Genetic screening is a way to diagnose if a couple is at risk for certain genetic disorders.
Optimally, genetic screening should be performed prior to a pregnancy. With any IVF procedure, there should always be a Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGT). PGT is a screening test that helps determine if a genetic (chromosomal) disorder is present in an embryo before it is transferred for implantation. Performing PGT reduces the risk factors of certain genetic disorders during a pregnancy and increases the chances of a full term success. This test is not based on family history, but that a certain number of embryos may form abnormally over time that could lead to miscarriage or genetic disorders.
What are the benefits of PGT?
Performing PGT increases the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy and birth. By screening for certain disorders, and choosing embryos free of these potential disorders we increase the chances of a successful IVF process as well. Most miscarriages during the IVF process are caused by abnormal embryos.
What are the main disorders being tested for with PGT?
Several of the more common disorders we screen for are Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, and Hemophilia A.