PGT-A – Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy Screening

Genetically screening your embryos during IVF treatment is known as pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). Our skilled scientists test embryos before they’re implanted to detect issues with chromosomes or genes. That way, they can select the healthiest and most robust ones for transfer.

The fact is, embryos may look ‘normal’ under the microscope—but even those that grow to blastocyst stage (day five-six) may not have the correct number of chromosomes.

Genetically testing embryos during IVF treatment can help:

• people suffering recurrent miscarriage
• women over 35
• people with a family history of chromosomal disorders
• if you’ve had repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles

PGT-A lets us handpick embryos with the correct number of chromosomes.

Meaning? We only transfer embryos with the potential to result in a healthy baby. This significantly reduces the number of treatment cycles needed for a successful ongoing pregnancy. It really is a win-win.

The most common method of embryo testing is via blastocyst biopsy. Our scientists carefully remove some trophectoderm cells (ie: cells that would go on to form the placenta) from your embryo on day five or six of development. These cells will be tested, as we outline below.

PGT-A is based on cutting-edge Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. It’s one of the fastest and most accurate technologies available - and one we’re proud to offer at Monash IVF.

After removing the embryonic cells in the biopsy, our scientists transfer the sample to a small test tube. We use a technique called Whole Genome Amplification to make millions of copies of the embryonic DNA.

This DNA is then fragmented (broken up), and hundreds of thousands of these small embryonic DNA fragments are sequenced (analysed) at the same time. We use specialised software to compare each fragment against the human genome - the standard map of human genes. From here, we can identify both an extra chromosome (trisomy) or a missing chromosome (monosomy).

This highly specialised form of genetic testing gives our patients the very best chance of conceiving - and taking home a baby.