Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Scientific advancements make it easier to have a healthy baby than ever before. Our facility offers preimplantation genetic testing for our patients who are undergoing IVF. We test the embryos used in IVF to identify genetic defects. This prevents various diseases and birth defects during the IVF process.
During IVF, our medical team retrieves eggs and fertilizes them in the laboratory. The embryo divides into eight cells during the process. These cells are used for preimplantation genetic testing.
First, one of our technicians removes one to two cells from an embryo. Our team evaluates the cells, searching for problematic genes. Through this process, we are able to find healthy embryos that do not have any defects. We implant those embryos into the uterus.
We don’t use all the healthy embryos during this process. Instead, we freeze the additional embryos, so they can be used at a later date. If you go through this process, you can access the frozen embryos during one of your IVF cycles. That means you don’t have to worry about having additional eggs extracted.
Some couples don’t require preimplantation genetic testing. They don’t have any risk factors, so they can move forward with implantation without undergoing tests. However, we recommend that couples who have certain risk factors take this extra step to increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Women who are 35 years of age or older should consider getting this test. Eggs deteriorate as women age, and that often leads to abnormalities. Some eggs will likely be healthy, while others will have abnormalities. This test will allow you to use the healthiest eggs you have. That, of course, will reduce the risk of birth defects and other issues.
If you are a carrier of a sex-linked genetic disorder, you should also consider this test. That way, we can eliminate the embryos that carry the genetic code for the disorder. There are various sex-linked genetic disorders, but haemophilia is one of the most common.
You should also consider this test if you:
Have a chromosomal disorder
Carry a single gene disorder
Suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss
Have failed with other fertility treatments
Require human leukocyte antigen testing
Our team tests for more than 100 genetic disorders with preimplantation genetic testing. These disorders include BRCA1, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anaemia. By covering so many disorders, the chances of birth defects and chronic illnesses are much lower. This test gives you the opportunity to give your child the best of yourself while avoiding passing along debilitating conditions.
IVF is a process, and the process is different from one couple to the next. Call us for a free phone consultation to get a better idea of the path you should take. We can help you determine if preimplantation genetic testing is the right choice for you. If it is, we can schedule a blood test so you can begin the process immediately.