Should I Undergo Preimplantation Genetic Screening?
by Chelsea Fertility NYC · · Updated
In some cases, your fertility specialist will recommend preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in coordination with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The terminology can seem intimidating, but PGT-A is a very useful service for couples who have concerns about carrying a healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy child. We invite those interested in learning more about PGT-A to review our guide below.
What is PGT-A?
PGT-A falls under the umbrella of preimplantation genetic testing, which is when embryos (created during IVF) are screened prior to being placed in the female patient’s uterus.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT-M) is a kind of genetic testing done when your fertility specialist is aware of a specific genetic concern and seeks to screen for the abnormality, so it can be addressed prior to implantation. PGT-M is used to screen for conditions such as Huntington’s chorea, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia and Marfan syndrome, among others.
PGT-A, on the other hand, is a screening for a chromosomal abnormality. Couples who have experienced recurrent miscarriage or previous failed IVF cycles are candidates for PGT-A.
Why do chromosomes matter?
Chromosomes are subcellular structures that contain your genes. All the information that is needed to lead to human development is contained on these chromosomes, and each one of us has 23 pairs of them. During human reproduction, it is not unusual to produce embryos that have too few or too many chromosomes. This is known as aneuploidy. PGT-A, also commonly referred to as aneuploidy screening, is used to screen for common chromosomal disorders.
Do I need PGT-A or PGT-M?
Your fertility specialist will be able to provide a recommendation on your individual case. Not everyone who undergoes IVF uses preimplantation genetic testing, but it can be immensely important for those who wish to prevent having a genetic condition passed on to the next generation. The physicians of Chelsea Fertility NYC are experienced in PGT-A and PGT-M services and perform these screenings when they are in the best interest of, or requested by, the patient.
If you have questions about PGT-A or preimplantation genetic testing generally, please contact the fertility specialists of Chelsea Fertility NYC.