Reproductive Genetics
National Institute for Reproductive Genetics
Welcome to the National Institute of Reproductive Genetics at Beacon CARE Fertility
What is Reproductive Genetics?
For nearly 20 years, CARE fertility has pioneered and led the way in Reproductive Genetics in the UK and Ireland.
The process enables us to screen or test embryos for specific genetic diseases or chromosome number before they are implanted in the womb. This process is typically referred to as Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT).
National Institute for Reproductive Genetics at Beacon CARE Fertility
The increased demand and success of this service has led Beacon CARE Fertility to establish a dedicated institute of reproductive genetics that has the capacity to look after couples all over Ireland. NIRG offers:
- Direct access to Clinical Geneticists and Genetics Counsellors
- Dedicated and experienced team
- State of the ART equipment and technology
- Access to complete range of fertility treatments
- In partnership with Dr Willie Reardon, Consultant Clinical Geneticist and Dr Samantha Doyle, Consultant Clinical and Biochemical Geneticist
- Excellent success rates
We Offer Two Distinct PGT Treatment Services For Patients:
1. PGT-A (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
It is recognised that approximately 70% of embryos produced either through natural conception or through fertility treatment do not implant or are lost due to miscarriage, often due to chromosome abnormalities.
The PGT-A test screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. Most of these abnormalities are incompatible with life, and the risk of these occurring increases with maternal age. (Aneuploidy means that the number of chromosomes in a cell are incorrect.)
*Benefits from this technique can include improved IVF success rates, a reduction in the number of miscarriages, and a reduction in the number of multiple pregnancies.
Who might benefit from PGT-A?
Any couple who has:
- A history of recurrent miscarriages
- A history of several failed IVF or ICSI attempts
- Couples who have had previous pregnancies affected by chromosome abnormalities
- Women over the age of 35
*Theoretically, PGT-A may reduce these risks, although this has not been conclusively proven and at NIRG, this technique will only be recommended by our clinicians if they believe it will offer benefit based on each couple’s individual history.
2. Testing For Inherited Disease (PGT-M/PGT-SR)
This technique is offered to couples who are aware that they may have a risk of having a child with a genetic disorder.
It involves the couple undergoing fertility treatment, even if they have no fertility issues, and having the embryos genetically tested.
Only the healthy embryos will be used for transfer. We can now test over 400 different types of genetic disorders and chromosome structural rearrangements. Examples include: Cystic Fibrosis, Haemophilia and Huntington’s disease.
Who might benefit from PGT-M?
Any couple who has:
- A child already that has a genetic disorder
- A history in their family of a genetic disorder
- Been diagnosed as being a carrier of a genetic disorder