Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

Our team offers three different types of preimplantation genetic testing, including:

• Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is offered to all patients undergoing ART to screen their embryo(s) for genetic abnormalities. This test may help reduce the risk of miscarriage and complications from pregnancy failure. The most common reason for a lack of success with IVF is an abnormality in the number of chromosomes.
• Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic (single gene disorders, called PGT-M) is offered for those individuals who have or are carriers of specific genetic disorders. This may be recommended for patients who are known to have a genetic mutation that could be passed along to their child. Some of the most common disorders are Cystic Fibrosis and inherited breast cancer genes.
• Preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) is offered to parents who are known to have a chromosomal rearrangement (translocation or deletion/duplication) that may lead to recurrent pregnancy loss.

For all types of PGT, several cells are removed from the embryo (commonly on day five of embryo development in our center) and sent for genetic analysis. Each biopsied embryo is then frozen until the results of the testing are available.

Chromosomally abnormal embryos will not implant or will result in a miscarriage or in an abnormal pregnancy. The percentage of chromosomally normal embryos will vary from patient to patient and can be affected by many factors including age and the health history of both parents.