Experience and honest opinions of EMMA, ERA and ALICE tests and karyotype please

[Crie1983]

Hi, after multiple IVF failures the latest two with PGTA tested euploid embryos, I had another hysteroscopy, curettage and culture and sensitivity procedure yesterday. The consultant said everything looked healthy and normal but I have to wait a week or two for the biopsy report.

My tubes were both removed two years ago and I’ve already have thyroid and thrombotic risk profile tested.

My last two cycles I was on Progynova, utrogestan, lubion, inhixa blood thinning injections and Prednisolone.

Assuming the biopsies come back normal my clinic have offered EMMA, ERA and ALICE testing. And also suggested karyotype testing. I’m a little confused over the benefit of karyotype testing seeing as my last 4 embryos have already been tested and frozen. It’s probably a lack of understanding of my part so any advice on this greatly appreciated.

I also would love to hear experiences of ERA, EMMA and ALICE as I obviously have to consider the financial impact and my clinic are repeatedly pointing out they are flagged as red on HFEA. (But so too is PGTA and they really pushed for that).

Me and my partner need to sit down and discuss and then chat to our clinic again so I want to feel as informed and prepared as possible and go armed with some sensible questions.

Thank you all!

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

These tests are carried out regularly and hope you get some feed-back for the ladies on this Forum Also to wish you good luck going forward with your decisions and next clinic visit

Take care of yourself

Janet-Partner

[Crie1983 in reply to JA-fnuk]

Thanks very much Janet. X

[Esb27]

Sorry no actual feedback but am interested in hearing what people say about karyotype testing and the different between that and testing embryos or even missed miscarriage remains for genetic issues....

[SushiTilly in reply to Esb27]

The Karyotype test was helpful to rule out any potential issues around chromosome issues. I've read quite new articles with HFEA guidelines and PGT A is another test to ensure no chromosomal abnormality that could help to advise on consideration for cause of miscarriages. Medical community is not concluding on benefits of other tests, but worth exploring with clinic GP.

[Chel91]

I would say the ERA/EMMA/ALICE would likely be a bit of a waste of money if you just had a hysteroscopy and biopsy done.

Also agree, karyotyping is supposed to be done before PGT-A testing. So if it comes back positive they do an alternative PGT-SR test at the same time. It doesn't mean it never benefits anyone doing it, but if it came back positive you would either need to re-test your embryos or transfer them blindly as they are anyway. Was there any indication from your PGT-A results that seemed to suggest a karyotype was needed (repeated segmental errors of the same chromosome, etc.)? xx

[Crie1983 in reply to Chel91]

Thanks very much for your reply, nothing to suggest the karyotype is needed. I think the clinic are just putting forward any options to consider now. X