Will our baby be healthy? Is there a risk of miscarriage or other complications during my pregnancy? A new PANDA genetic test will detect it!
Predictive genetic testing is an area that is constantly evolving and moving forward. It can help us prevent and manage diseases, and one comes to know more about their genetic predispositions to specific diseases through tests.
What is the test good for?
The so-called “predictive genetic testing” enables to detect whether there is a risk of complications with pregnancy, during pregnancy, or the risk of conception of the affected child. The new compatibility test, which we have prepared in REPROMED, is called PANDA – panel diagnostic analysis – and is designated specifically for couples planning a common child.
Who can be tested?
Testing is suitable not only for assisted reproduction couples but also for those who are trying to get pregnant spontaneously. This test offers the possibility to find the so-called genetic-reproductive compatibility with a partner, whether any particular two people can have a healthy child without complications. Even though they are both healthy at first glance, they can be carriers of a genetic disease. This may be the case with their child. “If both the partners are carriers of the same recessive disease, a child with a serious illness may be born. Thanks to the predictive genetic testing of reproductive compatibility, however, we have a unique opportunity to test selected genes in both partners very precisely”, explains Ms. Kateřina Veselá, PhD., Managing Director of the Repromeda Reproduction Clinic.
What does the test detect?
Patients can choose less or more extensive compatibility testing to test from ten to thousands of genes. Subsequently, the results of the genetic test provide unique information about the causes of male infertility, possible response of female ovaries to hormone stimulation, or the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy after embryo implantation, which allows for better tailoring of the treatment to patients’ needs. The test also reveals potential genetic abilities for diseases, inborn tendencies to abortions, and allows for the prognosis of embryo development. Some women tend to abort repeatedly without their doctors being able to find an exact reason. The new test can provide such patients with a response as well as with a solution to the situation.
What to do if PANDA reveals a risk?
If a couple finds that they are at risk, they can seek help with reproductive medicine. Apart from adjusting the treatment procedure, it is advisable to use a method called preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This can detect a genetic defect of the embryo in advance to prevent subsequent problems. “We have many years of experience with preimplantation genetic testing. The result of the method is selection of an embryo in case of which we are confident of being genetically correct before insertion into the uterus. This reduces the risk of a spontaneous miscarriage, need for termination of pregnancy because of a genetic defect or birth of an affected child”, explains Ms. Kateřina Veselá, PhD. Even though the field of genetic testing is still moving forward, medicine is not almighty. Therefore, please take into consideration that none of the tests available today can fully guarantee the birth of a 100% healthy child.
Would you like to order a PANDA Compatibility Test? Contact us!
