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Understand which tests may be relevant, what a result can reveal, and how genetic counselling can help guide family planning and fertility care.
Genetic testing may be considered when family planning, investigating infertility, or understanding pregnancy loss. Your fertility doctor and a genetic counsellor can explain the benefits, limitations, and implications of testing before you decide.
✓Carrier screening: for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, and sickle cell disease
✓Ashkenazai Jewish screening: based on ancestry and family history
✓Fragile X / FMR1 testing: when relevant
✓Karyotyping: to assess chromosome number and structure
✓Y-chromosome microdeletion: testing in selected cases of male-factor infertility
Testing pregnancy tissue may help identify whether a chromosome difference contributed to a loss.Results are interpreted alongside medical and pregnancy history.
A small amount of cells are carefully removed from the outer layer of the embryo and the sample is sent to a specialized lab for analysis.
✓PGT-A: assesses chromosome number
✓PGT-M: tests for a specific genetic condition
✓PGT-SR: assesses chromosome rearrangements
Testing is optional, not automatic. Your care team will help you understand what a result may and may not tell you.
Discuss personal, family, fertility and pregnancy history with your fertility specialist in a 1:1 consultation.Choose a donor bank from a vetted list and select a donor.
With the help of your specialist, consider the relevant test, its limitations, and how a result could influence care.
Testing may use blood, saliva, a cheek swab or require a sperm sample; preparation instructions vary.
Discuss findings with your doctor, and or, genetic counsellor if required, and decide on next steps.
Genetic counselling is available to help interpret results, explore implications for family members or embryos , and prepare for decisions that may follow.
Pollin works alongside genetic counsellor Meaghan Doyle and DNAide to support education, decision-making, and result interpretation.
Some testing may be covered by OHIP or private insurance based on medical history.
Pollin can facilitate an OHIP covered consultation for you if you do not have a GP.
Yes. Pollin works alongside genetic counsellor Meaghan Doyle and DNAide to support education, test selection, result interpretation, and informed family-building decisions.
Learn more about Meghan HERE.
Genetic testing may be discussed when planning children, investigating infertility, understanding pregnancy loss, or considering genetic testing of embryos during IVF. Not every test is relevant to every person.
Carrier Screening
This simple blood test determines if one or both partners are carriers for certain genetic conditions. If both partners are carriers for the same condition, there's a higher chance their child could be affected by the condition. Examples include cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle cell anemia.
Ashkenazi Jewish Screening
People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk of being carriers for certain genetic disorders. When individuals or couples of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are considering having children, undergoing carrier screening for these conditions can provide valuable information on the potential risks to their offspring.
Karyotyping
This simple blood test can identify structural chromosomal abnormalities or abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidies) in parents. Abnormalities could contribute to infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.
Y-Chromosome Microdeletion Testing
This test examines the Y-chromosome for missing sections that might be causing sperm production issues.
Products of Conception Testing
After a miscarriage, the pregnancy can be tested to determine if a chromosomal abnormality was the cause. This can help guide future pregnancy planning and management.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Tests embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) prior to transfer.
PGT-A Tests embryos for the correct number of chromosomes. Embryos with the correct number of chromosomes are more likely to result in a healthy pregnancy.
PGT-M Tests embryos for a specific genetic condition(s) when one or both parents are carriers.
PGT-SR Tests embryos for chromosome rearrangements, which may be inherited from a parent and contribute to infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.Fragile X Syndrome Testing
This test looks for the FMR1 mutation on the X-chromosome. Carriers of this disease may have an increased risk of experiencing premature ovarian insufficiency or reduced ovarian reserve.
Genetic testing is conducted using a blood and/or a saliva, cheek swab and sometimes a sperm sample. Collecting the samples is quick and relatively painless for most individuals.
Some testing may be covered by OHIP or private insurance depending on medical history and the specific test recommended for you.
Yes, you do need a referral to see a fertility specialist in Ontario, however Pollin can facilitate one for you through an OHIP-covered, virtual appointment with our partner GP if you do not have your own GP.
You can book an initial consultation directly through our website without a referral and a member of our care team will contact you before your appointment date to get you set up with one.
Book your OHIP-covered constellations with one of our fertility specialists today.
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Meaghan Doyle is a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) and the Founder of DNAide Genetic Counselling.
Meaghan is a member of the Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society (CFAS), American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASMR) and their Genetic Counseling Professional Group (ASRM GCPG), Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC), Ontario Association of Genetic Counsellors (OAGC) and National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
She is passionate about helping patients by providing them with evidence-based information ensuring they can understand and feel supported on their fertility journey.
At Pollin, we believe in providing you with a well-rounded and personalized fertility journey. To ensure the highest level of care, we collaborate with genetic counselors who specialize in reproductive genetics. Whether you have concerns about inherited conditions or wish to explore genetic testing options, our genetic counselors are here to provide expert guidance. With Pollin, you have access to a comprehensive team of professionals who are dedicated to supporting you at every step of your fertility path.
