Pre-implantation diagnostics

(also known as PGT testing) is performed during the in vitro fertilisation programme and involves analysis of genetic material extracted from trophoectoderm cells collected during an embryo biopsy.
(also known as PGT testing) is performed during the in vitro fertilisation programme and involves analysis of genetic material extracted from trophoectoderm cells collected during an embryo biopsy.

What is pre-implantation diagnostics?

Read more

What is pre-implantation diagnostics?

Pre-implantation diagnostics consist of genetic testing of embryos prior to their transfer into the uterine cavity.

 

It is intended to reduce the risk of genetic disorders in children by detecting embryonic aneuploidy (PGT-A) or specific genetic alterations (PGT-SR, PGT-M), thereby increasing the chance of pregnancy.
Diagnostics

Required testing

Female partner

Female partner

tests required for in vitro procedure
genetic consultation

Male partner

Male partner

tests required for in vitro procedure
genetic consultation
An IVF procedure is necessary for an embryo biopsy, so all the tests essential for an IVF procedure are required. Furthermore, a consultation with a clinical geneticist is also required in order to take a history, order any additional tests, determine whether a genetic disease is carried and, together with the genetic laboratory, select a diagnostic method.
Test

Course of testing

Image
Stage 1

Conduct of in vitro procedure

The biopsy procedure is performed on embryos either during or after in vitro culture, so an in vitro fertilisation procedure is required.

IVF treatment >

Image
Image
Image
Stage 2

Embryo culture

Once the mature oocytes are collected, they are fertilised (by ICSI or classic IVF) and the embryos are cultured until day 5 or 6 so that the embryo progresses to the blastocyst stage. This is the best time to safely collect trophoectoderm cells to be screened for a specific genetic condition.

Image
Stage 3

Embryo biopsy

The biopsy procedure is done on fresh embryos during in vitro culture, once the embryos have reached the blastocyst stage. A biopsy may also be performed on embryos that have already been frozen; however, whether this is technically feasible depends on the quality of the embryos and the number of cells comprising them. For weaker embryos, the advisability of thawing and biopsy is consulted individually with the embryologist.

Image
Good to know

All you should know

about this method

Image

Pre-implantation diagnostics are intended for couples undergoing infertility treatment, using IVF, and/or for couples who carry genetic disease-causing genes and wish to reduce the risk of genetic disorders in their children

This method is recommended for couples who decide to become parents later in life, especially women over 35, when the incidence of genetic disease in the offspring increases significantly.

An embryo biopsy is a medical procedure done both to treat infertility and for genetic diagnostics. Below we list some circumstances that may benefit from it:

1) Infertility treatment:
An embryo biopsy is often done as part of an IVF procedure. A biopsy may be useful for assessing the quality of embryos prior to their transfer into the uterus.

2) Genetic diagnostics:
An embryo biopsy allows for collection of cells for genetic analysis prior to implantation of embryos into the uterus. This is particularly relevant for couples who carry genetic disease-causing genes.

3) Improving chances of successful treatment:
By selecting genetically healthy embryos, the procedure may improve the chances of implantation and a healthy pregnancy.

4) Recurrent infertility testing:
An embryo biopsy is also useful for couples experiencing multiple IVF procedure failures; it allows for the identification of possible genetic problems.

Pre-implantation diagnostics has certain limitations. In the following situations, this method may not be advisable:

No specific genetic diagnosis:
The test is usually performed in cases where there is a known risk of inheriting a specific genetic disease.If there is no specific genetic diagnosis or no identified genetic risks, the test may not be recommended.

Low number of ova or poor sperm quality:
If the number of ova or sperm quality is very low, pre-implantation diagnostics may be difficult to perform and the results may be less accurate.

It is important that the decision to proceed with pre-implantation diagnostics is made on an individual basis, considering all medical, genetic, emotional and ethical aspects.

Each couple should consult a specialist physician to get full information on their circumstances and options related to pre-implantation diagnostics.

Preparation for pre-implantation diagnostics requires the same preparation as for the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure; additionally, the couple should consult a reproductive medicine specialist or a genetist.

The physician will take the couple’s family medical history and ask about the couple’s medical circumstances.

If the couple presents with a specific genetic risk, it may be necessary to run appropriate genetic tests before starting pre-implantation diagnostics.

Together with the physician, the couple will work out the specific type of pre-implantation diagnostics.

More about pre-implantation diagnostics

Types of PGT test

Pre-implantation diagnostics

PGT-A

The test detects chromosomal numerical variations in the embryo karyotype, known as aneuploidies. It allows for detecting diseases caused by variations in the number of specific chromosomes, such as Down’s syndrome, Turner’s syndrome or Patau’s syndrome, or other defects causing fetal mortality.

Pre-implantation diagnostics

PGT-SR

The test is done in case of structural changes in the parents’ karyotypes, so-called chromosome rearrangements such as translocations, deletions, and/or duplications.

Pre-implantation diagnostics

PGT-M

The test is done to find variations within a single gene that cause so-called monogenic (single-gene) diseases. The PGT-M test is primarily done if one or both parents are ill or are carriers of a monogenic genetic disease.

The choice of a specific type of pre-implantation diagnostics is dependent on test objectives and the type of genetic abnormalities to be identified. It is important that decisions regarding pre-implantation diagnostics are made in close collaboration with the medical team, and in particular with the clinical geneticist, who will determine the appropriate testing method based on the specific needs of the couple.

The price list

Surcharge for embryo/frozen embryo biopsy (one-time fee for all embryos)
PLN 1 000
PGT-A – chromosome aneuploidy diagnostics – price for first embryo
PLN 4 500
PGT-A – price for each subsequent embryo
PLN 2 200
PGT-SR – structural chromosome rearrangement diagnostics – price for first embryo
PLN 4 500
PGT-SR – price for each subsequent embryo
PLN 2 200
niPGT – non-invasive chromosomal aneuploidy diagnostics – price for first embryo
PLN 3 400
niPGT – price for each subsequent embryo
PLN 2 200
PGT-M – single-gene defect genetic diagnostics: cost of genetic laboratory preparation (setup) and fresh embryo biopsy (one-time fee)
PLN 10 500
Opinions

How patients see us

Image opinion
I would like to wholeheartedly thank the ARTVIMED staff for making our dream of becoming parents come true. Our beloved baby son was born on 15 May this year.

Thanks to the physicians at the clinic, the whole IVF procedure was successful on the first try 🙂 We received the best care at each step. I had the opportunity to meet several doctors at the clinic during my appointments, and each one proved to be an outstanding professional.

Opinion (Google)
by Ewelina T.

Image opinion
Image opinion
I highly recommend this doctor. Competent, committed, empathetic. Specific treatment plan. You know you are in good hands.

 

Opinion by B. on Dr. Joanna Figuła (Znany Lekarz)

Image opinion
Image opinion
Thanks to the Doctor, we welcomed our son into the world 2 weeks ago.

We found this doctor after several years of struggling to conceive a child and being treated by specialists who knew nothing about infertility. The doctor immediately outlined a definite plan of action, ordered the right diagnostic tests, and referred us to the hospital for testing. As a result, the treatment progressed in the right direction.[…]

Opinion on Dr Ewa Posadzka Agnieszka L. (Znany Lekarz)
by Agnieszka L.

Image opinion
Image opinion
The best doctor we could have come across; she managed our pregnancy with great commitment.

Patient and taking every moment to help or clear up doubts if necessary. Thanks to the Doctor, we are parents of a 5-month-old miracle baby. Highly recommended

Opinion on Dr Agnieszka Wolak Anna (Znany Lekarz)
by Anna

Image opinion
Image opinion
Dr Baran is by far the gentlest, most thorough gynaecologist interested in the patient’s concerns that I have ever encountered.

Immense knowledge of endometriosis, the skills to provide complete ultrasound testing for it and the know how to guide a patient dealing with this unpleasant disease. […]

Opinion on Dr. Rafał Baran (Znany Lekarz)
by M.Ż.

Image opinion
Image opinion
I highly recommend pregnancy management. My past experience with other doctors was that there was little to be gained from the appointments, the doctors were reluctant to tell me what they saw, unwilling to answer questions, and Ms Joanna answered every single one, demonstrating an enormous amount of patience. Highly recommended.

 

Opinion on Dr. Joanna Figuła Katarzyna (Znany Lekarz)
by Katarzyna

Image opinion
Image opinion
Although our little sunshine is already 6 years old, so far, when I look at her, I still have Dr Chrostowski and the Artvimed clinic in my mind… Dr Chrostowski has got that something about him that, when you are in his office, you know that you couldn’t have found a better place. I will always highly recommend ARTVIMED to everyone.

Ps. I still am in awe of how the embryologists work…how they ‘managed’ to create such a miracle… 😉 Thank you for being there

Opinion (Google)
by Kasia S.

Image opinion
Image opinion
Very matter-of-fact doctor; she informs you thoroughly about everything and explains everything comprehensively. She informed me of the treatment plan and was very kind, gentle and understanding.

Opinion on Dr Katarzyna Doroszewska (Znany Lekarz)
by Iwona G.

Image opinion
Image opinion
We would like to thank the entire ARTVIMED Team – our little miracle was born 2 weeks ago. Many thanks are due, in particular, to Dr Posadzka, through whom the right diagnostic work began, and to Dr Chrostowski, who guided further treatment, punctures, and transfer. I also had the pleasure of dealing with most of the doctors during the course of my diagnosis and each one showed a great deal of support and professionalism. We would also like to thank the Embryology Team – without you, our son would not be here. Thank you for the beautiful work of the whole clinic!

Opinion (Google)
by Aga L.

Image opinion

See
also

Diagnostics

Embryo adoption

Read more
Diagnostics

TESE/TESA/mTESE testicular sperm collection

Read more
Diagnostics

Preservation of fertility

Read more
Diagnostics

Conservative treatment

Read more
Diagnostics

Insemination

Read more
Diagnostics

In vitro and additional techniques

Read more
Diagnostics

Vasectomy reversal

Read more
Diagnostics

Egg cell adoption

Read more