Advances in embryo culture, freezing techniques, and DNA analysis in recent years have significantly expanded the possibilities of preimplantation genetic testing.
At Ovumia, we have invested strongly in preimplantation genetic testing and are able to offer accurate, safe, and state-of-the-art care to support your fertility journey.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) helps identify embryos with the best potential to result in a pregnancy and the birth of a child.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a genetic (DNA) analysis performed on a small sample taken from an embryo. Based on the results, it is possible to select an embryo with the highest likelihood of leading to a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child. PGT can be used to identify known inherited genetic conditions as well as chromosomal abnormalities.
There are three main types of PGT:
PGT-M is intended for couples who have an increased risk of having a child affected by a serious inherited genetic condition.
Using PGT-M, it is possible to test for almost any known single-gene (monogenic) disorder. Based on the results, only embryos that do not show the genetic condition are selected for transfer.
PGT-SR is performed when one or both parents have a structural chromosomal rearrangement, such as a translocation, in which parts of chromosomes have exchanged places.
These changes can sometimes be passed on to embryos, resulting in missing or extra chromosomal material or an abnormal chromosomal structure. This may prevent pregnancy from starting or can lead to an early miscarriage. PGT-SR helps identify embryos with the correct amount of chromosomal material, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
PGT-A examines whether an embryo has the normal number of chromosomes. This test is particularly beneficial for women over the age of 37, as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities (such as trisomies) increases with age.
Embryos with a normal chromosome number have a higher likelihood of implantation and a lower risk of miscarriage.
Ovumia’s embryologists have over three decades of experience in preimplantation genetic testing, and we have made significant investments in the development of PGT services.
At Ovumia, patients undergoing chromosome testing of embryos have the option to choose whether the sample is taken directly from embryonic cells (PGT-A) or from the embryo’s culture medium without taking a biopsy of the embryo itself (niPGT-A).
In PGT-SR and PGT-M treatments, we are able to perform DNA analysis with higher resolution than is available at most other clinics. This further improves the reliability of test results. In most PGT-M cases, treatment can begin even before the test validation process is completed. Samples required for validation can be sent for analysis at the same time as the embryo
biopsies. This shortens the overall timeline by several weeks, allowing treatment to start sooner and embryo test results to be available earlier..
If none of the embryos develop to the blastocyst stage, no validation costs are charged to the patient.
Yes. In good-quality embryos, the risk associated with biopsy is very low. The sample is taken at the blastocyst stage from the outer cells of the embryo (the trophectoderm), which later develops into the placenta and other supporting structures of pregnancy. The fetus itself develops from the inner cell mass of the embryo, which is not affected by the biopsy.
If an embryo has an unusually low number of outer cells, taking a biopsy may in some cases affect its viability. For this reason, we always assess individually whether a biopsy is appropriate for each embryo.
We also offer non-invasive PGT-A, which is a newer method. In this approach, DNA released by the embryo into the culture medium is analysed, meaning that no cell sample needs to be taken from the embryo itself.
Results from PGT-A and PGT-SR are typically available within 10–15 days after the testing laboratory has received the samples. Results from PGT-M are usually available within approximately 30 days.
No test can guarantee a baby, but PGT enables us to identify the embryos with the best potential to start a pregnancy leading to delivery. It prevents us from transferring embryos that would inevitably fail, saving your time, money, and emotional distress.
Chromosomal abnormalities in embryos are a natural part of human biology. Even in young, fertile women, some embryos have an abnormal chromosomal content. With increasing age, chromosomal abnormalities become more common, and the proportion of abnormal embryos increases. Errors in chromosome number arise primarily during oocyte development. However, they can also occur after fertilisation during the embryo’s early cell divisions, or more rarely during sperm development.
Preimplantation genetic testing offers the opportunity to plan your family safely and with confidence.
Our experienced team carries out all testing carefully and compassionately, always with you and your future family’s best interests in mind.
