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A fertility journey can involve many steps between you and your future baby. Some are in your control, some aren’t, but all usually provide a certain amount of information. PGT-A testing is one way to gain valuable knowledge to help you move forward on your path to parenthood. It can be especially helpful for couples trying to build their families who have experienced prior losses, want to decrease the time to pregnancy, increase chances of success, or are over age 35.
The team at Genomic Prediction, who created the LifeView testing platform, has studied and continues to hone its PGT-A process to better support families on their journey to becoming parents.
“Today IVF remains an overwhelming process for most patients,” explained Elizabeth Carr, Head of Marketing & Patient Advocacy, in a press release. “Genomic Prediction feels strongly that patients deserve to be made aware of the risks and benefits of utilizing PGT during their IVF cycle. Patients need to be informed that significant platform differences exist, including the number of aneuploid embryos diagnosed. LifeView PGT accuracy ensures patients have more euploid embryos to transfer and better outcomes.”
If you’re wondering what PGT-A testing is, how it can help you during IVF, and how long you can expect to wait before getting your results, we've got you covered.
What is PGT-A testing?
PGT-A testing is short for preimplantation genetic testing, which screens embryos specifically for aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is an embryo that has the incorrect number of chromosomes. An embryo should contain 23 pairs of chromosomes that include 2 sex chromosomes making the total correct number of 46.
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, diagnostic tests, like PGT-A tests, can help determine if a chromosomal disorder is present.
PGT-A specifically detects extra or missing chromosomes as well as added or missing pieces of chromosomes. Because PGT-A is done before transfer, it increases the amount of information you have to make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and a future, healthy pregnancy.
In addition to PGT-A testing, LifeView powered by Genomic Prediction also offers patients the option to utilize PGT-A+. The PGT-A+ test specifically helps uncover whether the chromosomal abnormality originated from the egg or the sperm. For those searching for more answers, the A+ test allows you and your clinician to discuss whether donor egg or sperm may be a possible next step in your treatment plan.
How long does the PGT-A testing process take?
All in all, the PGT-A testing process, which includes patient counseling, intake, consenting, sample submission, and processing, can take a few weeks to complete depending on the complexity of your case.
As with any big decision in your fertility journey, your first step is to check in with your care team. Don’t be afraid to chat with your doctor about PGT-A, learn their take, and decide with them when and how you should approach LifeView’s tests. Once you’ve decided that this is the right decision for you and your family, a LifeView specialist will partner with you to walk you through the next steps and answer questions you may have to get the ball rolling on getting a small sample from each embryo sent to LifeView for analysis. Should you also choose to get the PGT-A+ test, you and your partner (or gamete donor) must also submit a saliva sample.
From there, you’re off to the races. Your ordering physician will receive a completed report detailing your embryo’s genetic health empowering you and your IVF team to make the best decision. Genetic counselors will also be ready to help unpack your results, so you feel more confident in what you’ve learned about yourselves and your embryos.
If a fertility journey teaches couples anything, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone navigates their journey at their own pace and turns to the resources that make the most sense for them. PGT-A testing is just one more tool in your fertility journey toolbox that you have available to you.
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