Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) at American Reproductive Centers
Genetic screening that helps identify the healthiest embryos before transfer.
American Reproductive Centers provides preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) at its fertility clinics across California, including its Palm Springs location. Patients from across the state come to ARC for IVF with genetic testing as part of their fertility care.
Using advanced laboratory analysis, embryos are examined for chromosomal abnormalities and inherited genetic conditions. This allows fertility specialists to select the embryos most likely to result in a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
ARC can test your embryos for either chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) or Hereditary genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell (PGT-M)
PGT-A (Previously known as PGS)
Testing for abnormal number of chromosomes to allow for only normal embryos to transfer to the uterus. Normal embryos are referred to as Euploid.
– Screens for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
– Klinefelter (47, XXY)
– Turner (45, X)
PGT-M (Previously Known as PGD)
Screen for specific inherited single gene defects like
– Cystic Fibrosis
– Sickle Cell
– Huntington Disease
What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
PGT analyzes cells from your embryos to check for genetic or chromosomal problems before transfer. The testing happens during your IVF cycle, after your eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory.
On day 5 or 6 of embryo development, when embryos reach the blastocyst stage, an embryologist removes a few cells from the outer layer (the trophectoderm, which becomes the placenta). These cells are sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis. The embryo itself is frozen while you wait for results, which typically take 1 to 2 weeks.
Once you receive your genetic testing report, you’ll know which embryos are chromosomally normal and most likely to lead to a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will review the results with you and recommend the best embryo for transfer.
Important to understand: PGT happens alongside IVF, not instead of it. You must complete an IVF cycle with egg retrieval and fertilization before embryos can be tested.
Why Do We Use PGT?
PGT is used to diagnose genetic problems or chromosomal problems prior to implantation. The main benefits are:
- Ensures that only healthy embryos are placed back into the uterus
- To prevent high order multiples (triplets, quadruplets, etc.)
- Decrease the birth rate of children with genetic diseases
- Decreases miscarriages
All Your Questions Answered at Our Pre-Genetic Testing FAQ.
Benefits of PGT Testing
- Lower miscarriage risk. Chromosomal abnormalities cause up to 70% of first-trimester miscarriages. By transferring only chromosomally normal embryos, you significantly reduce your risk of pregnancy loss.
- Higher chance of success per transfer. Euploid (chromosomally normal) embryos have pregnancy rates of 60% to 70% per transfer, compared to 30% to 40% for untested embryos in women over 35.
- Fewer failed cycles. Transferring abnormal embryos wastes time, money, and emotional energy. PGT helps you avoid transfers that were unlikely to succeed from the start.
- Safer single embryo transfer. Knowing your embryo is chromosomally normal allows you to confidently transfer one embryo, avoiding the risks of twin pregnancy while maintaining excellent success rates.
- Peace of mind for genetic carriers. If you carry a genetic disease, PGT-M ensures you don’t pass the condition to your child.
Clarity and confidence. Understanding the genetic health of your embryos helps you make informed decisions and feel more in control of your fertility journey.
The PGT Process at ARC
Step 1: IVF and Blastocyst Development
You complete a standard IVF cycle with ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. Your eggs are fertilized with sperm in our laboratory, and the resulting embryos are cultured for 5 to 6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
Step 2: Embryo Biopsy
On day 5 or 6, our embryologist performs a biopsy by carefully removing 5 to 7 cells from the trophectoderm (the outer layer of the embryo that will become the placenta). The inner cell mass, which becomes the baby, is not touched. This procedure is performed under a high-powered microscope using specialized instruments.
The biopsy does not harm the embryo. Decades of research and millions of PGT procedures worldwide have shown that properly performed biopsies are safe.
Step 3: Genetic Analysis
The biopsied cells are sent to a specialized genetics laboratory where they undergo comprehensive chromosomal analysis. The lab examines all 23 pairs of chromosomes to determine if the embryo is euploid (normal), aneuploid (abnormal), or mosaic (a mix of normal and abnormal cells).
Step 4: Embryo Storage and Results
While the biopsy samples are analyzed, your embryos are frozen using vitrification and stored securely in our laboratory. Results typically return within 1 to 2 weeks.
Your doctor will review your PGT report with you, explaining which embryos are chromosomally normal, which are abnormal, and what your options are moving forward.
Step 5: Frozen Embryo Transfer
When you’re ready, we’ll transfer one euploid embryo during a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. You’ll take medications to prepare your uterine lining, and then we’ll transfer the embryo in a simple, painless procedure. About 10 days later, you’ll take a pregnancy test.
Why Choose ARC for PGT
- Experienced Embryology Team: Our embryologists have performed thousands of embryo biopsies with consistently high accuracy and safety. Experience matters when handling your precious embryos.
- High-Precision Biopsy Technique: We use advanced micromanipulation equipment and proven protocols to ensure each biopsy is performed with minimal impact on the embryo.
- State-of-the-Art Laboratory: Our on-site IVF lab maintains strict quality control standards and optimal environmental conditions for embryo development and biopsy procedures.
- Clear, Compassionate Counseling: Understanding PGT results can be complex and emotional. Dr. Abdallah and our team take the time to explain your results, answer your questions, and help you make the best decision for your family.
- Partnership with Leading Genetics Labs: We work with the most reputable genetic testing laboratories to ensure accurate, reliable results you can trust.
Important Limitations
PGT is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. While highly accurate, PGT analyzes only a few cells from the outer layer of the embryo. In rare cases, results may not perfectly represent the entire embryo.
Not all genetic conditions are detectable. PGT-A checks chromosome number but doesn’t detect single gene mutations (unless you specifically order PGT-M) or all possible genetic conditions.
Biopsy carries minimal risk. While extremely rare, there’s a small possibility that the biopsy could damage an embryo. Our experienced embryologists use precise techniques to minimize this risk.
Prenatal testing is still recommended. Even with PGT, your doctor will recommend standard prenatal screening like NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) or amniocentesis to confirm your baby’s genetic health during pregnancy.
Some cycles yield no normal embryos. Depending on your age and embryo quality, PGT may reveal that none of your embryos are chromosomally normal. While disappointing, this information prevents failed transfers and helps you decide on next steps.
What PGT Does Not Do
- PGT does not harm embryos. When performed by experienced embryologists, a biopsy is safe. Millions of healthy babies have been born from biopsied embryos.
- PGT does not test for personality or appearance. PGT only screens for chromosomal health and specific genetic diseases. It cannot and does not test for traits like intelligence, athletic ability, eye color, or personality.
- PGT is not required for everyone. PGT is beneficial for many patients, but not required for all. Younger women with good egg quality may achieve excellent success without testing. Your doctor will help you decide if PGT makes sense for your situation.
- PGT does not replace prenatal testing. PGT is the first step in genetic screening, but standard prenatal testing during pregnancy is still recommended to confirm your baby’s health.
- PGT does not guarantee a healthy baby. PGT significantly improves your odds but cannot eliminate all risks. Some genetic conditions and developmental issues cannot be detected through embryo testing.
Next Steps
Preimplantation genetic testing is used to provide clearer insight into embryo health before transfer, helping guide important decisions during IVF. For patients concerned about miscarriage, genetic conditions, or getting the best possible outcome from each transfer, PGT offers an added layer of medical guidance.
At American Reproductive Centers, Dr. Abdallah and the fertility team review your medical history, prior treatment results, and family goals to determine whether genetic testing should be included in your IVF plan and which type of PGT is most appropriate.
Where Success is Measured in Heartbeats!
Our Locations:
1180 N Indian Canyon Dr. Suites 301/303, Palm Springs, CA 92262
1-760-346-4334
255 Terracina Blvd. – Suite 202, Redlands, CA 92373
1-760-346-4334
(An ARC affiliate)
330 S Magnolia Ave suite 201, El Cajon, CA 92020
1-619-768-1110