Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: PGT-A
Aneuploidy is when there is a missing, or extra, chromosome in an embryo or cell. It is one of the main causes of failed embryo implantation, and can lead to major birth defects such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome in a child.
PGT-A tests for this. It analyses embryo cells to check if there are 46 chromosomes, the amount most people carry, with 23 coming from each parent. If an embryo is missing a chromosome, that’s called monosomy, while an extra chromosome is called trisomy.
PGT-A is best suited for the following people:
- Couples with previous experience of aneuploidy
- Women over the age of 35
- Women who’ve had unsuccessful fertility treatment before
- Women who’ve had more than two miscarriages
- Women who’ve previously experienced failed embryo implantation
Preimplantation genetic testing for a monogenic disease: PGT-M
With PGT-M, we look for particular genetic mutations that we know already exist in either of the parents. If you have a family history of genetic conditions, there is a greater chance of it being passed on to your child. Preimplantation testing identifies affected embryos so any embryos transferred are known to be healthy..
PGT-M can help prevent conditions such as Huntington’s disease, sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.
If you have a history of genetic conditions within your family, your fertility specialist may well advise this course of action.