Preimplantation Genetic Testing – Think Fertility USA

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

PGT can identify which embryos have the best potential to develop into a healthy fetus

Chance of having embryos that are ‘competent’ to establish a pregnancy is significantly impacted by a woman’s age. The chance of having embryos with abnormal number of chromosome (aneuploidy) which will result in either no pregnancy or pregnancy loss after transfer is:

20% for Age 30
40% for Age 35
70% for Age 40
>90% for Age 45

To avoid futile transfers or pregnancy loss after IVF treatment, on Day 5 or 6 of culture, our embryologists can take a few cells from each embryo and send the biopsy for genetic evaluation to determine whether the embryo has a normal genetic component.

What benefits can PGT provide?

– Increase pregnancy rates per embryo transfer.
– Decrease miscarriage rate.
– Avoid multi-pregnancy and associated prenatal complications.
– Avoid the birth of a baby that is affected by familial genetic conditions.

What genetic abnormalities can PGT technology identify?

– Abnormal number of chromosomes (Aneuploidy).
– Specific single gene disorders such as Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Thalassemia.
– Embryos with abnormal chromosome structures, such as when a parent is known to have chromosome translocation or inversion, which can cause recurrent pregnancy loss.

Who are potential candidates for PGT?

– Women over age 35.

– Women at any age that have failed multiple IVF cycles.
– Women that have had recurrent pregnancy loss.
– Women or partners who are known to have chromosome translocation or inversions.
– Women who want to select sex of the embryo and balance their family.

Is PGT a safe treatment? Will PGT cause damage to the embryo?

The cells that are biopsied during PGT are cells that will develop into future placenta. The inner cell mass that will develop into the fetus remains intact during the PGT process. Only 5-6 cells are removed for genetic testing and PGT is considered a safe technology. That being said, there is a very small chance that removing a cell from the embryo could damage the embryo. Think Fertility has a team of embryologists who have extensive experience and high skills of embryo biopsy. The chance of embryo damage from biopsy and PGT is < 1 %.

Can PGT be performed for sex selection and family balancing?

Yes. The sex of embryos can be identified by PGT and only the healthy embryos of the desired sex will be transferred.