One of the most important steps of surrogacy is the embryo transfer, which involves a thorough screening process to ensure that a healthy pregnancy also leads to a healthy baby.
Understanding how embryo screening for genetic diseases works can help you feel confident when looking ahead to the embryo transfer.
If you’re considering surrogacy and viable embryos ready for transfer after testing, then we can match you with a surrogate. You can also learn more about embryo genetic testing if you are considering surrogacy.
What Is Embryo Screening for Genetic Diseases?
This is a crucial part of the surrogacy process and embryo transfer. Embryos can be screened for genetic disorders through preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). There are two types of PGT to be aware of: PGT-A and PGT-M. The former tests for chromosomal abnormalities, like aneuploidy (A), and the latter is designed to detect monogenetic (M) disorders.
PGT-A is typically used if the intended mother or egg donor is over the age of 37. Or, it may be used if they have a history of recurrent miscarriages due to chromosomal abnormalities. This is when there are either too few or too many chromosomes rather than the standard 46.
It generally screens for disorders like:
Down syndrome Trisomy 18 Trisomy 13 Turner syndrome
On the other hand, PGT-M is generally only conducted if there is a history of a hereditary disease in the family. It usually tests for:
Hemophilia Cystic fibrosis Huntington's disease Sickle cell anemia Muscular dystrophy
If a single-gene disorder runs in your family, then you will want to conduct PGT-M testing as an add-on to the overall embryo screening.
Why Is Screening Embryos for Genetic Disorders Important?
You should have your lab test embryos for genetic disorders because it’s important not only for the health of your future child but more immediately, ensures that the embryos that are most likely to result in a pregnancy are chosen for transfer. Through the genetic screening of embryos, cystic fibrosis and other fatal disorders can be detected, meaning that the pregnancy and, eventually, your child, will be healthy.
Does Genetic Testing of Embryos Detect Autism?
No, PGT does not detect autism. That’s because autism is a condition that cannot be genetically tested, and that includes the genetic testing of embryos. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that’s the result of genetics and environmental aspects. It’s impossible to point toward a single gene as the underlying cause of autism.
What Is the Genetic Test for Down syndrome in an Embryo?
PGT-A can screen for Down syndrome when you are screening embryos for genetic disorders. This is due to the fact that Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by a duplicate of chromosome 21. Because PGT-A focuses on the presence of chromosomal disorders, this type of PGT testing can properly identify Down syndrome.
Moving Forward
Depending on your unique situation, you may want to include embryo screening for genetic diseases with PGT-A and PGT-M to your IVF journey. If you want to learn more about how PGT can impact your IVF journey, then read more about PGT and success rates.
If you’re considering surrogacy, you can also reach out to us online. Once your embryos have been tested, you can match with a surrogate. For now, you can get a head start on completing your surrogacy planning questionnaire. Surrogacy is a beautiful journey, and we would be thrilled to be a guiding hand during this journey for you.