Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)
Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) gives us the ability to test embryos for chromosomal abnormalities to identify the embryos with the best chance of developing into a healthy pregnancy.
PGT-A and IVF Success Rates
With PGT-A, we now have the potential to improve IVF success rates by identifying embryos which have the correct number of chromosomes.
Between 40% and 75% of human embryos may contain an abnormal number of chromosomes, depending on the woman’s age. Most chromosomally abnormal embryos will not implant and if they start to implant are most likely to miscarry.
Embryo Chromosome Screening
PGT-A makes it possible to screen embryos to select only those chromosomally normal for embryo transfer resulting in a higher chance of successful implantation and a reduced risk of miscarriage. Using the very latest PGT-A techniques, we can now screen all 23 chromosomes in each embryo and this can significantly increase IVF success.
How is PGT-A Performed?
In order to perform PGT-A, a few cells are removed from each embryo and sent to a genetics laboratory for testing. The embryos are then frozen until the results are ready and those with the correct chromosome number considered for embryo transfer, usually one at a time.
PGT-A is helpful for:
Older women
The most common factor for unsuccessful IVF is female age. This is due to the increase in chromosomal abnormalities in eggs and subsequently embryos as women get older. Chromosomal abnormality is a major factor in failure of embryos to implant, so screening all 23 chromosomes and only transferring the embryos with the correct number of chromosomes can significantly improve the chance of a successful pregnancy.
Women with a medical history of repeated miscarriages or failed IVF treatments
One of the main reasons for miscarriage and IVF failure is chromosomal abnormality. PGT-A screens embryos to ensure they have a normal number of chromosomes to reduce the risk of miscarriage and increase IVF success.
Couples at risk of transmitting chromosomal alterations
When an embryo with the incorrect number of chromosomes does develop, there is a higher risk of the child having severe development or learning difficulties.
Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy has the potential to:
1. Greatly improve IVF birth rate per embryo transferred
2. Minimize the incidence of miscarriages. Minimise the incidence of congenital disorders caused by irregularity in the chromosome number of eggs.
3. Reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies whilst maintaining a high live birth rate
World-Leaders in PGTA:
Beacon CARE Fertility is a world-leading clinic for chromosome and Reproductive Genetic Testing.
Our vastly experienced team has performed thousands of tests since 2013 when we first offered the service.
We also are incredibly proud to have had the first PGT-A baby born in Ireland in 2014.
Our Successful Embryo Biopsy Rate is an outstanding *98.7%, positioning ourselves among the top percentile of clinics worldwide for successful biopsy rates.
(*Source: Cooper Surgical Genomics January 1, 2021-May 30, 2022)
