PGS screening process implies that the embryo (fertilized egg ) is screened to make sure that the 23 pairs of chromosomes(22 autosomes plus the sex chromosomes X and Y) are present; in other words, the embryo has the normal number of chromosomes. The genetic conditions that can be tested for during PGS are chromosomal abnormalities and chromosomal deletion/duplication.
Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
General Information
Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening
‘’ PGS screens and identifies unknown chromosomal abnormalities’’.
Who can go for pre-implantation genetic screening?
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If you are a patient who has a history of miscarriages
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If you are a patient who went through failed IVF (test tube baby)cycles due to unknown circumstances
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If you are a patient over 40 and want to start your IVF (test tube baby)cycle
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If you have a family history of chromosome problems
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If your sperm is at risk of carrying uncommon chromosomes
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If you are an older woman who is at increased risk of having a baby with a chromosomal problem such as Down’s syndrome (a genetic disorder that includes certain birth defects, learning problems and facial features)
Note - Women of all ages are at risk of having chromosomally abnormal embryos, even women under 30 years of age, failed IVF (test tube baby) cycles & miscarriages are often caused by chromosome abnormalities.
‘’Pre-implantation genetic screening can help infertile couples learn the reasoning behind their infertility, especially for couples dealing with unexplained infertility’’.
Note- Studies have shown that in some cases, difficulty in achieving pregnancy is caused by losses or increases in the number of chromosomes present in the embryo.
The process of PGS
It starts with IVF (test tube babe) treatment to create embryos. Genetic analysis is performed on the developing embryo on day five (blastocyst biopsy). Blastocyst-stage biopsy on embryo can be defined as the retrieval of a small part of the trophectoderm (inner cell mass) from a hatching blastocyst (a thin-walled hollow structure in early embryonic development that contains a collection of cells). The material removed from the embryo is then examined to see if there are any gains or losses in the number of chromosomes. The analysing part of embryos is done using a small hole made in the outer shell of the embryo and a fine needle is passed inside the embryo to remove a collection of cells. Getting the results of this test typically take up to four weeks.
‘’The recommendation for PGS cycles is to freeze all biopsied embryos without transfer till the results of the genetic analysis are known, and
The only way to create PGS is through In vitro fertilization, IVF (test tube baby) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) treatment’’.
Why go for pre-implantation genetic screening!
- It improves In vitro fertilization (test tube baby) success rates as it allows to transfer only the healthiest embryos
- It can be used to diagnose Down Syndrome-genetic disorder that includes certain birth defects, learning problems and facial features
- Lower risk miscarriage
- Accurate assessment of embryos
- Increased chances of having a healthy baby
- Reduced waiting times
- Patients who are younger than 35 years of age have a better chance at improved implantation and pregnancy rates using PGS
If there is no reason to suspect genetic problems & you are only getting genetic testing to improve your chances of success in IVF (test tube baby), you may be recommended to undergo PGS instead of PGD ( pre-implantation genetic diagnosis).
Note – The best clinics for PGS will be the clinics with the best IVF (test tube baby) success rates, PGS IVF (test tube baby) treatment is less complex than PGD (Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis).
Cost of PGS
The cost of pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) is in addition to those of the IVF (test tube baby) cycle and fertility medications. These expenses include the cost of the cell biopsy at the IVF (test tube baby) laboratory, which can range $1500 -$3,000. The number of embryos tested is charged accordingly.
‘’It is very important to go the best clinic and best IVF (test tube baby) doctors who can perform the PGS procedure effectively and safely as not enough experienced doctors may damage the embryos during the process of cell removal’’.
Success rates of PGS
Recent studies suggest that pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) can improve clinical pregnancy rates and decrease miscarriages rates. PGS success rates are higher than when IVF (test tube baby) method is used alone, with pregnancy rates reaching around 70% as opposed to 50% without PGS.
Common misconceptions about PGS
- Pre-implantation genetic screening is designed for women of advanced maternal age
- Pre-implantation genetic screening can diagnose diseases
- Pre-implantation genetic screening is always 100% accurate
- Pre-implantation genetic screening can be performed with any IVF doctor/clinic
- Pre-implantation genetic screening has ample research into whether PGS improves success rates
Note - Make sure you go to the best clinic/doctor with quality experiences, qualifications, certifications, to get the best results using PGS method.
Improve your chances of success with leading Clinic – IVF Spring
IVF Spring Fertility Center can help you get pregnant successfully using pre-implantation genetic screening process. To ensure safe and successful treatment, we make sure to use innovative modern technology and world-class laboratory. If you are interested in PGD, talk with our doctor, please book an appointment or contact us now.