Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy is a type of genetic test for embryos. It is used as a guide in order to determine which embryo to transfer first, if someone has more than one available after their in vitro fertilization process. It is not considered a diagnostic test, and there are limitations to what it can tell us. One limitation is that the test is performed on cells of the embryo that will become the future placenta but not the future baby. Often the genetics of the placenta and baby are going to be the same, but there are times where that is not the case. It is difficult to predict when those times are occurring. In this post, we will go into more detail about the test and the general overview of the types of results that are possible.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is genetic testing of embryos created with in-vitro fertilization. PGT can test the embryos for the number of chromosomes it has or if the embryo has a genetic condition, like cystic fibrosis. Since PGT, numerous individuals and couples have gone on to have the families they hoped for without the medical complications associated with genetic syndromes. As a society, we have not stopped the use of PGT, and many of us consider utilizing the technologies ourselves when we undergo carrier screening or conjure a “what if” scenario. For more information on PGT, please check out our information page on it.