“For our prospective parents doing genetic testing in IVF, a very special subject: What does it mean if your report says ‘no amplification’?”

What does Amplification Mean?

• Amplification is an English word meaning “to replicate” or “multiply.”
• The cells known as the placenta of the embryo are replicated by a special method before the test.
• If the DNA cannot be amplified, it is called “no amplification,” and no result can be reported.

Reasons for Lack of Amplification

• This situation is rare, chance about 3–5%.
• The causes are grouped in three categories:

Technical factors: biopsy of cells not done properly, loss of cells, damage to DNA.
Biological factors: cell without nucleus taken, fragmentation of DNA, very few cells.
Laboratory factors: failure of the kit or reaction used.

What to Do in Such a Case?

• It does not affect embryo development, only the test cannot be performed.
• If frozen, a second biopsy may be done, but there is a risk of extra manipulation of the embryo.
• Alternative: embryo may be transferred without testing or stored separately.

Does It Affect Pregnancy Outcomes?

• It does not change biological potential of embryo.
• But it is treated as if PGT has not been done.
• Risk may increase in older age or with history of recurrent miscarriage.
• In younger patients chance of pregnancy is not much affected, but genetic risk remains.