PGT-A (Genetic testing)
PGT-A (previously known as preimplantation genetic screening or PGS) is a test that tells you which of your embryos are genetically normal and have the right number of chromosomes. These embryos have a high chance of becoming a baby.
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We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How does it work?
How does PGT-A (Genetic testing) work?
A healthy human has 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 in total), which in total make up the human genome. It has been shown that any alteration in the number of chromosomes through gains or losses, is the leading cause of failure to implant (failure to get pregnant) and miscarriage. Each person inherits one half of the pair through their mother (via the egg) and one half from the father (via the sperm) which come together after fertilisation. Five days after fertilisation, the embryo has differentiated into two distinct parts: the inner cell mass, which will go on to form the baby, and the trophectoderm, which will form the placenta.
Approximately five cells of the trophectoderm (placenta) are carefully removed and analysed to assess the chromosomal number of the embryo. This ensures only those embryos shown to be carrying the normal complement of 23 pairs of chromosomes are chosen for transfer.
Is PGT-A right for me?
All couples produce a mixture of chromosomally normal embryos (euploid) and embryos where there is an additional or lost copy of a chromosome (aneuploid). However, the frequency of aneuploid embryos increases greatly with age. On average, a woman of 35 will have equal numbers of both; by the age of 38, 70% are aneuploid. Any chromosome can be affected and it is impossible to tell simply by looking whether it carries an aneuploidy or not.
You might consider PGT-A for any of these reasons:
- Recurrent miscarriage – natural or IVF-cycle miscarriage.
- Repeated implantation failure.
- Advanced maternal age
- Couples interested in giving themselves the highest chance of success from a single embryo transfer
What next?
An initial consultation with one of our fertility specialists will take place to agree your personalised treatment plan. PGT-A requires a hormonal stimulation cycle followed by fertilisation with either IVF or ICSI. Embryos then need to reach the blastocysts stage to undergo the test. Any normal embryos are frozen for thawing and transfer in any subsequent cycle.
Our fertility specialists will offer advice on cycle management to ensure optimal times for embryo biopsy and embryo transfer. You’ll be able to take a pregnancy test two weeks after embryo transfer. If this is positive, you’ll have a pregnancy scan at Bourn Hall about 35 days
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
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We’re incredibly proud of our success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 73%* chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2021
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 73% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 63% (50% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
We provide world-class support throughout the fertility journey.
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
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Our excellence in fertility treatment
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews you can trust
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
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Related Content
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.