For individuals with a chromosome structural rearrangement also called a translocation, PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for chromosomal Structural Rearrangements) can be performed to improve the chance of establishing a healthy pregnancy. PGT-SR involves testing embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and then transferring only embryos with the correct amount of genetic material.

What is a chromosomal rearrangement?

Chromosomal rearrangements, also referred to as a translocation, are changes from the usual size or arrangement of chromosomes. Many carriers of chromosome rearrangements are healthy and may not become aware of their carrier status until they try to have children. Individuals with chromosome rearrangements have an increased risk of producing embryos with the incorrect amount of genetic material, which typically do not lead to a successful pregnancy.

The three most common chromosome rearrangements include:

• Reciprocal translocations – these occur when pieces of genetic material break off from two different chromosomes and swap places. People that carry a balanced translocation can create embryos that have either the same balanced translocation, the unbalanced form of the translocation (where there is a gain or loss of chromosomal material), or a completely normal set of chromosomes.
  

• Robertsonian translocation – these occur when two chromosomes join together to form one large chromosome. This results in an overall chromosome number of 45 rather than the usual 46. It happens most often between chromosomes 13/14 and 14/21, but can also involve certain other chromosomes.
  

• Inversions – occur when a segment of a chromosome is flipped and inserted upside down and this may lead to embryos with missing or duplicated pieces of the chromosome.