Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Now Have New Names

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) now have new names. In order establish consistency across infertility clinics, the International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care recently published new terminology related to the genetic screening of embryos. PGS and PGD are terms we have used to describe genetic testing of embryos before a pregnancy is established. Traditionally, PGS was used to screen for chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) and PGD was used to screen for genetic defects involving a single gene (such as Cystic Fibrosis).

The new name for all tests will be Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT).

Under the PGT umbrella, there are three categories:

• PGT for aneuploidies (PGT-A) – Previously PGS

• PGT for monogenic/single gene defects (PGT-M) – Previously PGD

• PGT for chromosomal structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) – Previously PGS translocation

PGT is an extremely useful tool for couples in which one or both of the partners are carriers of an inherited genetic disorder. The goal of PGT is to identify chromosomally normal embryos, so they can be transferred increasing the chance of pregnancy significantly. Many factors go into making a successful pregnancy. Your chance of a successful pregnancy will depend upon your age, the number and quality of your embryos, the results of the biopsies, and other fertility-related factors based on your individual situation. While pregnancy success cannot be guaranteed, in general, a 60% to 70% success rate may be expected (depending on your individual circumstances) related to having PGT.

At Fertility Centers of New England (FCNE), we are very proud of our IVF program. Our pregnancy rates remain outstanding, and we offer the full spectrum of preimplantation genetic testing. If you have any questions about genetic screening prior to pregnancy or your fertility in general, please contact us today! We are here and ready to guide you with personalized fertility treatment.