Fairfax Diagnostics is a division of Genetics & IVF Institute (GIVF) and is part of the Fairfax Cryobank and Fairfax EggBank family. We began performing Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in 1993 and we have performed more than 5,000PGT cycles, helping families across the country and around the world have healthy babies. Fairfax Diagnostics provides advanced PGT using state-of-the-art Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and custom designed molecular testing for monogenic genetic disease (PGT-M).

What is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a reproductive technology used with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Fairfax Diagnostics performs PGT using advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to provide the earliest possible information about the health of an embryo lowering chances for a miscarriage or an abnormal pregnancy. Testing is performed by extracting and analyzing cells removed from each embryo produced from an IVF cycle. The results of PGT can guide physicians in selecting embryos that have the correct chromosome complement and in appropriate cases are also unaffected by a specific genetic condition, significantly increasing the chance of a successful pregnancy after they are implanted in the uterus. PGT is an exciting technology that has benefited tens of thousands of couples in need of reproductive assistance.

What makes 24 Chromosome NGS Testing different from previous aneuploidy screening options?

Next Generation Sequencing is currently the most sensitive and comprehensive chromosome analysis available. We use the Illumina® platform with VeriSeq and BlueFuse data analysis software
24 Chromosome NGS Sequencing evaluates all 24 chromosomes (all 22 non-sex chromosomes and the X and Y chromosomes) for numerical abnormalities prior to transfer.
The NGS method of testing is more comprehensive and sensitive than past methods and allows for the identification of high quality embryos for transfer.
Embryos tested with 24 Chromosome NGS Testing that are determined to be normal are felt to have a much higher chance to result in a successful pregnancy.

What are the different types of PGT?

Analysis of IVF embryos prior to uterine transfer falls into three general categories.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A): a technique that determines if an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes prior to transfer. Couples undergoing IVF can use PGT-A to greatly increase the chance of a pregnancy and birth of a healthy child by transferring only chromosomally normal embryos.

PGT-A was previously known as Preimplantation Genetic Screening, or PGS.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR): a technique similar to PGT-A that determines if an embryo has balanced chromosomal content as well as correct chromosomal number. PGT-SR allows couples to greatly increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy and to avoid prenatal complications. Please contact the laboratory to discuss the specific chromosomal rearrangement details a couple may have before undertaking this type of PGT-SR cycle.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic (PGT-M) disorders: a technique that determines that an embryo does not contain a specific genetic disorder carried by one or both parents. PGT-M is essential for couples who discover that one or both partners carry a monogenic disorder that could be inherited by their children. In our lab, when using PGT-M for couples at-risk for transmitting a genetic disorder, PGT-A is also included to determine chromosomal status of each embryo in order to only transfer embryos that are both chromosomally normal as well as free of any genetic disorder that could have been inherited from the parents.

PGT-M was previously known as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, or PGD.

All PGT approaches can provide gender information for each embryo and PGT-A is routinely used for gender selection and family balancing.

Fairfax Diagnostics provides unique advantages

Experience:The laboratory has performed over 5,000 PGT analyses and can design testing for any disorder where the molecular basis is identified.
Rapid resultsWe strive to have results available within 10 days from receipt of biopsy sample. Board-certified molecular geneticists and genetic counselors available to physicians for consultation regarding results or testing.
Genetic specialistsThe laboratory Directors have over 40 combined years of experience in molecular genetics and PGT.

Who can benefit from PGT?

Patients with advanced reproductive age
Patients with a history of several miscarriages
Patients with a prior pregnancy with a chromosome abnormality
Patients who have experienced several failed IVF cycles
Couples where one partner carries a balanced structural chromosome rearrangement
Couples where one partner has an autosomal dominant or recessive genetic disease >
Patients who want to know the gender of their embryos

How to get started with PGT at Fairfax Diagnostics

The Fairfax Diagnostics team is ready to work with you and your patients to have a healthy pregnancy. To start working with or to find out more, please contact our lab at 703.289.1860 or at info@fairfaxdiagnostics.com.