Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) at OC Fertility® + OC Biogenix®

What is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is an advanced screening performed during an IVF cycle to assess the genetic health of embryos before they are transferred to the uterus. This testing helps:

• Reduce the risk of miscarriage
• Improve the chances of implantation
• Lower the risk of passing on inherited genetic conditions
• Aid in identifying causes of unexplained infertility

At OC Fertility® + OC Biogenix®, this testing occurs during the blastocyst stage (typically 5–7 days after fertilization). A few cells are gently biopsied from the embryo and analyzed while the embryo is frozen and safely stored.

What Are the Types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing?

We offer several forms of PGT, each with a specific purpose:

🧬 PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)

PGT-A checks for an abnormal number of chromosomes (called aneuploidy). A healthy embryo has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Too many or too few can result in:

• Miscarriage
• IVF failure
• Chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)

PGT-A is often recommended for:

• Patients over 35
• Those with a history of recurrent miscarriage
• Cases of failed IVF cycles
• Embryo banking

🧬 PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)

PGT-M screens for single-gene inherited disorders, especially important when one or both biological parents are known carriers of a genetic condition. Common examples include:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Tay-Sachs disease
• Muscular dystrophy
• Sickle cell anemia

With PGT-M, your provider can identify embryos that are unaffected and do not carry the condition.

🧬 PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements)

PGT-SR is used when one or both parents have a known chromosomal rearrangement (such as a translocation or inversion). These can increase the risk of:

• Miscarriage
• Embryos with missing or duplicated genetic material

PGT-SR helps select embryos with a normal karyotype, increasing the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

How Is the Embryo Tested?

Your embryo is biopsied by our experienced embryologists at the blastocyst stage, which minimizes risk and does not impact the embryo’s viability. The cells are sent to a genetic lab, and the embryo is frozen until results are available.

If the results indicate a healthy embryo, it can be transferred in a future frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle.

Learn More About Genetic Testing at OC Fertility®

Whether you’re interested in PGT-A for chromosomal screening or PGT-M for inherited disorders, our expert team helps you decide the best path forward.

📞 Call OC Fertility® + OC Biogenix® today or 📅 book an appointment online to learn more about PGT and personalized fertility options.