S1. Ep.07 Emma Whitney, The Evewell Embryologist - What is genetic testing, how is it beneficial, can we use Mosaic embryos and what goes on in an IVF laboratory?

Emma Whitney, Laboratory Manager, is an Embryologist with nearly 20 years of practical IVF laboratory experience specialising in pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos with a passion to prevent the transmission of inherited genetic disease and enhancing the capabilities of embryo selection.

She breaks it down for us in a way that can help us to understand what the different genetic test on embryos are and which of these tests require tests on parents to then be able to look for the conditions within the embryos and which tests are screening tests for a selection of conditions.

We talk about biopsies of embryos and how this procedure is carried out and how being good on a playstation is helpful when training to biopsy as an embryologist, I’ll let you listen to it to find out more.

Busting myths of the unknown and what really happens behind those lab doors. “Fear gets reduced with knowledge”. Humanising the process of what happens beyond egg collection really can help to bring reduce the fear and worry felt by patients.

We talk about how to better manage expectations during the embryo development stage and is it better to receiv news on day 3 and 5 or to wait until day 5?

PGT-A does not increase the number of genetically normal embryos, but it does reduce the number of abnormal embryos being transferred in the first place helping to reduce failed transfers/pregnancy loss.

Emma also helps us to understand what receiving a mosaic result back from genetic testing and what that can mean and how it’s not always the end of the road. There are extra layers of testing should you receive Mosaic results back to further help you make the best decision on whether or not to transfer these embryos.

Emma’s commitment to genetics, coupled with her multitude of experiences - allows for a pragmatic and honest approach when discussing embryology.

Emma believes IVF patients should have the opportunity to understand what goes on in an IVF laboratory. Her goal is to help patients alleviate some of the stress and anxiety caused by so many unknowns.

“IVF is as much an emotional journey as it is a scientific one. I endeavour to protect the mental well-being of my patients through education and awareness. So no matter what science has to offer, every patient is in a better position to deal with the outcomes.”

I am so grateful to Emma for her time to help us all better understand this very important part of the IVF journey.

The Evewell Website

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Emma The Embryologist Instagram

Emma is also a TFMR Mama and you can read her story HERE

Thank you as always for listening and let us know your thoughts on the episode. You can always leave us a message or ask a question using the message button in the shownotes (available on Spotify, Apple and Anchor podcasts)

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