Making Informed Fertility Choices: Whole Genome Screening with Maria Katz
Release Date: 05/13/2025
Making Informed Fertility Choices: Whole Genome Screening with Maria Katz
Your Fertility Story Podcast
What if you could screen your embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions before pregnancy even begins? In this episode, genetic counselor Maria Katz reveals her company’s groundbreaking technology that is changing the way you think about your family's future. Maria Katz is a passionate genetic counselor with a background in high-risk obstetrics and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted by genetic conditions. Now part of the team at Orchid Genetics, Maria specializes in reproductive genetics and embryo screening, helping families understand and navigate their genetic testing...
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info_outlineWhat if you could screen your embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions before pregnancy even begins? In this episode, genetic counselor Maria Katz reveals her company’s groundbreaking technology that is changing the way you think about your family's future.
Maria Katz is a passionate genetic counselor with a background in high-risk obstetrics and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted by genetic conditions. Now part of the team at Orchid Genetics, Maria specializes in reproductive genetics and embryo screening, helping families understand and navigate their genetic testing options. Drawing from her experience in both clinical genetics and the latest advancements in whole genome sequencing, Maria is dedicated to providing comprehensive information that empowers families to make informed choices on their fertility journeys.
Below are the key takeaways from this episode:
- Orchid Genetics’ Whole Genome Screening: Orchid offers a new form of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that goes beyond traditional methods by performing whole genome sequencing on embryos. This allows for a much deeper and broader analysis than standard PGT approaches.
- Limitations of Standard PGT: Traditional tests like PGT-A and PGT-M have significant limitations. PGT-A only counts chromosomes (like counting books in a library), while PGT-M tests for just one specific condition (one chapter in a book), often missing many other possible genetic risks.
- Scope of Orchid’s Testing: Orchid screens for approximately 1,200 genetic conditions, including many serious neurodevelopmental disorders, birth defects, and hereditary cancer risks—far surpassing the reach of current standard methods.
- Process and Accessibility: The biopsy process for Orchid’s testing is identical to standard PGT, requiring no extra steps or changes from IVF clinics or embryologists. Consultation with an Orchid genetic counselor is free, and families can connect at any stage for advice and information.
- Cost and Value: While the cost per embryo is higher, the comprehensive insights and potential peace of mind offered by Orchid’s technology can be invaluable—especially for families at risk or those who want the fullest understanding of their embryos’ genetic health.
Todays guest, Maria Katz, can be found online at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-katz-72880bb5/
Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:
Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com
Website: mariafeekes.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes
Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes