Genetic testing of embryos during In Vitro
For couples using the method in vitro, embryo genetic testing (PGT) is a real breakthrough. It allows us to precisely analyse embryos even before they are transferred into the uterus. This allows us to select those that have the greatest developmental potential and are free of serious genetic defects. In this way, we significantly increase the chances of success of the IVF procedure, reduce the risk of miscarriages and the birth of a child with a serious genetic disease, and thus shorten the path to the desired parenthood.
Here are the key types of PGT testing:
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
This test focuses on detecting the most common chromosomal aberrations, i.e. an abnormal number of chromosomes (e.g. an extra or missing chromosome). Such alterations are a common cause of IVF failures and miscarriages. By selecting embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, we increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
For more information -> on PGT-A.
PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders
If there is a family history of single-gene diseases (inherited through a single gene), such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease, this test allows the selection of embryos that have not inherited the faulty gene. This is a huge opportunity to avoid passing on a serious genetic disease to the next generation.
For more information -> on PGT - M.
PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements)
This test is for couples in which one of the partners is a carrier of a structural chromosomal alteration, such as a translocation or inversion. Although carriers are often healthy, their offspring are at risk of severe malformations. PGT-SR allows selection of embryos with normal chromosome arrangements.
For more information -> on PGT-SR.
Embrace (Non-invasive genetic testing of embryos)
Embrace is an innovative and first non-invasive genetic test of embryos that allows us to check whether the embryos have the correct number of chromosomes (aneuploidy). It is a safer alternative to embryo biopsy, which does not interfere directly with the structure of the embryos. This test is recommended in cases of previous failures of IVF procedures, repeated problems with embryo implantation, miscarriages, the woman's age over 35, concerns about genetic diseases in the offspring, poor semen test results in the man, or a family history of confirmed cases of birth defects or intellectual disabilities. The Embrace test, performed at one of the largest genetic laboratories in Europe (Igenomix), provides results in about four weeks.
For more information -> on Embrace.
Advantages of Embrace over other methods
To price the developmental potential of embryos, we have several methods. The one used most often is the method that assesses the morphology (structure) and developmental kinetics of the embryo. And since the chromosome number of a fresh embryo cannot be examined with a microscope, a more advanced test, such as PGT-A - or invasive genetic testing of the embryo - is necessary for this purpose.
In contrast, non-invasive assessment of the information released from the DNA into the culture medium using the Embrace method, provides knowledge of the number of chromosomes in the embryo without interfering with its structure.
Embrace also allows the embryos with the highest potential to be identified:
- development,
- implantation,
and prioritisation of embryo selection for transfer.
Growing medium
A specially prepared solution of chemical compounds, similar to the composition of the fluids of the fallopian tube and the uterus.
The most important genetic diseases
Study Embrace allows the detection of genetic diseases such as:
- Down's syndrome,
- Edwards syndrome,
- Patau syndrome,
- Turner syndrome,
- Klinefelter syndrome,
- trisomy of the X chromosome,
- Jacobs syndrome.