What is PGT A preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies?

Concerned about the failure of an in vitro fertilization, or repeated miscarriage?

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) is an advanced genetic test that screens embryos for the proper number of chromosomes.

This way, only the strongest embryos are chosen for transfer, minimizing the likelihood of miscarriage and boosting your chances of achieving a pregnancy.

PGT-A Ratio PGT-A is the abbreviation for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies. It is a procedure conducted on embryos through in vitro fertilization. It tests whether the embryo has the right number of chromosomes.

People should have 46 chromosomes, 23 from the egg and 23 from the sperm. If an embryo has too many or too few, this is an aneuploid embryo.

Aneuploid embryos can lead to:

• IVF failure
• Miscarriage
• Birth defects (like Down syndrome)

PGT-A assists in choosing only healthy embryos possessing the correct number of chromosomes.

Why Chromosome Testing Is So Important?

Chromosomes carry genetic material. They guide the baby’s development. Even if an embryo looks healthy under a microscope, it may still harbour chromosomal abnormalities. These mistakes are one of the main reasons that an embryo fails to implant and an early pregnancy fails.

Chromosome Abnormalities Chromosome abnormalities are one of the major reasons behind a miscarriage as per the World Health Organization. In fact, a whopping 50% of first trimester miscarriages are the result of these mistakes. PGT-A allows doctors to identify the embryos with the best likelihood of success.

Who Should Consider PGT-A?

PGT-A is not indicated in all IVF cycles. But it can add value for some patients:

• Women aged 35 or older
• Couples with repeated IVF failure
• Women with multiple miscarriages
• Couples with genetic disease pedigree
• Patients who have elected for single embryo transfer

Your fertility doctor will help make the decision whether PGT-A is the right option for you.

How is PGT-A Done?

PGT-A is one of the stages of IVF. Here’s how it works step-by-step:

• Harvesting the eggs – The eggs are removed from the ovaries.
• Fertilization - Eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory.
• Embryo development - Embryos are cultured for 5–6 days.
• Embryo biopsy – A small number of cells are taken from the embryo.
• Genetic test – The cells are tested in the lab for number of chromosomes.
• Embryo freezing – Embryos are frozen pending the results.
• Transfer of embryo – A healthy Embryo will be selected and transferred.

Biopsies are made from only the cells around the edges of the embryo. It’s these cells that go on to become the placenta, not the baby. This keeps the embryo safe.

What Does PGT-A Detect?

PGT-A observes all 23 pairs of chromosomes. It looks for crushed or missing chromosomes, or for too many.

It can detect:

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
• Monosomy X (Turner syndrome)

It does not identify single gene diseases. That calls for a separate test called PGT-M.

Benefits of PGT-A

Done in appropriate cases, PGT-A has several benefits:

• Helps select chromosomally normal embryos
• Improves implantation rates
• Reduces miscarriage risk
• Supports single embryo transfer
• Increases live birth rates
• Might reduce the duration to pregnancy

For couples who have had failed IVF attempts before, it may help.

Limitations of PGT-A

It is helpful but not foolproof, this PGT-A. Here are some things to bear in mind:

• It’s no guarantee of a baby
• It does not identify all genetic issues.
• False positive or negative results are possible
• And some embryos may not survive the biopsy or the freezing
• It costs are added to the IVF cycle

And some embryos may be mosaic, that is, containing some normal cells and some abnormal ones. Your doctor will let you know what this means for you.

Is PGT-A Safe?

Yes, PGT-A is a safe and well-established procedure. The biopsy is carried out very cautiously.

In ART Fertility Clinics all works are carried out in accordance with the international norms. Our laboratories have cutting-edge facilities and equipment. The Embryologists are well educated about keeping embryos in good health.

What is the PGT-A Successful Rate?

Success depends on many factors:

• Woman’s age
• Embryo quality
• Number of embryos available
• Broadly speaking, if PGT-A is employed:
• Implantation rates go up
• Miscarriage rates go down
• Live birth rates improve

There is evidence to suggest PGT-A can benefit older women and women who have previously experienced treatment failure. It’s a way to choose the embryo most likely to succeed.

What is the Cost of PGT-A?

PGT-A is an additional procedure, so there is an additional cost to IVF. The cost depends on:

• Number of embryos tested
• Lab charges
• Location and clinic

We are very transparent with the costs at ART Fertility Clinics. We try to keep things transparent, fair, and honest.

Should I Do PGT-A?

Not all patients require PGT-A. But sometimes it can matter a lot. It is ideal if:

• You are over 35
• You have had multiple miscarriages
• You want to decrease the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities
• You have few embryos and wish to select the best one

Your fertility specialist will help guide you. We also only recommend PGT-A when it actually is helpful.

Why Choose ART Fertility?

We provide evidence-based, precise and practical care to our patients in ART Fertility Clinics.

We have our PGT-A program directed by the leaders in embryology and genetics.

Here’s why patients trust us:

• World-class labs
• International protocols
• Expert embryologists
• High pregnancy success rates
• Personalised fertility care

In Conclusion

PGT-A is a useful tool in IVF. It can be used to spot embryos with chromosomal abnormalities ahead of implantation. The latter increases chances for achieving a successful pregnancy.

If you’ve experienced IVF failure, miscarriages or you’re planning treatment at an older age, PGT-A could offer an advantage. At ART Fertility Clinics we provide expert consultation and treatment for women and couples trying for a baby.