What is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?
PGT involves running multiple tests on each embryo to select the best embryo to transfer before it is placed into the uterus. This may help to increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy by reducing the risk of implanting an embryo with genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. This process can also decrease chances of miscarriage, which is often associated with chromosomal issues in the embryo.
PNWF’s on-staff certified and licensed genetic counselor, Lauren Garrett, MS, CGC, works alongside patients to determine what type of genetic testing can be incorporated into their treatment plan, and how results influence their care.
How PGT treatment works
After your embryos grow for 5-7 days in our lab, our embryologists will biopsy your embryos and send the sample to a PGT lab to run one or more of the following tests:
- PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): This test examines the chromosomes of each embryo and identifies embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes (aneuploid embryos). Transferring an embryo with the correct chromosomal count may increase the chance of implantation and lower the risk of miscarriage. With this test it’s also possible to determine the sex of the embryo.
- PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders): This genetic test is available for couples in which family history and genetic testing predicts a high risk of their child having a serious genetic disease.
- PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for a Structural Rearrangement): This is a test that screens for structural issues in the chromosomes that form an abnormal embryo and will almost always result in miscarriage.
Is PGT right for me?
Whether you should pursue preimplantation genetic testing is based on a number of factors including your age, genetic background, medical history, and test results. Ultimately, PGT-A may improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage for many patients undergoing IVF. Knowing which embryos may result in miscarriage or abnormal pregnancy gives you more autonomy over your own experience and the health of your family.
PGT Success with Pacific Northwest Fertility
Our state-of-the-art techniques and testing have resulted in success rates over 30% above the national average.
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Paying for PGT
Though coverage for fertility care varies widely by insurance plan, the good news is that you have options. We are committed to guiding you through your insurance benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and other financing options every step of the way. With Pacific Northwest Fertility you will never be in the dark about cost.
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Embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes usually do not implant, or start to implant but result in a miscarriage. PGT-A identifies the embryos most likely to implant normally so that the transfer of a single embryo is more likely successful. Especially for women over 35 and those with recurrent pregnancy losses, PGT-A allows us to transfer just one healthy embryo with the best chance of pregnancy and the lowest chance of miscarriage.
Current evidence suggests that the biopsy for PGT does not harm the embryo. A very small number of cells are removed from an area that will eventually grow into the placenta. The inner cell mass, which is the part of the embryo that will become the baby, is not touched.
PGT-M may be appropriate when intended parents are at high risk of having a child with a serious genetic disease. If family history or genetic carrier screening suggest high risk, our genetic counselor will discuss next steps.