- PGT-A (formerly PGS) is a genetic test performed on embryos to identify numerical chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy).
- Our PGT-A uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), which allows us to analyze all 24 chromosomes. Chromosomal abnormalities are detected prior to embryo transfer to enable informed decisions and increase pregnancy success.
Clinical Outcome with and without PGT-A based on SART 2016 public database
SART 2016 (https://www.sartcorsonline.com/rptCSR_PublicMultYear.aspx?reportingYear=2016)
What is the procedure?
Why use PGT-A Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies?
- Increases pregnancy rates per transfer:
Selecting normal embryos can increase the pregnancy chances after transfer
- Reduction in miscarriage rate:
In the general population, 25% of all clinical pregnancies end in miscarriage, the vast majority of which are due to aneuploidy
- Increase in the likelihood of having a healthy baby:
Some pregnancies with chromosomal anomalies can give rise to the birth of baby with a serious illness
- Reduction in time and necessary resources:
The time and resources necessary to achieve a pregnancy are reduced
- Reduces risk of multiple pregnancy:
A SET significantly reduces the likelihood of a twin pregnancy
Why Igenomix PGT-A?
Independent studies have compared PGT-A from Igenomix and other labs and the highlights include:
*ABSTRACT – ASRM 2018: A comparison of diagnostic results of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) from reference laboratories during a period of transition; trends and inherences for patient care. D. Ioannou, M. D. Baker, S. D. Jones, l. R. Grass, K. A. Miller. Embryology, IVF Florida Reproductive Associates, Margate, FL.
**POSTER – PGDIS 2019: Clinical comparison of two pgt-a PLATFORMS UTILIZING DIFFERENT THRESHOLDS TO DETERMINE PLOIDY STATUS. D. Monahan, G. Harton, D. Griffin, M. Angle, C. Smikle. Laurel Fertility Care, San Francisco, CA.
By applying the unique Smart PGT-A technology, Igenomix is able to constantly refine and improve our ability to analyze embryo samples. Wehave developed a proprietary bioinformatic calling algorithm based on over 100,000 embryo samples which minimizes human errors and bias/subjectivity.
MitoScore is a mitochondrial biomarker developed by Igenomix, which gives us an indicator of the energy status of an embryo.
MitoScore allows us to select those embryos with the greatest probabilities for implantation that are more likely to result in a viable pregnancy through IVF/ PGT-A.*
*(Diez-Juan et al. 2015)
- Most DNA is in chromosomes within the nucleus, but mitochondria have their own DNA. This genetic material is known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA.
- mtDNA in an embryo is an index of energetic stress, which can be used to predict its implantation potential.
- Our studies indicate that an increase in the mitochondrial DNA in the embryo is indicative of an insufficient level of energy and a low implantation potential.
- PGT-A is particularly important for female patients over age 35, as aneuploidy rate increases with maternal age. Women under 35 have a uniform aneuploidy rate below 40%, while women above 42 have a uniform aneuploidy rate above 70%.
- PGT-A can greatly reduce the odds of a patient having multiple pregnancies by providing information to select the best embryo for an elective Single Embryo Transfer or SET.
Test limitations
PGT-A does not test for:
- Birth defects
- Inherited single gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs disease
- Multifactorial conditions, including autism
- Adult-onset conditions such as diabetes or Alzheimer´s disease
- Physical and mental traits, such as intelligence or athleticism
- Microdeletions/microduplications
As with most tests, PGT-A has some limitations:
1. Accuracy is ~98%
- False positive: There is a small chance an embryo could be excluded unnecessarily
- False negative: There is a small chance that an embryo diagnosed as normal could still be chromosomally abnormal
2. PGT-A tests only the samples produced by embryo biopsy, not whole embryos
3. PGT-A does not detect structural abnormalities that do not involve gains or losses of genetic material. Additionally, the following cannot be detected:
- Chromosome losses/gains bellow 10Mb,
- Low level of mosaicism (<30%)
- Uniparental disomy (UDP)
- Defects affecting the complete set of chromosomes (haploidy, triploidy)
Follow-up prenatal testing is recommended to confirm the results of PGT-A.
There is a chance of unforeseeable problems with transportation, such as weather and air travel issues, or other circumstances beyond the control of Igenomix that may delay the reporting of results.
In a small percentage of cases, genetic testing cannot be performed due to improper biopsy techniques, loss of biopsied cells, or poor DNA quality.
