Will PGT-A help you to stay pregnant?

What is PGT-A?

PGT-A stands for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. We appreciate that it's quite a mouthful, so what does it mean exactly?

Put simply, PGT-A is a genetic screening performed on embryos during IVF to identify which have the correct number of chromosomes and are therefore more likely to result in a healthy pregnancy. 

Along with natural treatments, like those delivered at our fertility clinic in Wolverhampton, it can be helpful for many women.

In a healthy embryo there should be 46 chromosomes- 23 from each biological parent. In PGT-A procedure, a small number of cells are removed from the outer layer of a day-5 embryo, which are sent to the lab for analysis.

This outer layer of the cells is called the trophectoderm, which will eventually develop into the placenta. The inner cell mass of the embryo will develop into the baby. 

PGT-A categorises embryos into three groups:

1. Euploid embryos: these have a normal number of chromosomes and are ideal for embryo transfer.

2. Aneuploid embryos: they have too many or too few chromosomes which can lead to genetic abnormalities, failed implantation or miscarriage. They tend not to be implanted. 

3. Mosaic embryos: these embryos are part normal and part abnormal. They can result in healthy pregnancies and live births but there’s a greater risk. Some parents implant these embryos after genetic counselling.

In an aneuploid embryo, all cells that were tested are likely to have had the same abnormality, such as an extra copy of a chromosome. This can be traced back to the original egg cell. Unfortunately, this means that the abnormality would affect the entire embryo. Most of the time, these embryos fail to implant. Or if they do implant, they almost always cause an early miscarriage. This may explain many miscarriages resulting from natural conception in addition to IVF conception.

On the other hand, in a mosaic embryo, some of the cells taken for biopsy are normal and some are abnormal. They are often not thought of as suitable for transfer. However, in some cases the abnormal cells can be eliminated through embryo self-correction. 

Mosaic embryos do have a chance to push away the abnormal cells whilst the normal cells of the inner cell mass can go on to produce a healthy baby.

Who would benefit from testing?

• Women over 35 years, as evidence suggests an increased chance of successful implantation and lower chance of miscarriage with a tested embryo.

• Women who have had repeated IVF implantation failure (RIF)

• Those who have a large number of embryos and the money available to test them, which is likely to result in a successful outcome quicker.

What are some limitations of PGT-A?

• PGT-A doesn't test for all genetic conditions, just chromosome count.

• You need enough embryos for it to be viable as some can be lost in the process.

• Mosaic embryos may still result in healthy pregnancies.

• It’s expensive, so it can add to the costs of IVF

How much does PGT-A cost?

Costs vary throughout the UK and according to different clinics. However, on average it costs £500 per embryo, although some clinics offer packages such as PGT-A with up to 8 embryos for £3250 at CRGH in London.

Care Fertility offers £355 per embryo or packages for previously frozen embryos such as £1,280 for thaw, biopsy and refreeze.

Some IVF packages offer PGT-A as an inclusion, for example, Care Enhanced from £15,595.

PGT-A abroad can be less expensive, depending on the clinic. For example, Dunya IVF in Cyprus offers a combined IVF + PGT-A package for 5500 euros plus 300 euros per embryo.

Benefits of testing your embryos:

• Reduce the risk of miscarriage

• Reduce the risk of IVF implantation failure

• Save time and prevent traumatic experience of miscarriage

• You can have a fresh transfer and still test any remaining embryos that reach blastocyst.

Are there other types of embryo testing?

Yes - the following methods of preimplantation screening also exist. However, these are usually reserved for complex or specific cases.

PGT-M

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders

This is a genetic test for embryos to identify whether they carry inherited diseases. This is usually undertaken if the genetic parents are carriers of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington's or sickle cell anaemia.

PGT-SR

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Arrangements

This type of genetic screening tests embryos for chromosomal structural abnormalities related to recurrent miscarriage or genetic conditions in children. Women who have this type of testing are those who have had recurrent miscarriages, or already have a child with a chromosomal abnormality. 

It’s custom designed and since parents also undergo genetic screening, it makes it more expensive than PGT-A.

If you are interested in exploring PGT-A as an option, ask your clinic for their packages and recommendations. 

You’re also always welcome to visit our fertility clinic in Wolverhampton, which offers natural treatments, like acupuncture, along with emotional support. 

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