Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) - Carolina Conceptions Fertility

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing

PGT

What is PGT?

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) to check embryos for genetic or chromosomal issues before transfer. Testing helps identify embryos with the best chance of resulting in a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of miscarriage.

There are two main types of PGT offered to Carolina Conceptions patients:

PGT-A (Aneuploidy): Screens embryos for having the correct number of chromosomes
PGT-M (Mutation): Tests for specific genetically inherited conditions
PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangements): Screens embryos for their chromosomes being arranged correctly and not translocated or inverted

For patients who choose not to undergo additional genetic or embryonic testing, our team can still make expert decisions about which embryos are of the highest quality and have the greatest potential for implantation. Your physician can help you decide if PGT is right for you.

Note: PGT-A was formerly known as Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS). PGT-M was formerly known as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)

PGT-A checks that embryos have 46 chromosomes in the correct balance. Too many or too few chromosomes (aneuploidy) often leads to failed implantation, miscarriage, or certain genetic conditions.

How It Works

On day 5 or 6 of embryo growth, a few cells are safely removed.
The embryos are frozen while the cells are tested with advanced genetic sequencing.
After about two weeks, your provider will review the results with you and select the healthy embryos for transfer

Why PGT-A Helps

Aneuploidy can happen at any age, but it’s more common in women over 35, so testing is highly recommended for this demographic
PGT-A increases the chance of pregnancy per transfer while also resulting in lower miscarriage rates
In 2022, our pregnancy success rate with PGT-A was 67%

PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Mutations)

PGT-M screens embryos to see if they carry any specific inherited conditions, using the genes of the parents to decide what conditions to search for. Some disorders that we often screen for include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and BRCA-related cancers.

How It Works

The biological parents will give a blood sample to see if they have, or are a genetic carrier for any genetic disorders.
On day 5 or 6 of embryo growth, a few cells are safely removed. If PGT-A is also performed, both tests will use the same biopsy sample.

The embryos are frozen while the cells are tested with advanced genetic sequencing. The conditions screened for will be informed by the blood sample results given by the parents.
After about two weeks, your provider will review the results with you and select the healthy embryos for transfer

Why PGT-M Helps

PGT-M allows us to select embryos free of specific mutations, reducing the risk of passing on serious genetic diseases
PGT-M is especially helpful for those who have a family history of genetic disorders

PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangments)

While PGT-A checks that embryos have 46 chromosomes in the correct balance, there may still be chromosomal defects if those 46 are not in the correct balance or placement. PGT-SR screens for these abnormalities like deletion, insertion, inversion, or translocation, which can cause a variety of syndromes and disorders.

How It Works

On day 5 or 6 of embryo growth, a few cells are safely removed.
The embryos are frozen while the cells are tested with advanced genetic sequencing.
After about two weeks, your provider will review the results with you and select the healthy embryos for transfer

Why PGT-SR Helps

PGT-SR allows us to select embryos free of specific structural abnormalities, reducing the risk of miscarriage and an unhealthy pregnancy
PGT-SR is typically recommended for those with a diagnosed chromosome rearrangement, a family history or history of pregnancies with chromosomal rearrangements, or those experiencing recurrent miscarriages (this is a common symptom of chromosomal rearrangements)

Did You Know?

Preimplantation genetic testing can help us improve your chance of pregnancy, especially for women over 35

TESTIMONIALS

What They’re

Saying

Dr. Couchman and all of the staff there are wonderful! They were all so helpful in walking us through the PGT and IVF process and any questions that were sent by email were always answered very promptly and the entire staff was extremely kind. I would highly recommend this practice.

I could write a novel, however to sum this up … my husband and I went through every emotion possible. We tried anything and everything (from positions, medicines, etc.) and finally after 7 years of infertility, 2 miscarriages, and 3 IUIs later, Carolina Conceptions helped my husband & I get our rainbow baby! He’s now 2 months old (as of tomorrow) and I couldn’t be more thankful for every moment we’ve had with him. He’s the best thing to ever happen to us and is growing like a weed already. I remember the first moment we heard his heart beat and all the things we had to go through just to get to this point.

I was cleaning out my 6 month old’s dresser today and came across our “graduation gift” which was a baby hat and magnet. And it reminded me to write my review. So here it is. We are extremely grateful for Carolina Conceptions. Everyone there, from the receptionists to the Drs were so kind and empathetic to our situation. We had struggled for 2 years of unexplained fertility before this. We realize we were extremely blessed by getting pregnant on our first IUI try. It was a blessing to find a clinic like Carolina Conceptions. We now have a 6 month old (today!) and cannot believe how much joy he has brought to our lives. We will forever be grateful to CC for helping us through this process.

I am beyond grateful to Carolina Conceptions and Dr. Schointuch for helping me finally achieve my dream of becoming a parent after years of struggles with other fertility clinics. From day one, the staff was incredibly welcoming, professional, and supportive. They made me feel at ease and encouraged throughout every step of the process. The personalized care and attention I received gave me the confidence I needed during such an emotional journey. I can’t thank Dr. Schointuch and the entire team enough for making this dream come true. I highly recommend Carolina Conceptions to anyone struggling with fertility—they truly care and are amazing at what they do!