Genetic Testing Toronto

Choosing which test(s) to undergo depends on the individual or couple’s medical history, family history, and specific concerns or challenges. Discuss the pros, cons, and implications of each test with your Fertility doctor.

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 or cheek swab sample. Collecting the samples is quick and relatively painless for most individuals.

Depending on your personal medical background, some genetic testing may be covered by OHIP and private insurance plans.  Your care team will be able to go over any benefit that is available to you and discuss your testing options and fees prior to testing. 

Depending on your personalized diagnostic plan, preparation for genetic testing may involve specific instructions regarding fasting or what not to do prior to a saliva or cheek swab sample collection. Your care team will provide specific instructions prior to your tests to ensure you are fully informed on what to do and what to expect for your tests.

Genetic tests are useful and advised for many reasons before and at specific times after conception. Your Pollin physician will recommend the tests that are right for you based on your, and your partner’s (if applicable) family, medical and fertility history.

Yes! At Pollin, we believe that any individual or couple with hereditary or known genetic factors that may affect conception or a pregnancy can benefit from understanding the risks and benefits of testing, disease management and the options available to them.  We have proudly partnered with Meaghan Doyle of DNAide Genetic Counselling to provide support to our patients if and when they need it.

To learn more about Meaghan, and DNAide click here.

At Pollin, we aim to make fertility care as accessible as possible.  If you have a family physician, you can ask them to complete a referral form found on our website (under “Referring MDs”) and we will contact you upon receipt.  

‍No referral? Not a problem!
‍Book your first consultation through our website without a referral and we will facilitate one for you through our medical partner (covered by OHIP).