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CGT is a genetic test that determines whether partners are carriers of genetic mutations. The analysis is based on next-generation sequencing (NGS). The CGT test analyzes a wide range of genes that include cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, fragile X syndrome and many other genetic disorders. CGT is an important test during pregnancy planning – it makes it possible to determine whether there is a risk of having a child with genetic diseases.
What are genetic diseases?
Genetic diseases are caused by mutations – changes in our genes. Most carriers of genetic mutations do not have clinical manifestations of diseases and a history of diseases in the family. However, in the case of a combination, when both men and women are carriers of the same gene, the disease will manifest itself clinically in the child. Almost 90% of people are carriers of at least one disease, and 40% of people are carriers of 4-5 mutations. However, the main thing is that these gene mutations do not coincide in a married couple. Approximately 8% of couples have the same combination of gene mutations – monogenic diseases.
What are the types of CGT?
- CGT Essential (includes 26 diseases, 24 genes, 2825 mutations)
- CGT Plus (570 diseases, 455 genes in men; 519 genes in women; more than 20,000 mutations)
- CGT Exome (the most comprehensive screening of recessive mutations associated with the development of monogenic diseases. Includes more than 2200 diseases, 1979 in men, 2043 in women; more than 50,000 mutations)
Who should take the CGT test?
- For couples who are planning pregnancy and want to know which genetic diseases they are carriers of
- For couples who are planning a pregnancy with the help of DRT
- Couples who are in IVF programs using donor oocytes
- Рatients with a history of genetic diseases in the family
- Couples who have a child with a genetic disease and who are planning pregnancy again
What to do in case of identical gene mutations in a couple?
In such a case, when gene mutations coincide in a couple, and the manifestation of a monogenic disease in the future child is very high, treatment with the help of reproductive technologies is recommended: IVF + ICSI. PGT-A (NGS method) – to rule out chromosomal disorders and carry out PGT-M to rule out genetic disorders. This method of pregnancy planning will make it possible to be certain that the parents did not pass on a mutation in the gene to the child, because before the transfer of the embryo, genetic testing is carried out – PGT-A (and, if necessary, PGT-M) in order to select for transfer an embryo that has not inherited that particular genetic disease , which is carried by his parents.
How is the genetic compatibility test (CGT) performed?
This analysis is performed from venous blood and does not require special preparation, since it is a genetic test, and genetic indicators do not depend on nutrition, the phase of the menstrual cycle, etc. Genetic analysis is performed once, as its results cannot change during a lifetime. Testing can be done by one of the couple, or both a man and a woman. However, the most reliable result will be if both partners carry out genetic testing, in this way we will know the list of all mutations and disorders.
Does the CGT genetic test rule out prenatal pregnancy screenings?
No, it does not exclude. Even if we understand that in the IVF program pregnancy occurred after the transfer of a euploid (chromosomally, genetically healthy) embryo, we cannot rule out observing the intrauterine development of the child, which depends on the course of pregnancy, the effects of negative factors, transferred viral or bacterial diseases, lifestyle, etc. CGT testing is a progressive and modern approach to pregnancy planning and your health in general. By understanding hereditary factors and susceptibility to certain diseases, we can diagnose them in the early stages or avoid them altogether. Genetics, genetic tests are what the future is all about.