Embryo Screening for Genetic Diseases

How Does Testing Embryos for Genetic Diseases Impact My Journey?

Whether your embryo screening for genetic diseases includes PGT-A, PGT-M or both, if it’s part of your IVF journey to becoming a parent, it can directly impact how long that may take.

That’s because embryos with aneuploidy are more likely to result in a miscarriage or failed IVF cycle while PGT-M minimizes the risk of having an affected child before the pregnancy.

If you have few or no embryos left, and embryos that can be screened for genetic disorders are found to have them, then that would require additional IVF cycles and time to secure more embryos.

You may want to test embryos for genetic disorders based on previous attempts, medical recommendations or family history. No matter why embryo screening for genetic diseases could be right for your situation, we’re here for you.

Fill out our online contact form if you need a professional that conducts the screening of embryos for genetic disorders. We can put you in touch with fertility clinics close to you that can walk you through the entire process.

FAQ

Does Genetic Testing of Embryos Detect Autism?

No, testing embryos for genetic diseases doesn’t detect autism, there isn’t a single behavioral or communication test that can. Autism Society says that diagnosing autism is best completed with multiple sources of information and tests to come to that conclusion.

That’s because autism is a condition that cannot be genetically tested, and that includes the genetic testing of embryos. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that’s the result of genetics and environmental aspects. It’s impossible to point toward a single gene as the underlying cause of autism.

What Is the Genetic Test for Down Syndrome?

The genetic test for Down syndrome is PGT-A. PGT-A finds chromosomal abnormalities and Down syndrome is one of the conditions it tests embryos for.

Is Embryo Genetic Testing Worth It?

Depending on your situation, and what your goals are for your IVF journey, genetic testing can be worth it.

PGT is cost effective, reducing the needs for multiple IVF cycles and can increase the chances of success while reducing the chances of issues that can come with a pregnancy.

Is There Genetic Screening for Cystic Fibrosis?

Yes, there is genetic screening for cystic fibrosis (CF).

PGT-M screens for monogenic disorders and can be used to tell if you or your partner carry an altered gene that causes CF.

Another test, the sweat test, is the standard test used to diagnose CF. People with CF have saltier sweat than most and if diagnosed with CF through this test, a genetic test can show the altered genes.

How Can Embryos Be Screened for Genetic Disorders?

Embryos are screened for genetic disorders by removing cells from the embryos and sending those cells for a biopsy to a laboratory. That laboratory will conduct genetic testing on those cells to determine and genetic abnormalities.