The past several decades have seen tremendous advances in the field of medical genetics. The application of genetic technologies to the field of reproductive medicine has ushered in a new era of medicine that is likely to greatly expand in the coming years. Concurrent with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, it is now possible to obtain a cellular biopsy from a developing embryo and genetically evaluate this sample with increasing sophistication and detail.
Preimplantation Genetic testing for Aneuploidy-PGT-A
The purpose of PGT-A is to screen embryos for whole chromosome abnormalities before its use. The selection of embryos for transfer was based mainly on morphologic criteria, but many women failed to achieve pregnancy despite transfer of morphologically optimal embryos.
Preimplantation genetic testing-aneuploidy was proposed as a way to detect whole chromosome aneuploidy before transfer and thus potentially increase live birth rates and decrease early pregnancy failure rates.
Primary candidates for PGS can inculde the following:
In order to have embryos to biopsy for PGS, couples must udergo invitro fertilization (IVF).
The screening process is explained to prospective parents as it invloves five steps.
Most miscarraiges are due to aneuploidy, PGS allows doctors to only transfer normal embryos, PGT lowers the risk of miscarriage.Genetic testing can potentially reduce the need for more invasive forms of testing during pregnancy.
Most of the risks invloved in PGS treatment are similar to those for conventional IVF which invloves:
PGT-A can be a helpful diagnostic tool, but it’s not for everyone. Clinicians should inform patients of all their options and work together to make an informed decision about whether genetic screening is the right choice.