Take control of your IVF success with PGT-A
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, or PGT-A, gives many people the greatest chance of having a successful pregnancy through IVF. This genetic test is for IVF embryos, and it allows you and your fertility specialist to choose the best embryo to transfer. Doing so can increase your chance of IVF success.
The benefits of this type of testing
Having a healthy baby depends greatly on proper embryo selection. PGT-A, which is also known as preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), can identify the number of chromosomes in an embryo.
Embryos that contain the correct number of chromosomes (euploid) are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy. Embryos with an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploid) are less likely to result in a healthy pregnancy and live birth.
Without advanced genetic testing, it is nearly impossible to differentiate between chromosomally normal and abnormal embryos. Embryo selection based solely on visual development and subjective quality grading can result in the transfer of abnormal embryos.
PGT-A empowers you to select and transfer an embryo that has the best chance of resulting in a healthy baby.
Who needs testing for aneuploidy?
PGT-A is beneficial for all patients undergoing IVF. Choosing this type of testing may give you a quicker path to pregnancy. It can give you the confidence of knowing that you have chromosomally normal embryos to store for future pregnancy attempts.
PGT-A is an excellent option for people who:
- Want to maximize their chance for pregnancy on their first transfer
- Have male factor infertility
- Have a history of failed IVF cycles
- Wish to pursue family balancing or sex-selection
- Are carriers of a balanced translocation, inversion or chromosome rearrangement
- Are age 35 or older
A look at the PGT-A process
The PGT-A process is a common extension of an IVF cycle, and you can complete it in four basic steps.
IVF – Your doctor will retrieve your eggs. Embryologists will then fertilize them in the IVF laboratory.
Embryo biopsy – A skilled embryologist will remove a small group of cells from the trophectoderm layer of the embryo to be sent for testing. Your embryos stay safe at the IVF laboratory during testing.
PGT-A – A team of scientific experts performs high-resolution next generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the genetic makeup of each embryo.
Results – Once testing is complete, your doctor will receive a detailed report. It identifies each embryo’s unique chromosomal composition. This helps you and your care team select the right embryo for your transfer.
If you’d like to learn more about PGT-A and whether it’s right for you, contact our San Antonio fertility center.