PGT-M

Yes. Pre-implantation genetic testing has been legally permitted in Switzerland since September 2017. For PGT-M, the approval of an ethics committee is also required, as it involves individualised testing for a specific familial mutation. At Cada, we guide you through the entire application process.

In Germany, PGT-M is also possible in principle, but is subject to much stricter restrictions. The Embryo Protection Act of 1990 is one of the most restrictive regulations in Europe and limits, among other things, the number of eggs that may be fertilised per cycle. This can reduce the chances of having enough embryos for a meaningful genetic test. In addition, PGT-M may only be performed in a few specially approved centres in Germany. These restrictions do not exist in Switzerland, which allows for more flexibility in treatment.

PGT-A checks the number of chromosomes to detect random abnormalities such as trisomy 21. PGT-M, on the other hand, specifically searches for a particular gene mutation that is already known in your family. Both procedures can also be combined if necessary.

The process begins with genetic counselling and an application to the ethics committee. This is followed by the IVF/ICSI cycle, embryo biopsy and genetic analysis. Depending on the complexity of the mutation, you should allow several weeks to months from the initial consultation to the embryo transfer, as the development of the individual test and approval by the ethics committee take time.

At Cada, we do everything we can to make the process as efficient as possible and reduce waiting times to a minimum. We therefore recommend that you start the clarification process early so that no valuable time is lost.

The biopsy is performed on the fifth or sixth day of embryo development at the blastocyst stage. A few cells are removed from the outer shell (trophectoderm), which later forms the placenta. The inner cell mass, from which the embryo develops, remains untouched. The risk of damage is less than 1%.

PGT-M can test specifically for a known gene mutation. This requires that the mutation has been diagnosed in one or both parents. Multifactorial diseases or spontaneous new mutations cannot be detected with PGT-M.

The costs for PGT-M are currently not covered by health insurance in Switzerland. During the initial consultation, you will receive a transparent overview of all costs incurred.

Yes. In conventional IVF, the egg cell and many sperm cells are placed together in a dish so that one sperm cell can penetrate the egg cell naturally. However, other sperm cells may attach themselves to the outer shell of the egg cell. For PGT-M, this outer shell (the trophectoderm) is biopsied, i.e. a few cells are removed and genetically tested. If DNA remnants from additional sperm were to be found there, this could distort the analysis and lead to an inaccurate result.

With ICSI, on the other hand, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. This ensures that only the genetic material of the fertilised egg is analysed during genetic testing. This precision is crucial, especially with PGT-M, where the exact identification of a single gene mutation is important.

It is possible that in a cycle, all embryos carry the mutation being tested for or are unsuitable for transfer for other reasons. In this case, our doctors will advise you on further options, such as repeating the cycle.

To help you plan for the financial burden of multiple cycles, Cada offers reduced rates for subsequent cycles. We will discuss the exact details during your personal consultation.

No. PGT-M significantly reduces the risk of the mutation being passed on to the child, but cannot rule it out entirely. Additional prenatal tests such as NIPT or amniocentesis are still recommended during pregnancy.