Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A)
PGT-A is a genetic test that is specifically designed to rule out genetic abnormalities in the embryo and increase the chances of IVF success.
What is PGT-A?
PGT-A, or pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidies, is a genetic testing procedure that is carried out on embryos that have been developed as part of the IVF Cycle. This test gives valuable information about the genetic health of the embryos, allowing the team to pick the most viable embryo for a successful pregnancy.
How it Works?
A PGT-A test reveals the number of chromosomes in each embryo formed. Embryos with a normal number of chromosomes (46) tend to have a higher chance of implantation and translate into a healthy pregnancy.
This process allows the team to select only those embryos that will be most suitable for IVF goals.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
At MMC IVF, we use Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for Pre-implantation Genetic Testing, the latest technology used in human genome sequencing, to provide the most reliable and accurate results.
Chromosomes are assessed for copy number and large genetic deletions and insertions. Next generation sequencing provides higher accuracy and sensitivity compared to conventional methods, such as microarray.
The process allows to screen for genetic defects, when parents want to be assured that only genetically normal embryos are being transferred.
A screening for chromosomal abnormalities is carried out, which could tell us if there are chances of aneuploidy, embryos having the incorrect number of chromosomes, and translocations, chromosomes that are incorrectly arranged. For example, an extra copy of chromosome 21 manifests as Down Syndrome.
Once the embryos have been screened and deemed free of genetic defects, they can be placed in the uterus. Performing this pre-screening procedure may, under some circumstances, substitute for invasive procedures that sometimes occur during pregnancy such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. If a genetic defect is found during these post-conception procedures, parents are forced to make difficult decisions: whether to terminate a pregnancy or risk having a child with a genetic disease. Pre-testing procedures can avoid these difficult decisions.