Preimplantation Genetic Testing

What is preimplantation genetic testing?

OC Fertility offers preimplantation genetic testing as an elective service to in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. This service helps to reduce the chance of miscarriage. 

It’s also effective for women under the age of 35 who are experiencing unexplained infertility. This testing can help to identify the cause of the fertility challenge.  

The OC Fertility team performs this test after egg fertilization but before transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus. Specifically, they perform it during the blastocyst stage, which occurs around 5-7 days after fertilization. At this point, the embryo can spare a few cells. Your OC Fertility doctor biopsies those cells to perform the genetic testing you choose.

With preimplantation genetic testing, you can choose to get one or both of the following:

• Comprehensive chromosome screening (also called preimplantation genetic screening)
• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis 

As you wait for the results of your biopsy, your OC Fertility doctor freezes your embryo so it can be ready if the test results confirm that it’s a healthy embryo. Preimplantation genetic testing doesn’t affect your likelihood of successful IVF. 

What is comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS)/preimplantation genetic screening (PGS)?

Comprehensive chromosome screening/preimplantation genetic screening checks that the embryo has the right number and type of chromosomes. A healthy embryo should have 23 pairs of chromosomes, one of each pair from the mother and one of each from the father. 

A different number of chromosomes or different types (e.g., too many from the father) can result in complications during the pregnancy and health conditions for the child. For example, trisomy 21 results in Down syndrome, while trisomy 13 results in Patau syndrome.

The likelihood of chromosomal irregularities heightens with the mother’s age. OC Fertility often recommends CCS/PGS for mothers over the age of 35, as well as to patients with:

• A history of recurrent miscarriage
• Irregularities in ovarian function 
• Interest in embryo banking
• A history of failed fertility treatments

By screening the embryo before transferring it to your uterus, your OC Fertility doctor ensures that you have the best possible chance at a healthy full-term pregnancy. 

What is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?

While CCS/PGS looks specifically at chromosomes, PGD checks for signs of genetic disorders. This is especially helpful for people who are carriers of genetic disorders like muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis. 

With this test, your OC Fertility doctor can ideally identify an embryo that is unaffected by the genetic disorder and doesn’t carry it, giving you the ability to prevent passing the disorder onto your child. 

To learn more about your preimplantation genetic testing options, call OC Fertility, or make your appointment online today.

949-706-BABY