Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders: PGT-M
People living with genetic diseases often worry about their children inheriting the same conditions. If genetic carrier screening finds that you or your partner are carriers for a genetic condition, you may also be worried about passing that genetic disorder down to future generations. Thankfully, preimplantation genetic testing now makes it possible to break the chain of inherited diseases in families. Our Nashville IVF center offers preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders, or PGT-M, to provide peace of mind to prospective parents.
With this advanced genetic test, sample cells taken from embryos created through IVF are sent to a specialized genetics laboratory for testing. The embryos are safely cryopreserved and stored at our IVF laboratory while we wait for the test results. At the genetics lab, DNA from the sample cells is examined by geneticists who look for the specific gene tied to the genetic disorder in question. Based on the results, our Nashville IVF specialists can ensure that only those embryos free of that genetic defect are chosen for transfer, dramatically increasing the chances of having a healthy baby.
What is a monogenic disorder?
Monogenic disorders are genetic diseases or conditions that are caused by a defect in a single gene. Hundreds of these conditions can now be identified in embryos using PGT-M because scientists know exactly which gene to examine when testing cells from those embryos.
Along with an ever-expanding list of rare genetic diseases, there are many common single-gene-related conditions that PGT-M can identify in embryos.
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hemophilia
- Muscular dystrophy
- Huntington’s disease
- Hereditary cancer syndromes
- Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy
- Neurofibromatosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy
If you or your partner are affected by or are carriers of a genetic disease, there’s a very good chance that scientists know exactly which gene is tied to that disorder, and that PGT-M can test for it in your embryos. At the same time, the geneticists can check each embryo for a correct chromosome count, eliminating the risk of transferring an embryo with a chromosome disorder, such as Down syndrome.
Who needs PGT-M?
Our Nashville IVF specialists recommend this type of preimplantation genetic testing for individuals or couples who are at high risk of passing a genetic disorder down to their future children.
- People with a family history of genetic conditions
- Men or women affected by a known genetic disorder
- Individuals identified as carriers of a genetic condition through genetic carrier screening
- People who have already had a child born with a genetic condition
If you are concerned about passing an inherited monogenic disorder down to your future children, we strongly recommend making an appointment with our Nashville IVF experts to learn more about PGT-M. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
