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Testing for polygenic disorders (PGT-P)

We are excited to offer this new and exciting genetic test at VCRM. This test is designed for couples who want to screen for multiples disorders at the same time as their PGT-A testing for chromosomal numbers on the embryos. Just like PGT-A, Preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic disorders (PGT-P) is a genetic test specifically designed to screen polygenic, or “many gene” disorders.

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Breast cancer
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Schizophrenia
  • Malignant melanoma
  • Prostate cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Heart attack
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Hypertension
  • Coronary artery disease

These polygenic disorders may be screened using LifeViewTM PGT-P (from Genomic Predictions).

Who can benefit from PGT-P?

All couples may benefit from LifeViewTM PGT-P. Especially couples already doing PGT-A, already screening their embryos against aneuploidy risk, may benefit from adding PGT-P to their PGT-A. All couples may benefit, but particularly:

  • Couples with a family history of a polygenic disorder, such as breast cancer or schizophrenia.
  • Couples determined to be at elevated risk for a polygenic disorder by routine adult screening.

I am interested in more than one polygenic disorder. Can you test for multiple conditions? How can I decide which embryo to implant?

LifeViewTM PGT-P is designed to screen several conditions at the same time. All of the disease risks for each embryo are merged into a single number: the Embryo Health Score (EHS). The embryos are then ranked (lowest to highest risk), using this single EHS number. No embryos are discarded, but they a prioritized in a clear order. Prioritizing the sibling with the best EHS has been validated to reduce incidence of all of the above diseases, in parallel. We recommend following this validated method of embryo ranking by EHS.

How accurate is LifeView TM PGT-P?

Selection among siblings using EHS ranking has been validated to reduce disease incidence by up to 72% for some diseases. Each disease and situation is particular.

How does LifeViewTM PGT-P work, step by step?

  1. Prior to testing, the IVF couple must consult with the genetic counselor, to determine which list of disorders they wish to screen against.
  2. Saliva is collected from both members of the couple. Biopsies are collected from each embryo. 14 days after these have arrived at our laboratory, we return a PGT-P report to the couple’s clinician.
  3. We recommend selecting for transfer the embryo with best EHS. This ranking method has been validated to reduce disease incidence.

Is PGT-A included in LifeView TM PGT-P?

Yes. All LifeViewTM PGT-P includes aneuploidy screening, known as PGT-A, at no additional cost. PGT-A can be included without the need for any biopsies, samples or procedures. Can LifeView TM PGT-P be expanded to include other types of testing? LifeViewTM PGT-P may also be expanded to include PGT-M (testing for monogenic diseases), PGT-SR (testing for structural rearrangements), or M2 (genetic miscarriage risk assessment of the embryo). Additional embryo biopsies are not required.

Who can I ask questions about LifeView TM?

Genetic counseling is included with LifeView TM at no extra charge. Ask your IVF team to refer you for a virtual genetic counseling session.