While IVF treatment offers a hopeful path for couples wishing to have children, advanced technologies come into play in some cases to further optimize this process. One such technology is known as "Preimplantation Genetic Testing" (PGT). As Prof. Dr. Kubilay Vicdan, with this modern approach applied at our Ankara IVF Center, we aim to increase our couples' chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss what PGT is, who it is recommended for, and its role in IVF treatment.
What is PGT and How is it Applied?
PGT, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing, is the process of genetically examining embryos obtained during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment before they are transferred to the uterus. This advanced genetic test allows for the evaluation of embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic diseases. The goal is to increase the chance of pregnancy by selecting embryos with the potential to be genetically healthy and to minimize the risk of genetic disorders appearing in the baby.
The PGT process begins with the stages of standard IVF treatment:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The prospective mother's ovaries are stimulated with medication to ensure the development of multiple eggs.
- Egg Retrieval and Fertilization: Mature eggs are collected and fertilized with sperm from the prospective father in a laboratory setting. Microinjection (ICSI) is commonly used.
- Embryo Development: Fertilized eggs, or embryos, continue their development in the laboratory for several days. For PGT, embryos are usually most suitable for biopsy when they reach the "blastocyst" stage, typically on day 5 or 6.
- Embryo Biopsy: A few cells are carefully sampled from the outer layer (trophectoderm) of the fully developed blastocyst embryo, without harming the cells that will form the fetus. This procedure is performed with great precision under a microscope by