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PGT
Embryo genetic testing
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PGT-A or Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (also known as PGS) is a procedure used as part of an IVF cycle, with or without ICSI, in which each embryo is screened to determine whether it is chromosomally normal. A major reason why IVF fails is as result of chromosomal abnormalities within the embryo. If chromosomes are not present in the correct configuration, an embryo cannot result in a healthy pregnancy.
Your treatment journey
We know that undergoing fertility treatment can be an anxious and stressful time. Our team will guide and support you throughout your journey whilst ensuring that they deliver first class clinical results.
Step 1
Consultation
Your treatment journey begins with a consultation with your doctor to discuss your medical history and if necessary, any recommendations for further investigations. We focus on the detail so that we design an individualised treatment plan to deliver the best possible results for you. You will spend time with one of our expert nurses who will guide you through the process and be on hand to provide you with care and support throughout your journey.
Step 2
Monitoring
When you are ready you will start your medication and we will closely monitor your cycle to ensure an optimal response to your treatment. This monitoring will involve tracking follicle growth, egg development, and hormone levels.
Step 3
Trigger
Your doctor and embryologist will evaluate each individual patient to determine the best time to collect your eggs and at exactly the right time for you a specifically-timed trigger will be given. The trigger makes the eggs mature and ovulate and when you are ready you will come to the centre for your eggs to be collected.
Step 4
Egg Collection
The egg collection is performed under sedation, which is an outpatient procedure, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. During the egg collection the sperm sample is evaluated and prepared. On the day of egg collection, the eggs are either, mixed with the sperm or, undergo ICSI. On the following day, the embryologist will contact you to let you know how many eggs have fertilised to form embryos.
Step 5
Embryo development
The embryos will be cultured in our state-of-the-art incubators until ready for the biopsy procedure. The embryos will be assessed on days 5, 6 and/or 7 of development. To be considered for biopsy, the embryo must be at the expanded blastocyst stage, made up of hundreds of cells. These cells are clearly organised into the inner cell mass, which will become the baby, and the trophectoderm, which will become the placenta. Once each embryo is ready, a small number of trophectoderm cells are removed. Immediately following the biopsy, the embryo will be frozen and placed into storage whilst, the biopsied cells will be prepared and sent to the genetics laboratory for testing.
Step 6
Ongoing Support
Any embryo which returns a normal result can be considered for transfer in a subsequent cycle and these results will be discussed in a follow-up consultation.
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8am-6pm
Monday to Friday
+44 20 3974 0950
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Cutting edge science
Our state-of-the-art lab uses cutting edge science and understanding to optimise the environment for the development of your gametes and embryos.
Passionate about helping others
Our highly experienced Lab Director, Dr Christian Ottolini, is passionate about his work and is constantly innovating and ensuring clinical excellence to deliver first class results for his patients.