, and we’re here
to provide the information and support you need. Our team will walk you through
the process, costs, and what the results mean for your journey.
Ready to learn more about whether PGT-A is right for you?
Schedule a consultation with our fertility specialist today.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only.
Please consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.