Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing

PGT-M

Treatment using Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disease (PGT-M) is suitable for patients where:

There is a known gene mutation causative of a condition (e.g. cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell disease, cancer risk genes, etc etc)
There is a known potential risk (e.g. Huntington’s disease)

What is it?

PGT-M involves us growing embryos to the blastocyst stage as described for fertility patient treatment. Once at this stage we use the latest technology to remove only a few cells, having no effect on the future health of a potential child, and can genetically test these cells. All PGT-M occurs under an HFEA licence and can only be for severe and debilitating conditions.

How do I get this?

For PGT-M we expect you, or your GP, to refer you via a genetics service with your genetic diagnosis. We are UK leaders in this treatment and will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.

How successful is it?

Success rates depend on a number of factors, but most importantly the women’s age. The chance does not improve as each hurdle in the process is overcome; therefore, it is helpful to know what the success rate is after egg collection and embryo transfer. We regularly update success rates, so ask for our latest results. 

PGT-SR 

Treatment using Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR) is suitable for patients where:

There is a known chromosome translocation/rearrangement (usually reciprocal or Robertsonian)

Translocations are often a cause of recurrent miscarriage and are also found at increasing levels in men with very low sperm counts or azoospermia. An individual may often not realise or know they have a translocation until they have a reproductive issue as it usually has no other effect on health.

What is it?

PGT-SR involves us growing embryos to the blastocyst stage as described for fertility patient treatment. Once at this stage we use the latest technology to remove only a few cells, having no effect on the future health of a potential child, and can genetically test these cells. All PGT-SR occurs under an HFEA licence that covers all types of Chromosomal rearrangement. 

How do I get this?

For PGT-SR we expect you will have a diagnosis of carrying a translocation (usually in a ‘balanced’ form). We are UK leaders in this treatment and will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.

How successful is it?

Success rates depend on a number of factors, but most importantly the women’s age. The chance does not improve as each hurdle in the process is overcome; therefore, it is helpful to know what the success rate is after egg collection and embryo transfer. We regularly update success rates, so ask for our latest results.

For more information, please visit Embryo testing and treatments for disease | HFEA