Herasight frequently asked questions
Herasight provides genetic screening for embryos created through IVF. We help families understand which tests fit their situation, what their results can tell them, and how to speak with their fertility clinic about the options we offer.
What does Herasight test for?
These tests answer different questions. Ask our team which analyses are available and appropriate for your case. Our guide to the different types of PGT explains the embryo tests in more detail.
| Test | Question it answers |
|---|---|
| Carrier screening | Do the parents carry variants that could put a child at risk for recessive or X-linked conditions? |
| PGT-A: chromosome screening | Does the embryo biopsy have the right number of chromosomes? |
| PGT-M: single-gene testing | Has an embryo inherited a particular variant associated with a disease in the family caused by a single gene? |
| PGT-P: polygenic screening | How do embryos differ in inherited risk for conditions influenced by many genetic variants? |
If you have a genetic condition in the family, where should you start?
Start with the diagnosis and any genetic report available from the affected family member. A confirmed disease-causing variant may make PGT-M the most relevant test. Carrier screening can help identify certain recessive or X-linked risks in the parents, but it does not answer every question raised by family history. If the cause is still unknown, a clinical genetics assessment may be needed before embryo testing can be planned.
Can you use PGT-A data we already have?
In eligible cases, yes. We can combine existing PGT-A data with parental sequencing to reconstruct genetic information for additional analysis, potentially avoiding another embryo biopsy. Our ImputePGTA post explains the method.
What samples and clinic involvement are needed?
Our usual approach combines sequencing the parents with embryo data. The embryo information may come from eligible existing PGT-A files or from newly arranged testing.
Your clinic handles IVF care, embryo storage, biopsy, and transfer. Before arranging new testing, we can review what the clinic or laboratory already holds and what else your case requires. Tell us early if donor eggs or sperm are involved so we can assess sample availability and feasibility.
What does a polygenic result tell us?
Polygenic scores estimate susceptibility to a condition that’s influenced by many genes, each of which has a small effect. A result can help parents compare embryos for different disease risks, as well as traits like height and intelligence.
How do you assess whether a prediction is useful for our family?
We review your family history and the genetic information available for your case. We distinguish a known familial variant from the many variants used in a polygenic score, and explain the evidence for the relevant analyses, including validation across ancestry groups. Performance can differ by condition and ancestry; a score cannot give certainty about an individual child.
Is PGT-P useful if we have only one embryo?
With one embryo available for transfer, there is no choice between embryos on polygenic grounds. That limits the practical value of PGT-P. Testing for a known familial variant or another specific genetic question may still be relevant.
Can you predict intelligence?
Yes, as an optional analysis. It provides a probabilistic estimate with substantial uncertainty about any individual child. A score cannot promise a child’s eventual IQ or achievements. We discuss it alongside health information. Our cognitive prediction research page links to the published study for readers who want to examine the evidence.
What are de novo variants, and what can testing tell us?
De novo variants are genetic changes found in an embryo or child that were not detected in either parent. They can arise during the formation of an egg or sperm, or early in the embryo's development. Most variants do not cause disease. A test for de novo variants looks for particular changes associated with the conditions it covers; it cannot rule out every genetic or developmental condition. Ask our team about the scope and limitations of any analysis proposed for your case.
The number of new mutations passed on by fathers generally increases with age. The stem cells that produce sperm keep dividing and can accumulate mutations; mature sperm cells do not themselves keep dividing. Research using sequential sperm samples helps measure this process. A parent's age alone does not determine an individual child's outcome.
Will the report tell us which embryo to transfer?
No. We explain the genetic findings, and provide extensive genetic counseling. But the parents decide which embryo to prioritize, usually after a conversation with their physician. We are happy to discuss the science behind our predictors with patients and physicians alike, so please feel free to ask us anything!
How long does testing take?
Timing depends on the tests, samples and existing data needed for your case. Ask our team for an estimate that separates parental sequencing, embryo analysis and any work your clinic or another laboratory must complete.
How much does Herasight cost?
Contact Herasight for current pricing based on your case and testing scope. Ask for the included analyses, counseling, and any additional charges to be specified in the quote. Confirm separately whether your clinic or another laboratory will charge for its part of the process.
How do we get started?
Contact our team and let us know at which stage you are of the IVF journey, whether you’ve already tested your embryos, and the question you hope testing will answer. You can contact us while still exploring options.