When building a family through in vitro fertilization (IVF), knowledge is power. Knowledge in your options, knowledge in caretaking, and today, you can receive knowledge in genetics.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) gives you a peek behind the genetic curtain, offering information about chromosomes and inherited traits before the transfer even happens. This means you’re not crossing your fingers in the dark; you’re making decisions with clarity, care, and the support of a team that knows this path inside and out.
NewLIFE Fertility is here to share everything you need to know about screening embryos for your best chance at a healthy pregnancy.
What Preimplantation Genetic Testing Screens For
PGT is an IVF genetic testing option that screens a developing embryo in the lab before embryo transfer. It adds extra clarity around chromosomes and inherited gene variants, so you can make decisions with real data in hand.
This procedure looks at genetic information in a small group of cells taken during an embryo biopsy. Screening can assess chromosome number and arrangement, or focus on a specific inherited gene variant already known in a family.
Three common types of preimplantation genetic testing come up in IVF planning:
- PGT for aneuploidy, which reviews chromosome numbers, ensuring nothing is missing or extra.
- PGT-M for monogenic disorders, where the focus is on specific gene variants that might run in a family.
- PGT-SR for structural rearrangements, helping clarify how chromosomes are organized, especially if there’s already a known family history.
Your fertility specialist can help connect your family background to the right testing approach. Bringing prior genetic reports or family details helps your visit stay efficient and personalized.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing, Step by Step
Embryos are observed in the IVF lab until the blastocyst stage, usually on day 5 or day 6 of embryo culture. At that stage, embryologists can take about 3 to 10 cells from the trophectoderm, the layer that later forms the placenta. The inner cell mass, the part that later forms the fetus, stays untouched.
After biopsy, the blastocyst is cryopreserved while the DNA sample goes through genetic analysis. Results often return in about 7 to 10 days. Once you review the report with your team, planning begins for a frozen embryo transfer in a later cycle. Ask for a written timeline, it can make the process feel far less abstract.
When to Consider Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Everyone’s story is unique. Still, certain situations often call for the extra insight PGT can provide, such as:
- Experience with pregnancy loss
- Age 38 or older at egg retrieval
- Repeated IVF cycles without implantation
- Known carrier status for specific genetic conditions
- Family history of chromosome rearrangements
Preimplantation genetic testing also connects well with carrier screening, since both help clarify inherited patterns. Bring your questions, your priorities, and your personal timeline to your consult so your plan reflects your priorities.
FAQs
What’s the difference between genetic screening and genetic testing?
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) breaks this down clearly. Genetic screening looks for patterns across many people, flagging those who might benefit from more detailed tests. Genetic testing, including PGT, digs deeper, looking at a single embryo or person’s DNA for clear answers.*
Can PGT be part of IUI?
The simple answer is no. PGT requires embryos developing in a laboratory setting, which happens during IVF. IUI places specially prepared sperm into the uterus, and fertilization happens inside the body, so embryos remain outside the lab setting used for biopsy and DNA analysis.
What should I consider when pursuing PGT?
PGT challenges and logistics worth planning for include:
Extra steps and timing: biopsy, freezing, lab analysis, then scheduling the frozen embryo transfer.
Emotional bandwidth: waiting on results can feel intense, so support people and counseling plans can help.
Additional fees: genetic labs bill for analysis, and clinics bill for biopsy-related lab work, which are not typically covered by insurance.
Result categories: some embryos return clear results, while others call for deeper review with a genetic counselor.
Coordination: medications and monitoring rely on medicine and science, plus clear communication with your care team.
Schedule a PGT Consultation Today
If your heart and head both crave clear answers, you’re already taking powerful steps forward. Reach out to NewLIFE Fertility with questions about preimplantation genetic testing, then work with their reproductive gynecologists and embryology team to build an IVF plan powered by medicine and science.
*Source: ASRM
