PGT - A testing and refreezing embryos

[AmberEagle]

Looking for some help and guidance. I’ve just completed a 4th failed cycle of IVF, I’m 40.
First round resulted in two poor quality embryos which were both transferred- BFN.
Second round - had two top quality blasts, one frozen and second implanted but resulted in a TFMR.
Third round - only got 2 poor day 3 embryos which were both transferred - BFN
Fourth round - got 4 blastocysts, 1 top quality was transferred but BFN. Three good quality blasts were frozen.

I have DOR, low AMH and AFC and I can’t face another retrieval so like would to test my 4 good quality frozen blasts. However my clinic doesn’t offer PGT A. Does anyone know if it’s possible to transfer the embryos to another clinic, thaw and test them and then refreeze? I can’t find any information online.

Hi @AmberEagle , We are transferring our frozen embryo from one clinic to another one tomorrow, actually. We're with Bourn Hall Norwich which doesn't offer PGT-A so we're transferring it to the Cambridge branch first. The actual testing will take place in London (this is organised by the Cambridge clinic) and then the embryo will be transferred back to Norwich, but only if it's euploid, so it's all a bit complicated... I think you should talk to your clinic first to see if they can recommend a nearby clinic where you can transport your embryo, and if they can help with arranging this. In our case I had to book the courier myself, I used one called Embryoport who specialise in this. They did the negotiating with both clinics to arrange a date that's suitable for both. They are very expensive but I think it's worth paying the price. Where do you want your egg transfer to take place? Are you happy with your current clinic?

Thanks so much @BelleCrescent appreciate the reply and info, it’s really helpful. I didn’t even factor in the possibility of testing and transferring back to my clinic. What sort of timings are you looking at from transfer to Cambridge and back to The Norwich clinic?
Frustratingly I am really happy with my clinic, and would probably do the transfer with them, but given I had to terminate an ivf pregnancy already for a chromosomal abnormality (t18) I really only want to transfer euploid embryos, as I couldn’t go through that again. They’re a standalone clinic so not sure it’s possible but you’re right that I should at least have the conversation with them first.

I'm so sorry to hear about you've been through! I agree PGT-A testing is a good idea. I'm 41 with 1 failed fresh cycle and doing two more egg collections in Cambridge this autumn. We decided to transfer our 1 frozen embryo from Norwich to have it tested along with any new embryos we'll hopefully have. Transferring the egg to the Cambridge clinic is quick and only took a few days to arrange, once we'd signed a consent form. We'll only have it tested at the end of November though after our 2nd egg collection, and we were told the testing itself will take about 2 weeks. I'm not sure when exactly we'll have the embryo transfer, we may wait until the new year. It could be a lot quicker in your case, our circumstances are different. I think it's important that you talk to your clinic to see if they are happy to co-operate.

I'd ask the following questions:

1. Are they ok with you transferring the embryos to another clinic?
2. If so, can they recommend a good clinic (preferably nearby, but it doesn't necessarily have to be) offering PGT-A where they are happy to receive frozen embryos from other clinics? Will the other clinic that offers PGT-A, test the embryos in their own clinic or arrange the testing in London for you? (I think a lot of clinics actually send it to London, ours will be tested by Cooper Genomics).
3. Is your current clinic happy to arrange all of this for you, or do they expect you to find a courier? (in which case I highly recommend Embryoport, I was advised by Bourn Hall to use them)
4. Can you then transport the healthy embryo(s) back to your current clinic and have the transfer there? Sounds like you're happy with them so it doesn't make sense to switch to another one. I'd say it's worth checking the costs though, Embryoport charged us £650 for a one-way transfer!

I hope you manage to find a solution. I don't think it'd make any sense for your clinic to say no to your request, you should have the right to do whatever you want with your own embryo.

Thank you so much @BelleCrescent that’s so helpful and exactly what I needed. Glad to hear that the process has been easy for you. I’ve spoken to my clinic and meeting with the consultant this week, so will raise all your questions.

I really hope all goes well for you for your next two egg collections and subsequent testing.

No worries, I'm glad I could help. I hope your consultation goes well this week!
And thanks, duo stim is very intense but hopefully this PGT-A testing will give a good result. 😓