If you have a risk of passing certain genetic conditions on to your children, we can test the embryos for certain genetic mutations. This is called Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Defects (PGT-M), previously known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), After the physician retrieves the eggs and they are fertilized, the embryologist will biopsy each suitable embryo. The embryologist will then freeze the embryos while awaiting results from the biopsied cells. The physician can then transfer only embryo(s) for which testing indicates the genetic mutation (and corresponding medical condition) in question is absent.
In addition to testing for genetic mutations (PGT-M), embryo freezing has allowed for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A), previously known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGS). This screening looks for abnormalities in chromosome number, such as trisomy 21, which causes Down syndrome, and many others that are likely to result in implantation failure or miscarriage. Likely candidates for this testing include patients with failed implantation and older women, who are at higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities.