CARE Fertility offers preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT, as part of the IVF process.
This fertility test is used to screen embryos for genetic defects before being implanted into the mother’s uterus. Any couple undergoing IVF may choose PGT, but it is strongly recommended for couples who are known carriers of a genetic or chromosomal disorder. Women of advanced maternal age or who have a history of miscarriage also often opt for PGT.
CARE Fertility has offered PGT since the earliest days of this technology’s clinical availability, and was the first clinic in North Texas to produce a pregnancy following embryo biopsy and PGT for cystic fibrosis.
This analysis looks for a variety of chromosomal or genetic disorders that may impact the baby or the chance of a successful pregnancy. PGT screens for genetic abnormalities that can cause miscarriage or that may prevent pregnancy from occurring, while also checking for certain chromosomal or single gene diseases such as Down's Syndrome or Sickle Cell Anemia.
With this information, we can choose the healthiest embryos for implantation, which increases the chance of successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of genetic problems in the baby.
In the IVF process, the egg and sperm are mixed in our lab, and embryos are then allowed to grow for five to six days. If a couple has elected PGT, cells are then carefully extracted from each embryo by highly trained and qualified CARE Fertility embryologists. The embryos are then immediately frozen and the genetic makeup of the biopsied cells is analyzed. Results are typically available within 10-14 days.
PGT has a 98-99% rate of success in detecting genetic disorders in an embryo.