Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

What is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a cutting-edge clinical technique used during the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process to screen embryos for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities. By selecting healthy embryos, we can enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Understanding Genetic Disorders

Genetic disorders arise from abnormalities in chromosomes or genes. These conditions can be inherited from parents or may occur due to spontaneous gene mutations. Importantly, not all genetic disorders are passed down from parents. Types of Genetic Disorders:

Chromosomal Abnormalities：These occur when there are issues with the number or structure of chromosomes, such as in Down syndrome.
Single-Gene Disorders：These result from mutations in specific genes, like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease.
Multifactorial Disorders：These are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, such as diabetes and hypertension.

PGT can effectively screen for chromosomal abnormalities and single-gene disorders, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

Who Should Consider PGT Testing?

Women aged 35 or older
Individuals with a history of recurrent miscarriages
Those who have experienced multiple implantation or conception failures
Carriers of single-gene disorders
Carriers of chromosomal structural abnormalities

Our Testing Techniques

We offer three primary PGT methods:

1. PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)

What is PGT-A?

PGT-A PGT-A assesses whether the chromosomes in the embryo are present in the correct number. Chromosomal abnormalities can lead to implantation failure or miscarriage.

Who Should Consider PGT-A?

Women aged 35 or older
Those with a history of recurrent miscarriages
Individuals who have experienced multiple implantation failures
Women previously pregnant with chromosomally abnormal fetuses
Men with severely compromised sperm quality

Research indicates that for women with repeated implantation failures, PGT-A may increase implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates.^*

^*^{Please note that these are yet to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials.}

2. PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)

What is PGT-M?

PGT-M identifies whether couples carry specific abnormal genes, such as those causing cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease. This genetic analysis allows for the selection of embryos free from these inherited defects, helping parents avoid passing on genetic disorders.

Who Should Consider PGT-M?

Individuals with known genetic disorders
Individuals with a family history of genetic diseases
Anyone wanting to prevent the transmission of genetic disorders

3. PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements)

What is PGT-SR?

PGT-SR detects structural chromosome variations (e.g., balanced translocations). Chromosomal abnormalities can lead to miscarriages or developmental issues, and PGT-SR allows for the selection of embryos without these defects, reducing the risk of miscarriage and congenital disabilities.

Who Should Consider PGT-SR?

Individuals or couples with a history of multiple miscarriages
Those known to have chromosomal translocations

How is PGT Carried Out?

Consultation
Meet with our medical team to discuss your medical history and the most suitable testing options.
IVF Procedure
Create embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Biopsy (Blastocyst Stage)
When embryos reach the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6), our team will extract 4-8 cells for genetic analysis.
Cryopreservation
After biopsy, embryos are cryopreserved. With hundreds of cells in a blastocyst, the biopsy does not significantly affect development.
Genetic Analysis
Screen the embryos for genetic conditions.
Test Results
Results typically take 2-4 weeks. Normal embryos identified in the report can be used for implantation.