Chromosomal abnormalies are one of the most common causes of unsuccessful IVF. If an embryo has too many or too few chromosomes (a condition called aneuploidy), this can have a serious effect on the chance of it implanting, the risk of miscarriage or abnormalities in the baby.
In IVF embryos are graded on the basis of their appearence. However, you 'can't always judge a book by its cover' and many embryos that look normal may not be chromosomally normal.
The IVF process gives us the opportunity to sample or 'biopsy' some of the cells from the embryo and examine their chromosomes to determine whether they are normal (euploid) or abnormal (aneuploid). This enables us to ensure only euploid embryos are transferred, giving the highest chance of success with each embryo transfer.
This form of testing is known as PGT-A (Pre-implantation Genetic Tesitng for Aneuploidy). The technique can aslo be used in families that carry genes for certain diseases e.g. Cystic Fibrosis in order to prevent transmission to any children. In this case it is known as PGT-M (Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders)
This form of testing is certainly not for everyone. Importantly, it will not increase the chances of a patient having a live birth overall and comes with additional costs. However, it will help certain groups of patients minimize the number of treatments they undergo and reduce the risk of miscarriage caused by chromosome abnormalities.
Typical patients who may benefit from PGT-A
Older women
Multiple failed cycles where good quality embryos have been transferred (Recurrent Implantation Failure)
History of reccurent miscarriage
Known chromosomal disorders (PGT-SR)
Known genetic disorders (PGT-M)
For further information from the HFEA on PGT-A click here
PGT is now available at TFP-Belfast Fertility. For more information please click here
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