Genetics can be complicated. Certain genetic factors may be important to consider prior to, or during, a pregnancy.  Our Genetic Counsellor is here to provide you with an understanding of the basics of genetics, a comprehensive risk assessment of your medical and family history, and a review of the screening and testing options available to you.

Kristen Miller, MS, CGC, CCGC graduated from the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College in 2010. She has been practicing as a clinical genetic counsellor in Toronto, Ontario since her graduation. Kristen specializes in prenatal genetic counselling and predictive genetic counselling for adult onset neurodegenerative disease.  She joined the team at Tripod in 2021 and is eager to learn more about the fertility field.

Kristen is currently on the board of directors for the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors, serving as treasurer. She has previously been involved in the CAGC’s certification committee and genetic counselling awareness committee.

Genetic testing and screening entails analyzing an embryo’s cells to detect possible chromosomal defects.   Abnormal chromosomes can stop an embryo from implanting on the uterine lining or result in a miscarriage or the birth of a child with physical and/or mental disabilities.

Testing can help prevent these outcomes by identifying the affected embryos during their development in the laboratory.  At Tripod Fertility, we pride ourselves on offering the latest techniques to give our patients the best patient care and maximize their chances of conceiving.

Test results can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty and help patients make informed decisions about their fertility journey.  You can make the right reproductive choices for you and your family. Genetic testing will give you the data you need when you most need it.

You might have concerns about a potential genetic disorder or if you are having trouble getting pregnant, genetic testing may provide potential causes of infertility.  This testing may be helpful if you are over the age of 35 and have a history of failed pregnancies.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)
PGT-A testing looks more generally at the chromosomal make-up of the embryo and does not diagnose any specific diseases.

If an embryo contains the wrong number of chromosomes (a condition known as aneuploidy), such as when one is missing, then the cells in this embryo are incomplete. If there is an extra chromosome, the cells will malfunction which can result in conditions such as Down syndrome.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Defect (PGT-M)
PGT-M is advanced single-gene testing suitable for people who have a family history of a single-gene disorder and are at risk of producing embryos affected by that condition.

Currently PGT-M allows testing for disorders including:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Beta-thalassaemia
• Thalassaemia
• Spinal Cerebral Atrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• BRCA1/BRCA2 (hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer)

Genetic testing is recommended for individuals who:

• Have experienced recurrent miscarriage
• Have had unsuccessful IVF cycles.
• Have a family history of chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome
• Are of an advanced maternal age (38 or over)
• Want to increase their chance of a successful IVF cycle