Preimplantation Genetic Testing

What does PGT mean?

Preimplantation genetic testing is a procedure that can diagnose any chromosomal abnormalities of an embryo.

This is done prior to the introduction of embryos in the uterus. The testing’s are done on a range of genetic disorders wherein there is always a risk of miscarriage or failure of implantation after IVF, or the born might suffer from defects. It is particularly useful where testing diagnoses common genetic disorders, such as down syndrome, sickle cell anaemia, etc.

In Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, one tests for a particular genetic disorder before the embryo is implanted into the uterus. There are various forms of genetic tests that can be performed on the embryo in order to find any defects.

These kinds of tests are used by doctors to determine if the embryo is fit for implantation. It is also the embryo that may show some anomalies, which could lead to spontaneous abortions or failed implantations. PGT helps in the improvement of success states of IVF and prevents the need for eventually failed IVF cycles. Moreover, it prevents the patient from emotional and physical trauma.

PGT-A is expanded as Pre implantation genetic testing for Aneuploids

Aneuploidy basically is a genetic defect wherein total number of chromosomes is not found to be equal to 46. Preimplantation genetic screening detects the embryos containing the proper number of chromosomes.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies is the first test for implantation where an individual's 23 chromosome pairs are reviewed once an embryo has reached the blastocyst stage. PGTA helps in knowing why a woman suffers recurrent pregnancy losses or failed fertility cycles. It can also ensure the best choice of embryos before implantation, which boosts the general success rate of IVF.

At Dr.Kamini Rao Hospitals, PGT-A is performed with the most updated & highly advanced technology.

PGT-A: In the stage of blastocyst, this is the fifth- or sixth-day post-fertilization. The embryonic biopsy at this stage is done for PGT-A. Introduce the biopsied cells inside the DGP-A tube and check for any chromosomal anomalies.

Who Should Take PGT-A?

PGT-A is a helpful test for most, but it is not a mandatory test for people undergoing IVF.

This test is advisable for -

• People who are opting for IVF after many rounds of treatments for infertility.
• Someone prone to spontaneous miscarriages.
• Someone who might have siblings or parents with genetic diseases.
• Someone who is undergoing IVF and is over 35 years of age.
• Someone who has already experienced previous pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities.

Discuss your medical history with your doctor and ask him whether or not in your case, IVF preimplantation genetic testing is required.

Advantages of PGT-A

Though not indispensable, tests for such genetic diagnoses will be recommended to most by doctors as they have tremendous advantages. These testing’s prove to be very helpful for-Improving the chances of IVF

• Stops spontaneous abortions,
• Reduces the chance of implantation of an embryo with chromosomal abnormality,
• Can tell if the baby may be suffering from a particular kind of genetic anomaly,
• Prove useful in deciding upon the best embryo and reduces the number of embryos to be transferred,
• The couples who fall in the criteria requirement of such tests should be highly recommended to undergo genetic screening of the embryo before implantation by Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals.

Our advanced fertility clinic uses the latest non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing techniques to increase the success rate of IVF and to relieve patients from the stress of repetition of the IVF cycles.

What are the Steps in PGT-A?

The steps of preimplantation genetic diagnosis are:

Medical Diagnosis

he highly skilled fertility doctors will explain the requirement of PGT-A to you through the consulting sessions. The doctor will decide on a clinical diagnosis based on the results of DNA evaluation that will show if you and your spouse have the gene causing the disease.

Genetic Counselling

Your proposed genetic counsellor will discuss details about the disease, your genetic susceptibility test, and likelihood of developing it during, pregnancy. Counseling will be over implications and restriction that are involved with PGT and possible outcome.

Preparation for the PGT Feasibility Test and Workup

Once you have received your test results and have granted permission, the PGT laboratory will determine whether PGT-A is appropriate for your condition. Both you and your partner should be prepared to donate blood samples to the testing laboratory of the clinic once you have been granted permission to prepare for the PGT workup. Your IVF cycle may begin once the workup procedures are completed.

PGD/PGT Testing: Risks of the Procedure

The following are issues and disadvantages of the PGTA procedure:

• Since PGS and PGD are related to In Vitro Fertilization, there is the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancies, and greater susceptibility to birth defects.
• There is a high risk of pelvic infection, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, etc.
• Embryo biopsy and freezing
• Infants born through IVF are often premature and underweight.
• This testing says that there are no healthy embryos to implant.
• Since the test does not detect all illnesses or anomalies related to genes, we cannot ensure the health of the unborn child all the time.

Thus, we can say it is more advisable to use PGS in assisted reproductive procedures because its success chance increases after knowing its various benefits and disadvantages.

Visit Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals for more information on PGT-A and other advanced reproductive technologies.