What is genetic screening before embryo transfer? Why does it need to be done?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Cam Van - Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
In the process of infertility treatment, diagnosis and genetic testing before embryo transfer is one of the necessary things to improve the effectiveness of reproductive health care, support infertility treatment for pregnant women. family or reduce the risk of having a child with a genetic disease.

1. What is pre-embryo transfer genetic testing?

Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is a technique used in reproductive medicine to help identify genetic abnormalities in embryos. embryos created during IVF.
There are 3 types of preimplantation genetic screening:
PGT-M: diagnose single-gene diseases, helping couples determine that the fetus does not have a genetic disease inherited from a parent carrying a mutated gene (deficiency disease). Thalassemia, hemophilia, hemophilia, etc.). This technique is also used to select embryos with appropriate specific characteristics: sex or human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complexes compatible with the needing embryo... PGT-SR: diagnosis of structural abnormalities chromosomal structure, helping couples carrying balanced translocations, chromosome deletions or deletions, etc., to have normal pregnancies, without malformations due to structural abnormalities of chromosomes. This technique may not distinguish between normal embryos and embryos carrying PGT-A equilibria: this test is used to detect spontaneous chromosomal abnormalities in couples. have a normal set of chromosomes. Thereby helping to avoid the risk of transferring abnormal embryos, improving the chances of having a healthy baby.

2. Importance of genetic testing before embryo transfer

Increase implantation and success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Pre-embryo transfer genetic screening is a genetic test performed on 3-5 cells of day 5 embryos, with The aim is to identify genetic abnormalities at the chromosomal level, thereby helping experts select embryos with a normal set of chromosomes before conducting embryo transfer.
Pre-embryo transfer genetic screening services will help patients:
Increase implantation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates Help reduce the number of IVF attempts Increase success rates when Embryo transfer Increases the rate of successful pregnancy in older women, especially over 35 years of age.

3. Object of implementation

Advanced maternal age (≥ 36 years): the risk of genetic abnormalities (Down syndrome) is proportional to maternal age. Women with multiple miscarriages (especially the case of 2 consecutive miscarriages): More than 50% of miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities, when embryos without genetic abnormalities will have a better chance of developing to be a healthy baby. People with chromosomal abnormalities: abnormalities in some chromosomes may not affect embryonic development, but babies can be born with birth defects and cognitive impairment . Genetic testing before embryo transfer will help detect major chromosomal abnormalities, thereby allowing parents to make early decisions. History of implantation failure (multiple IVF failures, ≥3 times): some chromosomal abnormalities may reduce the ability of an embryo to implant in the uterus, when an embryo has a chromosomally normal have a better chance of successful nesting. Having factors for male infertility (especially severe infertility - AZF deletion): Male infertility factors including abnormalities in sperm quantity and quality may increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo. Genetic testing before embryo transfer can assist in identifying embryos that are free of chromosomal abnormalities. Couples who have been pregnant or have had a baby with a birth defect want to have another healthy baby.

4. Where should genetic screening be performed before embryo transfer?

Currently, Vinmec Times City International Hospital is organizing the implementation of the Genetic Screening Package before embryo transfer. This is a prestigious medical address with a team of well-trained experts and technicians at home and abroad, rich in experience in the field of pre-implantation genetic screening. Vinmec has modern facilities, meeting international standards, always applying the most advanced techniques such as Microarray, NGS new generation sequencing. In addition, it also provides a comprehensive solution including genetic counseling before and after testing for customers. With outstanding advantages, Vinmec is currently one of the reliable hospitals for customers to choose when there is a need for genetic screening before embryo transfer.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.