PGT Embryo Genetic Testing in Lahore

After IVF, embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage, around day five or six. A few cells are carefully removed from the outer layer, which will become the placenta, and sent to a specialist genetics laboratory. Meanwhile the embryo is frozen. Results guide which embryo is transferred in a later frozen cycle.

You may still see the older names PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) and PGS (preimplantation genetic screening). PGD is now generally called PGT-M or PGT-SR, and PGS is called PGT-A.

• PGT-A (aneuploidy screening): counts the chromosomes in an embryo, since embryos with extra or missing chromosomes often fail to implant or miscarry.
• PGT-M (monogenic conditions): tests for a specific inherited disease, such as thalassemia or cystic fibrosis, when one or both parents carry the gene.
• PGT-SR (structural rearrangements): checks embryos when a parent carries a balanced chromosomal translocation or inversion.

Embryo sex is reported only where it is medically relevant, such as in X-linked disorders.

• Couples who carry a known inherited condition
• A parent with a balanced chromosomal rearrangement
• A previous pregnancy or child affected by a genetic or chromosomal condition
• Recurrent miscarriage, in selected cases after investigation
• Repeated unexplained implantation failure, selectively

For most couples having IVF for other reasons, PGT-A has not been shown to improve the chance of a live birth, and professional bodies urge caution about offering it routinely. It may reduce the number of embryos available to transfer, and can discard embryos that might have produced a healthy baby.

1. Genetic counseling and test planning

Carrier status, family history and previous results are reviewed, and a suitable test is chosen. For PGT-M, the genetics laboratory often needs time to prepare a test specific to your family.

2. IVF with ICSI

Stimulation, egg retrieval and fertilization follow as in IVF. ICSI is usually used to avoid contamination from extra sperm DNA.

3. Embryo culture and biopsy

Embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage and a few cells are biopsied. Embryos are then frozen.

4. Genetic analysis

The biopsy is analyzed in a specialist laboratory. Results usually take about one to two weeks.

5. Frozen embryo transfer

An embryo with a favorable result is transferred in a later FET cycle. Prenatal testing in pregnancy is still advised to confirm the result.

• It cannot guarantee a pregnancy or a healthy baby
• It tests only for the conditions or chromosomes it is designed to detect, not every genetic disorder
• A few cells may not represent the whole embryo, and mosaic results are hard to interpret
• False positive and false negative results are possible, so confirmatory prenatal testing is recommended
• It involves extra laboratory handling and cost

Dr. Kamran will give you an honest assessment of whether PGT is likely to help in your situation, including when it is not recommended.

The biopsy carries a small theoretical risk of damaging the embryo. PGT also usually means fewer embryos to transfer, and some couples find they have no embryo suitable for transfer in a given cycle. All the usual IVF risks apply, including hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancy.

Ethical and legal rules around embryo testing differ between countries. In Pakistan, PGT is offered for medical and genetic indications.

The total depends on the type of test, the number of embryos biopsied, the genetics laboratory fee, frozen transfer costs and storage. PGT-M may also need a test developed for your family's specific variant. You will receive an itemized estimate during your consultation.