Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a scientific technique used to test embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal variations. Genetic testing enables chromosomally healthy embryos or those unaffected by a specific disorder to be selected for transfer during an IVF cycle, increasing your chances of having a healthy baby.
Who is PGT suitable for?
You may want to consider Pre-implantation Genetic Testing if you or your partner are carriers of single gene mutations, if you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriage or repeated IVF failure, or if the female partner is over 38 years old.
What does PGT test for?
Certain genes in our chromosomes can affect the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and successful birth. Some of these genes may result in a miscarriage while other genes may cause a baby to have a genetic disorder. PGT can identify over 20,000 types of gene mutations linked, for example, to spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease or fragile X syndrome.
What can PGT not test for?
Non-genetic disorders cannot be tested through PGT.
What does PGT involve?
In pre-implantation genetic testing, the woman goes through a standard IVF cycle. While the embryos are developing in the IVF laboratory, a few cells are removed from each embryo and tested in one of two ways. Chromosome testing (Next Generation Sequencing) tests all 24 chromosomes in an embryo to enable the selection and transfer of chromosomally healthy embryos, and Karyomapping can be used if you or your partner are known to be carriers of a serious single gene disorder.
What are the risks with PGT?
There is no evidence of health problems caused by PGT. There is a small risk the embryo may be damaged during the biopsy procedure. There’s also a small risk that a diagnosis on the biopsy may not be obtained.
How much does PGT cost?
The cost of PGT varies depending on your individual circumstances, and Medicare rebates are currently available for eligible couples and individuals. PGT with Karyomapping for single gene disorders costs $1640 for the preliminary evaluation plus $700 per embryo biopsied with a maximum cost of $2460 for six or more embryos from a single IVF cycle. PGT with Next Generation Sequencing costs $700 per embryo biopsied with a maximum cost of $3995 for up to 10 embryos.
