Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), also known as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), determines the chromosomal status of an embryo by screening all 23 chromosome pairs, providing valuable insights to researchers studying IVF.

What is PGS, preimplantation genetic screening?

PGS, preimplantation genetic screening, refers to removing one or more cells from an in vitro fertilization embryo to test for chromosomal normalcy.
PGS screens the embryo for normal chromosome number
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes – for a total of 46
Having an extra or a missing chromosome causes problems
One example is Down syndrome which has an extra chromosome number 21. This should be detected by PGS.
PGS does not test for a specific disease such as cystic fibrosis. That process is referred to as PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis).

How is PGS done?

If you are doing an IVF treatment, you may be offered PGS as important adjunct to your IVF treatment plan.In the laboratory, embryos formed as the result of normal fertilisation from eggs and sperm are further cultured into blastocyst (day 5 embryo). A simple biopsy to remove some cells from the blastocyst will then be performed by our trained embryologist.These cells are then screened using our technology called Next Generation Sequencing with Ion Torrent.
PGS thus screens all 23 pairs of chromosomes including X and Y in each embryo and only normal embryos are selected for transfer into the womb, where they are more likely to attach and produce a pregnancy

Do I Need PGS?

The benefits of PGS are significant as it dramatically increases rates of implantation and live births. Clinical data have demonstrated shorter time to pregnancy, lower miscarriage rate, and a decrease in multiple pregnancy.

You may consider PGS if :

You want to improve your IVF pregnancy rate
If you are a woman over 35 as the incidence of aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosomes) increases significantly with advancing maternal age. You have experienced several spontaneous miscarriages.
You have experienced several failed IVF cycles.
Your partner has severe male factor infertility.
You have had a prior pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality such as down syndrome
Couples also can choose to do PGT-A for personal reasons.

Is PGS Right for Me?

PGS is recommended for parents who have no known genetic abnormalities, as well as patients who meet any of the following conditions: