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- Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in Nigeria
At Nordica Fertility Centre, Preimplantation Genetic Testing is offered as part of a personalised fertility treatment plan for patients who meet specific medical indications. Our fertility specialists work closely with embryologists and genetic experts to determine whether PGT is appropriate based on your reproductive history, family history, and fertility diagnosis.
What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a specialised genetic screening procedure performed on embryos created through IVF before they are transferred into the uterus. Unlike prenatal genetic testing, which is carried out during pregnancy, PGT is performed before implantation to assess embryos for selected genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
After fertilisation, embryos are allowed to develop in the laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage. At this point, a small number of cells are carefully removed from the outer layer of the embryo in a process known as embryo biopsy. These cells are analysed in a specialised genetics laboratory while the embryo is safely cryopreserved until the results are available.
The purpose of PGT is not to create “perfect” embryos but to identify embryos that are less likely to be affected by certain inherited genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities. This information helps fertility specialists determine which embryo may be most appropriate for transfer based on the patient’s individual clinical circumstances.
Because PGT requires embryos created through IVF, patients considering this procedure will first undergo an IVF treatment cycle, which may include advanced laboratory techniques such as ICSI, IMSI, or PICSI depending on the fertility diagnosis.
Who Should Consider Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
PGT is not routinely recommended for every IVF patient. Instead, it is considered when there is a medical indication that genetic testing may improve treatment planning or reduce the likelihood of passing certain inherited conditions to a child.
Your fertility specialist may recommend PGT if you:
- Are undergoing IVF treatment
- Have a personal or family history of inherited genetic disorders
- Carry a known genetic mutation that could be passed to your children
- Have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss related to chromosomal abnormalities
- Have experienced repeated IVF implantation failure where chromosomal abnormalities may be a contributing factor
- Have been diagnosed with structural chromosome rearrangements such as translocations or inversions
- Wish to reduce the likelihood of transferring embryos affected by selected genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
Before recommending PGT, your fertility specialist may advise genetic counselling to discuss the benefits, limitations, and suitability of testing based on your individual medical history.
Types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Several forms of Preimplantation Genetic Testing are available, each designed to identify different types of genetic abnormalities.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)
PGT-A evaluates whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. Human embryos normally contain 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. Embryos with extra or missing chromosomes may have a reduced chance of implantation or may result in miscarriage or certain genetic conditions.
PGT-A helps identify embryos with a normal chromosomal complement, supporting embryo selection during IVF treatment.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M)
PGT-M is recommended when one or both intended parents carry a known inherited genetic condition caused by a mutation in a single gene.
Examples include certain inherited blood disorders, neurological diseases, and other single-gene conditions. By testing embryos before transfer, PGT-M helps identify embryos that are unlikely to inherit the specific condition being investigated.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR)
PGT-SR is used for patients with structural chromosome abnormalities such as balanced translocations or inversions.
Although individuals with these chromosome rearrangements may be healthy themselves, they may produce embryos with unbalanced chromosomes, increasing the risk of miscarriage or unsuccessful pregnancy. PGT-SR assists in identifying embryos with a balanced chromosome structure for transfer.
How the PGT Process Works
Preimplantation Genetic Testing forms part of a carefully coordinated IVF treatment cycle and involves several specialised laboratory procedures.
IVF Treatment and Embryo Development
The process begins with a standard IVF cycle, during which eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in the embryology laboratory. Fertilisation may be performed using conventional IVF or techniques such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) when clinically appropriate.
The resulting embryos are cultured for approximately five to six days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
Embryo Biopsy
Once suitable blastocysts have developed, a highly skilled embryologist carefully removes a small number of cells from the outer layer of each embryo. These cells later develop into the placenta, while the embryo itself continues to develop normally after freezing.
The biopsy procedure is performed using specialised laboratory equipment designed to minimise disruption to embryo development.
Genetic Analysis
The biopsied cells are sent to a specialised genetics laboratory for detailed analysis. Depending on the type of PGT being performed, the laboratory evaluates chromosome number, structural chromosome abnormalities, or specific inherited genetic mutations.
Results are carefully reviewed before recommendations are made regarding embryo selection.
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Following the availability of genetic test results, embryos identified as suitable for transfer may be thawed and transferred during a subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle.
Your fertility specialist will discuss the findings with you and develop a personalised treatment plan based on the results.
Benefits of Preimplantation Genetic Testing
For carefully selected patients, PGT can provide valuable clinical information that supports informed treatment decisions during IVF.
Potential benefits include:
- Supports the selection of embryos for transfer based on their genetic profile
- Reduces the likelihood of transferring embryos affected by certain genetic abnormalities
- May reduce the risk of miscarriage associated with chromosomal abnormalities
- Helps patients with inherited genetic conditions reduce the risk of passing on specific disorders
- Supports personalised IVF treatment planning
- Provides additional information for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated IVF failure
It is important to remember that while PGT provides valuable genetic information, it cannot guarantee pregnancy or eliminate every possible genetic or developmental condition.
Why Choose Nordica Fertility Centre for PGT?
Because PGT is closely integrated with IVF, our multidisciplinary team carefully coordinates every stage of treatment from ovarian stimulation and embryo development to embryo biopsy, genetic testing, and frozen embryo transfer. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care while maintaining high standards of clinical practice throughout the fertility journey.
Take the Next Step in Your Fertility Journey
At Nordica Fertility Centre, our experienced fertility specialists provide personalised care and advanced reproductive technologies to help you make informed decisions throughout your fertility journey.
Book a consultation today to learn whether Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is appropriate for your individual fertility treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
Is PGT the same as prenatal genetic testing?
Does every IVF patient need PGT?
Can PGT guarantee a healthy baby?
Does PGT affect the embryo?
Can PGT improve IVF success?
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