Preimplantation Genetic Testing
(PGT-A)

Gain Peace of Mind With Preimplantation Genetic Testing For Aneuploidy, or PGT-A

Assisted Hatching as Part of PGT-A

Assisted hatching is a specialized laboratory technique where embryologists use a precise laser to create a small opening in the embryo’s outer shell, known as the zona pellucida. This assists the embryo in breaking out of its shell and is a critical step in preparing for the biopsy required during Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT).

Assisted hatching can be performed on Day 3 or at the blastocyst stage (Days 5 or 6). It is specifically used to facilitate the PGT process by allowing easier access to the cells needed for genetic analysis.

Chromosome Screening: A Closer Look at Embryo Health

During the IVF process, embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage (typically Day 5 or 6). At that point, our embryologists carefully perform a biopsy, removing a few cells from the embryo’s outer layer without harming its development. These cells are then sent to a specialized genetics laboratory for analysis.

During Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), embryos are screened for abnormalities in all 23 pairs of chromosomes, including the sex chromosomes (X and Y). This comprehensive analysis helps us identify embryos that have either too many or too few chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy. Aneuploid embryos are a leading cause of failed implantation, miscarriage, and genetic disorders.

By selecting chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos, we can significantly improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduce the emotional and physical burden of failed IVF cycles or early pregnancy loss.

What Can PGT-A Reveal?

PGT-A can detect:

• Trisomies (e.g., Down syndrome / Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13)
• Monosomies (e.g., Turner syndrome / 45,X)
• Sex chromosome abnormalities (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome)
• Other large-scale chromosome duplications or deletions

This information allows your physician and embryologist to make informed decisions about which embryos have the highest likelihood of resulting in a live birth.

Testing Preciously Frozen Embryos

At Fertility Specialists of Texas, we also offer PGT-A testing for previously frozen embryos. Through a specialized thaw-biopsy-refreeze protocol—available at only a limited number of IVF centers nationwide—we can thaw embryos from past IVF cycles, biopsy them for chromosomal testing, and refreeze them for future transfer. This provides an opportunity to gain critical genetic insights without repeating a full IVF cycle.

Advanced Genetic Technology

We partner with leading reference laboratories that utilize Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), the most advanced and scientifically validated method available for chromosomal analysis. NGS technology allows for high-resolution, accurate, and comprehensive detection of aneuploidies across all chromosomes, even when analyzing a very small number of cells.