You may wish to undergo genetic testing for a variety of reasons, especially if you or your partner are carriers for certain genetic diseases.
Our genetic testing service offers a variety of tests and screening packages that allow us to screen and assess both prospective parents, and/or your embryos, before we proceed with an IVF cycle. We can perform these genetic tests to identify the healthiest embryos with the best chance of becoming a healthy baby.
Many people proceed with assisted conception services without undergoing genetic testing – it is not a requirement.
Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)
In certain cases such as advanced maternal age, repeated miscarriages or multiple failed embryo transfer cycles, you may wish to undergo PGT-A. This involves checking the chromosomal status of embryos created through IVF or ICSI for abnormalities.
During PGT-A, we will remove a small number of cells from the embryo. We will then test the DNA of these cells to see if they have any chromosomal abnormalities. Only embryos without reported chromosomal abnormalities are then placed into the womb at a later date.
Pre-implantation genetic testing for Monozygotic disorders (PGT-M) or for Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR)
If you or your partner has a serious inherited disease, you may wish to test your embryos for this specific genetic condition prior to implantation. We can test your embryos for this condition before they are placed in your womb. If you wish to proceed with PGT-M/PGT-SR you will need to have IVF, even if you do not have any fertility problems.During PGT-M/PGT-SR, we will remove a small number of cells from the embryo and we will test them for the specific genetic condition. Not all genetic conditions are approved for testing by HFEA. Please, visit HFEA to find out which conditions are approved.
Embryos which are found to be free of the condition will then be placed in your womb at a later date.
There is no confirmed evidence that babies born following PGT are more likely to develop health or developmental problems than babies born using IVF alone.
An embryo can develop normally after having a few cells removed, but there is a possibility that some embryos may be damaged by this process. Damaged embryos cannot be used in IVF treatment.
Please understand that PGT is not 100 per cent accurate, so there is a small chance the tests may not work or may give false information.
Embryos that come back as abnormal following PGT cannot be used for IVF treatment. This may lead to a reduction of the number of available embryos for embryo transfer.
Visit the HFEA to learn more about this procedure.
