Mart Diagnostics – Early Pregnancy Monitoring & Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Mart Diagnostics provides advanced early pregnancy monitoring and genetic embryo screening, helping couples—including sickle cell carriers—reduce the risk of genetic disorders. Although this process can be costly, it prevents the emotional and physical challenges of raising a child with a genetic condition.

Since 2010, our Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) outcomes have improved significantly. For instance, day-3 biopsy in 2010 left 31% of embryos undiagnosed. By 2014, we switched to trophectoderm biopsy, reducing undiagnosed cases to 9%. This change also increased pregnancy rates from 9% to 50%. Today, several patients have delivered healthy, sickle cell-free babies, including both singletons and twins.

What Is PGD/PGT?

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) tests embryos for specific genetic defects before implantation. Today, the term Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) describes all types of embryo genetic screening. Couples can prevent the birth of children with genetic diseases using this method, which has been widely applied since the early 1990s.

At Mart Diagnostics, our team performs PGT for conditions such as:

  • PGT-A: Screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome to ensure healthy pregnancies.

  • PGT-M: Detects single-gene disorders, including sickle cell anemia, preventing the condition from passing to offspring.

  • PGT-SR: Identifies structural chromosomal rearrangements, preventing conditions such as Turner’s syndrome or dwarfism.

Additionally, we collaborate with Genesis Genetics, a world-renowned genetics institute, to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Applications of PGT in Nigeria

Couples can use PGT to address:

  • Monogenetic disorders (PGT-M): Autosomal dominant or recessive conditions like dwarfism or sickle cell disease

  • X-linked disorders: Genetic defects associated with the X chromosome, such as hemophilia

  • Structural chromosomal abnormalities: Translocations, inversions, deletions, or insertions

  • HLA matching: Select embryos compatible with a recipient for stem cell transplantation when no HLA-compatible sibling exists

Steps Before PGT

  1. Probe Preparation: Families provide DNA samples from direct relatives to build the probe for embryo testing. Ultra PGT reduces preparation time from 14–16 weeks to 8–10 weeks.

  2. Oocyte Retrieval: Medications stimulate multiple follicle development. Our doctors retrieve eggs under conscious sedation using ultrasound guidance and incubate them before insemination.

  3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Our embryologists inseminate eggs with sperm from the male partner or use ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) to ensure high fertilization rates.

  4. Embryo Development: Fertilized embryos grow to the blastocyst stage. Our team selects the best embryos and transfers them into the uterus.

Does PGT Replace Prenatal Testing?

PGT does not replace prenatal testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. While PGT provides early genetic insights, doctors still recommend prenatal testing as the gold standard once pregnancy occurs.

Mart Diagnostics combines advanced reproductive technology, expert genetic testing, and compassionate care to help couples achieve healthy pregnancies and prevent genetic disorders.