Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)- Zemya IVF

The awareness of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the field of reproductive medicine has evolved. Now the focus is not only on pregnancy but a healthy pregnancy and subsequently a healthy baby in the shortest time, by achieving this. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is one of the biggest breakthroughs in the field of assisted reproduction technology that has the potential to help achieve the goal.

At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, the best IVF centre in Green Park, we employ preimplantation genetic testing to give you a clear and accurate fertility journey. Apart from screening embryos before transfer for chromosomal abnormalities, this will also be a way to a patient’s real empowerment with the best chance of success in IVF.

What is PGT-A?

The term preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy refers to what was previously referred to as preimplantation genetic screening. It is a genetic test carried out on an embryo generated via IVF. It focuses on detecting abnormalities related to chromosome aneuploidy, abnormalities involving missing or extra chromosomes.

A human being normally possesses 23 pairs of human chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes in all. Aneuploidy involves possessing an abnormal number of chromosomes, which is a major cause of failure in implantation, miscarriage, and some congenital anomalies like Down syndrome. Euploid embryos are those having the right number of chromosomes.

How the PGT-A Process Works

PGT-A process is a series of technical steps that happen in a special laboratory setting.

1.Embryo Culturing up to the Blastocyst Stage

An embryo is cultured up to the blastocyst stage as a standard practice in an IVF cycle. This is normally the 5th or 6th day. At this point, the embryo will have developed two different types of cells: the inner cell mass (which forms the baby) and the trophectoderm (which forms the placenta).

2. Embryo Biopsy

In the process of biopsy, an expert embryologist takes a few cells, usually 5 to 10, from the trophoectoderm. These cells are removed from the exterior of the growing embryo; hence, the integrity of the embryo is maintained.

3. Genotyping

The cells that have been biopsied are genotyped through molecular analysis such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). NGS has come to replace traditional methods like comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization due to its superior resolution for whole chromosome abnormalities and whole chromosome aneuploidy.

4. Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing (vitrification) is done right away while the genetic testing for aneuploidy is underway. The embryos are carefully preserved in a frozen state until the test results reveal the healthy embryos.

5. Frozen Embryo Transfer

When the results come in, a frozen embryo transfer will use embryos that are chromosomally normal.

Who Should Consider PGT-A?

Although PGS may apply to many people, there are some patient groups for whom it is advised:

  • Advanced Maternal Age: The older a woman becomes, the more likely it is that chromosomal anomalies will be found in her eggs, resulting in high early miscarriage rates.
  • Recurrent Miscarriages: Patients suffering from recurrent miscarriages undergo PGS to determine whether chromosomal anomalies were responsible.
  • Repeated IVF Failure: After several failed implantations, even with morphologically optimal embryos, it might be that the problem lies with the internal genetic health and not with the morphological criteria.
  • Severe Male Factor Infertility: It is well documented that male factor infertility can sometimes lead to a higher production of aneuploid embryos.
  • Prevention of Specific Conditions: PGT-A is used to detect aneuploidy for whole chromosomes, while certain tests like preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT-M) are utilized to identify single gene disorders or specific genetic disorders that run in the family.

The Advantages of PGT-A at Zemya IVF Clinic

Selecting PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing aneuploidy) for Aneuploidy Testing from the Best IVF Centre in Green Park provides several clinical benefits:

  • Pregnancy Success: Clinical pregnancy rates increase along with the reduction in early pregnancy loss rates through euploid embryo transfer.
  • Time to Conceive: Rather than repeating cycles using morphologically competent embryos that might have genetic defects, PGT-A can help you conceive your healthy baby more quickly.
  • Reduced Chance of Miscarriage: Chromosomal abnormalities are the main reason why most miscarriages occur. Therefore, testing plays an important role in markedly lowering such sorrow.
  • Single Embryo Transfer (SET): Our confidence in the embryos after testing is very high; we do not have to transfer multiple ones (commonly only one), and in this way, we get rid of the danger of a multiple pregnancy and other complications related to it altogether.

Understanding Mosaic Embryos

A consequence of next-generation sequencing is that there may be a formation of mosaic embryos. This involves embryos made up of two or more cell populations; one with normal embryo cells, while others have aneuploid embryo cells. Based on evidence from randomized controlled trials, some mosaic embryos will still yield viable pregnancies, but are considered secondary to euploid embryos.

Why Choose Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics?

At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, we see preimplantation genetic testing not just as a product but as a collaboration. We know that IVF success rates are affected not only by the technology but also by the patient management that is done.

  • State-of-the-Art Lab: Our team employs next-generation sequencing technology to accurately identify sex chromosomes and autosomes down to the single-nucleotide level.
  • Professional Assistance: Our fertility specialists provide guidance regarding the PGT-A test results that differentiate between a healthy embryo, an aneuploid embryo, and an embryo without enough evidence.
  • Personalized Approach: We personalize your IVF program based on your personal requirements for cases such as advanced maternal age or male factor infertility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not quite. PGT-A, which stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, is a test that checks the total number of chromosomes. On the other hand, Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT-M) is utilized for identifying specific single-gene disorders or genetic abnormalities inherited from parents.

 

Although PGT-A greatly increases IVF success rates, it is not a guarantee of a successful pregnancy since implantation failure can also result from uterine health and other lifestyle factors not related to the embryo.

The risk for an embryo to get any harm during PGT-A performed on the blastocyst by an expert embryologist in Zemya IVF & Fertility Centre is negligible, less than 1%.

 

Since the PGT-A tests for genetic abnormalities of X and Y chromosomes, the gender of the embryo is determined by the test results.

 

Generally, the time to obtain test results is 10-14 days.