PGT-A is a genetic screening test used to assess the chromosomal health of embryos before transfer. It helps select the embryos with the highest potential for a successful pregnancy by checking for the correct number of chromosomes, which is crucial for implantation and healthy fetal development.

How PGT-A works: After fertilization, embryos are biopsied to remove a few cells from the outer layer. These cells are then analyzed to determine if the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46 chromosomes). If abnormalities are found, the embryos are classified as aneuploid and are not used for transfer.

Benefits of PGT-A:

  • Reduces the risk of miscarriage.
  • Increases the chances of a successful pregnancy, especially for those with repeated IVF failures or recurrent miscarriages.
  • Provides a faster route to pregnancy for patients aged 36 and above or those with previous chromosomal abnormalities in a pregnancy.
  • Clinical Pregnancy Rates (CPR) are significantly higher with PGT-A tested embryos.

Who can benefit from PGT-A:

  • Patients wholooking for a quicker path to pregnancy.
  • Those with a history of miscarriage, failed IVF, or previous pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Patients with a high number of embryos and want to optimize chances of success by selecting the healthiest embryos.
  • Patients aged 35+ or men over 50.

 

PGT-A Process:

  1. IVF: Embryos are created through IVF.
  2. Embryo Biopsy: A few cells are removed from the embryo’s trophectoderm at the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6).
  3. Embryo Freezing: The embryos are frozen until testing results are available.
  4. Genetic Testing: Cells are tested for chromosomal abnormalities.
  5. Embryo Transfer: Only embryos with the correct chromosome number (euploid) are transferred for the best chance of a successful pregnancy.

 

 

Possible Results:

  • Euploid: Embryos with 46 chromosomes, suitable for transfer.
  • Aneuploid: Embryos with an abnormal number of chromosomes, not suitable for transfer.
  • Mosaic: Embryos with a mix of both normal and abnormal cells. These may still be transferred depending on the proportion of euploid cells.
  • No Result: In fewer than 5% of cases, no definitive result can be determined.

 

Risks of PGT-A:

  • Potential false positives or negatives, though generally rare (3% of cases).
  • Fewer embryos may be available for transfer as aneuploid embryos are discarded.
  • Mosaic embryos may have a lower chance of success, though healthy pregnancies have been reported from mosaic embryos.

 

PGT-A testing allows IVF Vision’s embryologists to select the best embryos for transfer based on genetic health, helping patients avoid the emotional and physical strain of repeated IVF cycles. It provides a higher chance of success, especially for couples facing specific genetic challenges or advanced maternal age.

Let us know if you need further details on the testing process, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation!

×