FAQs

A detailed description of the PGT[SR]Seq method and its requirements is given in the Juno Genetics User Manual. In brief, Juno can undertake a new PGT[SR]Seq case once a genetic report describing the chromosomal rearrangement has been received and a Juno scientist has confirmed that PGT[SR]Seq is technically possible. A completed Requisition Form, formally requesting PGT[SR]Seq and providing relevant information concerning the patients, is also required. Rarely, PGT[SR]Seq is not technically possible. For this reason, patients should not begin a cycle until Juno has reviewed the patient’s genetic report and confirmed that PGT[SR]Seq is feasible.

They are tests that are performed before the baby is born and in which the sample to be studied is not obtained directly from the foetus, but from its DNA that is found freely circulating in the mother’s blood, which is why it is non-invasive.

With this test we can detect the presence of certain abnormalities in any of the foetus’ 24 chromosomes. It detects anomalies like trisomies 21, 18 and 13 (Down, Edwards and Patau Syndromes) and the anomalies generated by the sex chromosomes (X and Y).

We take a blood sample from the mother and extract the foetus’ DNA that is circulating in it. The DNA is analysed and any chromosome abnormalities detected, associated with genetic disorders, are reported.

It can usually be performed from week 10 of pregnancy.

5-10 days

Yes. This test is for all pregnant women, whether they conceived using assisted reproduction treatment or naturally.

It does not replace them, because they are different types of test. In general terms, the Neo24 test is a screening test for patients with no previous abnormal findings related to their pregnancy. It is a non-invasive test, where neither the baby nor the placenta are sampled directly. In contrast, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are invasive, the former involves piercing the amniotic sac and removing a small sample of amniotic fluid containing foetal cells, while the latter removes cells from the placenta, which have associated risks for the pregnancy. The Neo24 test detects abnormalities in the number of chromosomes, not in their structure, whereas with amniocentesis and CVS a complete karyotype is obtained. Amniocentesis and CVS are used when a definitive result is necessary – for example, if an abnormality has been detected using a non-invasive test, or if abnormalities have been observed during an ultrasound examination. On the other hand, the Neo24 test can be performed from week 10, whereas for amniocentesis it is usual to wait until at least week 14 and CVS is not usually undertaken before week 11. In any case, your doctor will be able to explain which test is most appropriate in your case.

Yes, the test can be performed for twin pregnancies, although in such cases it is not always possible to detect abnormalities affecting the X and Y chromosomes.

PGT[A]Seq results are typically available 6 days after Juno receives the embryo biopsy samples (although results can take up to 10 days).

The development of a new PGT-M test usually requires 3 weeks starting from the date that Juno receives all of the necessary DNA samples and paperwork, but can take up to 6 weeks in some cases. Once Juno has confirmed that the test is ready, the IVF cycle can begin. The embryos produced can be biopsied and the specimens sent to Juno. PGT[M]Seq results are generally available 9 days after Juno receives the embryo biopsy samples (although can take up to 14 days).

POC results are typically available 6 days after Juno receives the maternal blood and POC samples (although up to 10 days may be required).

Neo24 test results are usually available within 5 days of Juno receiving the sample of maternal blood (although up to 10 days may be required)

In some cases, embryos contain a mixture of cells, some having the correct number of chromosomes and others having an abnormal chromosome number. Such embryos are said to be ‘mosaic’. Some studies have suggested that mosaic embryos are less likely to produce a healthy pregnancy than those that have only normal cells in their biopsy specimen. However, other studies have provided contradictory information. The PGT[A]seq method used by Juno Genetics reveals when an embryo sample contains a mixture normal and abnormal cells. Any mosaic embryos detected during PGT-A will be indicated in the report issued by Juno. The choice of whether or not mosaic embryos are transferred to the uterus depends on the policy of the IVF clinic as well as national guidelines. It is recommended that transfer is considered only after consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

We aim to make working with Juno Genetics as easy as possible. Juno is committed to supporting the clinics it works with, providing guidance at all stages of the PGT process. We are available seven days a week to assist with queries or to provide advice. At Juno we appreciate that different clinics may have unique needs and our policy is one of flexibility, where we adapt to the specific requirements of each clinic. If your clinic already offers PGT in collaboration with another genetics laboratory, then it is likely that very few significant changes, if any, will be necessary. Please contact Juno Genetics and we will be happy to walk you through the enrolment procedure, provide all necessary documentation and answer any questions you might have. If your clinic is new to PGT, Juno can help by providing valuable information and documentation to get you started. Juno can also assist with training and evaluation of procedures, making sure that all elements of the PGT procedure are optimised and working well, prior to the launch of a clinical service. Please contact supportuk@junogenetics.com to begin working with Juno.

If the proportion of samples that fail to give a PGT result is consistently higher than expected, this is almost always due to a problem with technique used for the cell washing and loading or, less commonly, with the embryo biopsy method. Scientists at Juno Genetics have decades of experience working with clinics in order to achieve optimal PGT results and can assist with troubleshooting. Problems are almost always solved after simple and easy to implement changes to procedure.

Juno Genetics harnesses the power of the very latest DNA sequencing technologies to deliver a best-in-class test for chromosome abnormalities, called PGT[A]seq. Not only does PGT[A]seq measure the amount of DNA from each chromosome with unprecedented accuracy, allowing the number of copies of each chromosome to be determined in the embryo biopsy specimen, but it also detects thousands of variations in the sequence of the DNA from the embryo (known as polymorphisms). Juno was one of the first laboratories in the world to add polymorphism analysis to a PGT-A test. The extra information provided by DNA polymorphisms allows detection of important chromosome abnormalities that are invisible to other PGT-A methods, including triploidy, a common cause of miscarriage. Clinical studies have shown that the Juno PGT[A]seq method succeeds in providing valuable predictive information about an embryo’s capacity to produce a healthy birth, helping to avoid the transfer of abnormal embryos, which will fail to implant, miscarry or produce children affected by chromosomal abnormalities.

Many of the advanced PGT methods used by Juno Genetics are available nowhere else in the world. Consequently, it is necessary to send samples to the Juno laboratory (in Oxford, UK) in order to access the tests. In most cases, the time required for the shipping of samples, and for the complex laboratory procedures, means that embryos must be cryopreserved (vitrified) while the test is carried out. Embryos can usually be thawed and transferred during the following cycle.