Background
IVF procedure allows doctors to control the pregnancy outcomes of patients with the help of various technologies. These technologies help doctors to closely monitor factors responsible for the success in your pregnancy and thus help treat a number of different conditions of female infertility. One such technology we use at our clinic is PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing).
PGT helps doctors to examine the genetic material of individual embryos. The results guide doctors in choosing which embryos are more suitable for use in IVF procedure. At Andaman Fertility and IVF Centre, Shri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) , PGT has been used to increase overall success rates of IVF by addressing conditions like implantation failure and miscarriage and by preventing future complications in pregnancy.
What is PGT?
PGT or Preimplantation Genetic Testing is an advanced diagnostic technique which can detect many genetic defects in embryos. PGT is done by taking a biopsy sample from the patient's embryo at the preimplantation stage and then it is tested in the laboratory. At Andaman Fertility and IVF Centre, Shri Vijaya Puram, PGT is recommended usually in cases when the patients encounter Implantation Failure or Recurrent Miscarriage. PGT can spot many genetic irregularities that may be associated with their condition. PGT can also predict whether your child may inherit certain genetic disorders or not.
At Andaman Fertility and IVF Centre, Shri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), we provide you the best diagnosis service for infertility issues of both men and women. At our clinic, we integrate time-tested expertise with innovative technology. This enables us to serve our patients with the best IVF treatment in India. PGT is one of the most recommended tests by the IVF experts of our clinic. With PGT, hundreds of patients have attained success in their IVF journey with minimum complicacy.
Accuracy Note
- PGT is not always accurate. A positive result does not mean the embryo is free from all genetic problems.
- PGT can diagnose for certain conditions only. PGT may not be able to diagnose all the problems in the genes.
- PGT is not a treatment that cures pregnancy related complications. PGT is a test which helps maximise chances of success.
The animation above represents the genetic structure and the process of genetic testing. It symbolizes the intricate analysis of DNA during PGT to ensure healthier pregnancies.
Types of PGT
PGT-A
This type of PGT is called preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). It screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities that can lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or genetic disorders like Down syndrome. PGT-A helps identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
PGT-M
This type of PGT is called preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M). Monogenic disorders are genetic mutations affecting a single gene inherited from either or both the patients. PGT-M can avert occurrence of diseases like Thalasemia, Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington's disease, Hemochromatosis, etc. It can also save your child from being a carrier of diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs Disease, etc.
PGT-SR
PGT- SR is done for detection of structural rearrangements in the chromosome. This type of PGT is performed when either of the patients has a rearrangement of their own chromosomes.PGT - SR is performed on patients who are identified as carriers of Structural Rearrangements often through genetic testing like Karyotype Test. The test reduces the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy with a genetically abnormal fetus.
PGT Process
Initial Assessment
If you happen to encounter Implantation Failure or Recurrent Miscarriage, the doctors will conduct a detailed evaluation of your maternal health. A PGT is recommended only when the necessary indications are found.
Embryonic Biopsy
PGT is an embryonic biopsy. A sample of your embryo will be taken and a biopsy will be done on one of your embryos. Generally a few cells are collected and the embryo itself is not potentially damaged.
Laboratory Assessment
The collected cells are then evaluated by veteran embryologists with high-tech equipment at our laboratory. The assessment process largely depends on which type of PGT is being conducted.
Reports and Consultation
Results are available within a week, guiding doctors to select the healthiest embryos for implantation.
Why is PGT Testing Performed?
Genetic abnormalities of embryos may cause Implantation Failure in the patient.By conducting PGT, we can discard the embryos that carry genetic anomalies and choose only the most healthy one for implantation. This way, PGT enables us to reduce the chances of a future implantation failure by a significant percentage.
Genetic issues are also the reason why a lot of patients have to suffer miscarriage even after successful pregnancy. PGT testing is an advanced genetic screening which is able to detect many chromosomal disorders in the embryo. This is why PGT before implantation is highly recommended by our doctors at Andaman Fertility and IVF Centre, Shri Vijaya Puram.
One of the benefits of choosing IVF over natural pregnancy is that IVF provides the extra opportunity to eliminate harmful genetic mutations and reduce chances of inheriting a congenital disorder. This is why PGT is recommended so that embryos can be screened for any existing genetic anomalies. By conducting PGT, you can be assured that your child is most certainly going to be free from genetic disorders.