PGT

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a combination of procedures to evaluate the genetics of an embryo prior to transferring the embryo into the uterus. Women who are of advanced maternal age or have limited ovarian reserve may benefit from PGT to minimize the risk of miscarriage or have a child with a genetic abnormality like Down’s Syndrome. Women who have a history of repetitive miscarriages or repeated implantation failures may benefit from PGT. Also, women who want to avoid a multiple pregnancy while maximizing pregnancy rates with a single embryo transfer may also choose PGT.

The PGT process is performed on embryos obtained through IVF. Embryos are biopsied on day 5 when the embryo is multi-celled, a blastocyst. This procedure is performed with a laser and is technically complex – requiring the skill of an experienced embryologist. These biopsied cells are then sent to a genetics laboratory for assessment.

Limitations of PGT include:

• Biopsied cells may not yield a result
• A normal genetics report does not guarantee a normal baby
• Not all genetic abnormalities can be detected by PGT

Assisted Hatching

Early human embryos develop within an outer covering called a zona pellucida. Before the embryo can implant in the uterus, the embryo must break through this covering. In some cases, it appears that human embryos sometimes lack the ability to do this.

The technique of assisted hatching involves making a small hole in the zona pellucida with a special laser and can assist the embryo in implanting into the walls of the uterus.

You may be a candidate for assisted hatching if you are 38 years of age or older, if you have previously had one or more IVF cycles with failure of your embryos to implant, despite otherwise good results, or if you are having a frozen embryo transfer.

Below is a brief animated explanation of PGT.