Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) using comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) methods can help reveal which of the embryos produced during an IVF treatment cycle are capable of forming a viable pregnancy.
Embryos that have an increased likelihood of producing a baby are distinguished from those with low potential by closely examining the chromosomes in a small number of cells (or a single cell) carefully sampled from the embryo. Chromosomally normal embryos have a higher chance of implantation and the resulting pregnancies have a lower chance of miscarriage.
Comprehensive chromosome analysis is currently carried out in our laboratory using a technology called microarray comparative genomic hybridization (also known as array-CGH or aCGH). aCGH examines each and every chromosome in the embryo, including sex chromosomes. In this respect, aCGH differs from previous PGD tests that were only capable of examining a small proportion of the chromosomes in each embryo. In addition to aCGH, Reprogenetics Middle East is also offering another newer technology called Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for CCS. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about our NGS service.
Combining CCS with routine embryological microscopic examinations maximizes the likelihood of pregnancy, reduces the chances of miscarriage, and improves the odds of delivery.
The first step in the procedure is an embryo biopsy. This refers to microsurgical removal of a few cells from a day 5 embryo (blastocyst stage). Alternatively, a single cell can be taken on day 3 of embryonic development (cleavage stage).
The biopsied cells are then placed in test tubes and sent in special containers to the Reprogenetics laboratory, where each sample is analyzed by aCGH. The results are provided to the referring IVF center 24 hours after the samples are received.
The embryos under analysis do not leave the IVF clinic, they are returned to the incubator until the test results are available.
- Simultaneously analyzes multiple locations along the entire length of every chromosome.
- Detects aneuploidies involving any of the 24 chromosomes in human embryos, even rare chromosome abnormalities present in the sample.
- Does not require additional blood tests prior to the IVF cycle.