Pre-implantation Genetic Testing Pre-implantation Genetic Testing - Aneuploidy (PGT-A)

• What is PGT-A?

  In conjunction with our genetics partner we have developed this video to explain what PGS is.

• The PGT-A Timeline

  Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is performed as part of your intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. This treatment has been revolutionary in preventing genetically abnormal embryos from being transferred. We use Next Generation Sequencing to detect chromosomal abnormalities. This testing method enables to test embryos quickly, and accurately and has now been shown in trials to reduce the time to pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage to <5%.

• Stimulation of the ovaries

  In the stimulation phase of an ICSI cycle, injectable medications are used for approximately 8 to 14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. During this phase, a patient will come into the clinic up to 8 times for monitoring and medication adjustment.

• Egg retrieval

  On the morning of egg retrieval, a patient will meet with a doctor and an anaesthetist to review their medical history including sperm samples being used. Intravenous fluid will be administered to induce sleep. The egg retrieval itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes via ultrasound and removal of egg via a needle.

  The andrology laboratory will wash and prepare the sperm so the healthiest sperm are brought together with the eggs for fertilization (after the doctor performs the egg retrieval).

• Fertilisation

  After the egg retrieval, the embryologist will prepare the eggs and sperm.For Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGD) the embryologist will inject one single sperm into each mature egg under a microscope. PGD is therefore possible with very few sperm.

• Genetic Testing

  Once fertilisation occurs and embryos develop over the next 5 to 6 days to the blastocyst stage, an embryologist will biopsy a group of cells from each embryo. The biopsied cells are analysed in a genetic testing laboratory to determine if they are affected with the genetic disorder known to the patient.

  The blastocysts undergo cryopreservation until the results of the analysis are available.

• Transfer of chromosomally normal embryos

  Once we have the results and we know which embryos are affected, an embryologist can then thaw the embryos that are normal and not affected by a chromosomal abnormality. The doctor will transfer one or more embryos to the uterus in a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle.

  For some patients all embryos will be shown to be abnormal and no embryos will be transferred.

• Embryo transfer

  The embryo transfer is a simple procedure that only takes about 5 minutes to complete. There is no anaesthesia or recovery time needed. A patient will review their cycle with the doctor and the number of embryos recommended for transfer. The nurse will give the patient instructions for the following 2 weeks until it's time for the pregnancy test.

• The pregnancy test

  Two weeks after the embryo transfer, in the privacy of their own home, a patient will perform a pregnancy test and advises the outcome so Glasgow Royal Fertility Clinic can plan the next steps

1. Who does the genetic testing?

   We have partnered with Genesis Genetics the largest genetics laboratory in the world who specialises in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Genesis Genetics offers the latest technology to ensure they can accurately identify which and to what extent your embryos chromosomes are affected.

Fees

Our full price list can be found here for download. Should you have any questions about the fees, please contact us on 0141 956 0509 and speak to a member of staff.