Which Genetic Tests Are Available at Annandale Fertility
If you’ve been researching fertility treatments at all you’ve likely noticed there are a lot of acronyms when it comes to genetic testing. Sorting through them all can seem intimidating and leave you more confused.
Knowing what genetic tests are available and what each screens for gives you the confidence and answers you need to move forward in booking the right genetic tests for you and your growing family.
Your customized genetic test protocol will depend on your history, circumstances, and what your care team discovers in your initial evaluation.
Here we break down each option in simple terms so you can feel confident walking into your consultation already educated.
Overview of Genetic Testing for Fertility Treatment
There are two types of genetic testing offered in fertility care, one is screening performed on parents prior to pregnancy and the second is the testing performed on embryos prior to transfer.
Both types of testing aim to provide you with the best chance at a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of passing along any harmful genetic conditions.
Fertility clinics partner with specialty reproductive genetics labs to offer this testing, as it requires highly specialized equipment and analytical skills.
Carrier Screenings
Preconception carrier screening is a blood or saliva test that identifies if one or both partners carry a mutation that could be passed down to a child.
Carrier status typically doesn’t affect health or development because carriers are usually healthy without symptoms.
Concern arises when both parents are carriers for the same recessive condition, such as cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy.
Completing preconception carrier screening before beginning fertility treatments provides couples with the knowledge they need to make empowered decisions about their care.
Which Genetic Tests Are Offered at Annandale Fertility for Embryos?
PGT refers to preimplantation genetic testing and is performed on embryos that were created during an IVF cycle.
Before transferring any embryos to the uterus, a few cells are tested to screen for genetic abnormalities.
The embryo is frozen while the lab analyzes the sample, and results are typically available within a couple weeks.
There are three types of PGT tailored to screen for different genetic concerns: PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR.
PGT-A: Genetic Screening for Chromosome Issues
PGT-A screens embryos for aneuploidy or extra or missing chromosomes. It is the most common type of PGT performed.
Aneuploid embryos have a higher risk of infertility, pregnancy loss, or birth defects.If you are over 35 or have had multiple miscarriages you likely have heard of chromosome testing.
It’s recommended in these situations because chromosome problems are the leading cause of failed implantation and miscarriage.
PGT-A is also commonly recommended for patients who have had repeated IVF failures, as chromosomal abnormalities in embryos are often the cause.
Recommendations For PGT-M and PGT-SR
If your genetic screening identifies a specific condition you or your partner are at risk for passing to your child, PGT-M or PGT-SR may be recommended.
PGT-M is done when there is a known single gene mutation that could affect your child. Examples include sickle cell anemia or Huntington’s disease.
PGT-SR is recommended when there’s a known chromosomal rearrangement present in one partner.
Certain chromosomal rearrangements increase a person’s risk of having embryos with missing or extra chromosomal material.
What to Expect During Your Genetic Screening Consultation
During your genetic screening consultation your provider will take a deep dive into your personal and family medical history.
They will use that information to decide which combination of screenings would be right for you.
From there your team will create a personalized plan so you can get answers while staying on track with your fertility goals.
Schedule Genetic Testing in Fairfax County, Virginia, at Annandale Fertility
While there are many genetic tests available, not all of them will be right for you. Our team at Annandale will walk you through your options and help you through each step of this process as your family grows.
Contact us online or give our office a call at 703-462-8665 today to schedule your consultation and learn which genetic tests are available at Annandale that are right for you and your family.