What is PGT-SR: Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements?

Worried about genetic problems that may be affecting your IVF?

PGT-SR at ART Fertility Clinics uncovers hidden chromosome rearrangements in embryos, better enabling selection, decreasing risk of miscarriages and maximising the chances for a healthy pregnancy.

What is PGT-SR?

PGT-SR stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements.

It is a test performed as part of IVF to examine the chromosomes of embryos.

PGT-SR searches for chromosome structural rearrangements. Such changes can lead to problems such as:

This testing helps doctors identify embryos that are chromosomally normal. These embryos are the only transferred embryos. It increases your likelihood of conceiving a healthy baby.

What Are Structural Rearrangements?

Human cells have 46 chromosomes. Each chromosome carries genes. These are the genes that determine how the body will grow and develop.

Occasionally, pieces of a chromosome break off and glue themselves elsewhere. Or portions of two chromosomes may swap places. These are called structural rearrangements.

Types of structural changes include:

  • Translocations (segments of chromosomes swap places)
  • Inversions (when a segment of the chromosome is inverted)
  • Loss or gain (material is lost or duplicated)

Those with such rearrangements frequently have no symptoms. But their embryos might have unbalanced chromosomes. This leads to:

  • Implantation failure
  • Miscarriage
  • Baby born with genetic disorder

PGT-SR helps to identify these problems before a pregnancy starts.

Who Needs PGT-SR?

PGT-SR is usually advised when:

  • One or both the partners have balanced chromosomal translocations or inversions
  • It hasn't just been one IVF failure for the couple.
  • There have been 2 or more miscarriages
  • There is a family history of chromosomal abnormality
  • The couple had a previous child with a structural chromosomal abnormality.

Carriers of structural rearrangements can be seen through a basic blood test called karyotyping. If positive, the doctor might suggest PGT-SR along with IVF.

How Does PGT-SR Work?

PGT-SR is performed in conjunction with the IVF cycle. Here’s how the process works:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

The woman is injected with hormones to produce multiple eggs.

2. Egg Retrieval

Eggs are harvested through a simple medical procedure under mild sedation.

3. Fertilization

In the lab, sperm fertilize eggs. This creates embryos.

4. Embryo Biopsy

The embryos are in the blastocyst stage after 5–6 days. A few cells are delicately taken from each embryo for testing.

5. Genetic Testing

The cells are tested with modern technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). This tests for structural chromosome problems.

6. Embryo Selection

Only embryos, which are balanced and healthy, are chosen for transfer. The unfilled hungry monster can be frozen and saved for another use.

What are Some of The Key Differences Between PGT-SR PGT-A and PGT-M?

The main differences are:

Test What It Checks Best For
PGT-A Checks for extra or missing chromosomes Older women, recurrent IVF failure
PGT-M Checks for specific gene disorders (like thalassemia) Couples with inherited conditions
PGT-SR Checks for structural chromosome changes Carriers of translocations, inversions

Each test has its own place. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate one for your case.

Benefits of PGT-SR

PGT-SR has the potential to significantly enhance IVF results for appropriate couples. Here's how:

  • Reduces miscarriage risk
  • Increases chance of healthy baby
  • Improves IVF success rates
  • Saves time and emotional distress
  • Avoids passing on chromosomal disorders

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in six people worldwide experience infertility. In some, underlying chromosomal problems are a major contributor.

PGT-SR brings hope to these couples since they are able to select the best embryos.

Limitations of PGT-SR

Although PGT-SR has proven to be useful, it has its own shortcomings:

  • It can’t actually fix its own genetic flaws, it can only diagnose them.
  • That is likely to find no normal embryos if a high proportion are unbalanced
  • There are certain genetic conditions it will not test against
  • IVF costs can be increased by this test
  • Success also relies on egg quality, age and other factors

Your physician will tell you if it’s appropriate in your circumstances.

Is PGT-SR Safe?

Yes, it’s safe when performed by professionals.

The embryo biopsy is performed on day 5 or 6, when the embryo is heartier. A couple of cells taken at this stage doesn't hurt the embryo.

At the ART Fertility Clinics all biopsies are carried out by skilled embryologists, accompanied by modern technology and quality assurance.

How Much Does PGT-SR Cost?

PGT-SR cost can differ according to:

  • Number of embryos tested
  • Lab and technology used
  • Whether done with PGT-A or other tests

It’s typically an adjunct to IVF care. It adds to the upfront cost, but it could save money by preventing repeated IVF cycles or miscarriages.

ART Fertility Clinics offers excellent counselling and support so that you know exactly how much you will need to commit to and so that you know what you will get back for your investment.

What is the PGT-SR Success Rate?

Success depends on many factors:

  • Age of the woman
  • Number of embryos
  • Type of chromosome rearrangement
  • Overall health

Yet research indicates that couples who used PGT-SR had:

  • Lower miscarriage rates
  • Higher live birth rates
  • Better embryo implantation

Who We Are At ART Fertility Clinics, we combine advanced science, personal treatment plans and dependable guidance to give patients the best chance of success.

Why ART Fertility Clinics for PGT-SR?

ART Fertility Clinics Your world leading IVF clinic. Here’s why people trust us:

  • Expert genetics labs and IVF technology and leadership
  • Expert embryologists and genetic counsellors
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Compassionate care with ethics and transparency
  • Best success rates and happy families from India and most parts of the world

If it’s your first IVF or if you’ve really struggled, we’re by your side throughout.

Conclusion

If either you or your spouse are carriers of chromosomal rearrangements, PGT-SR can offer big help.

It helps doctors select the healthiest embryos and reduces the risk of miscarriage and also brings you closer to bringing a healthy baby into the world.

Discuss PGT-SR [Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements] with your fertility specialist.

And when you want care you can trust from science you can believe in, turn to ART Fertility Clinics.

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People Also Asked

PGT-SR is a genetic test performed on embryos during IVF to detect structural chromosome abnormalities, such as translocations or inversions, before implantation. It helps identify embryos with the correct chromosome structure to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

PGT-SR is recommended for couples where one or both partners carry chromosomal rearrangements, have a history of recurrent miscarriages, or have experienced previous failed IVF cycles due to chromosomal abnormalities.

During IVF, embryos are created in the lab and grown for a few days. A few cells are then biopsied from each embryo and tested for chromosomal rearrangements using advanced genetic analysis. Only embryos with normal results are selected for transfer.

The success rate of PGT-SR depends on factors such as maternal age, embryo quality, and chromosomal findings. On average, it can improve implantation rates and reduce miscarriage risks by 15–25% compared to IVF without genetic testing.

The cost of PGT-SR in India typically ranges from ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per cycle, depending on the fertility clinic, technology used, and number of embryos tested.