What is PGT (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing) or PGS (Pre-implantation Genetic Screening)?

Not all embryos made out of IVF or ICSI process are genetically normal. Some embryos will have defective number of chromosomes or have a structural defect in one/more of the chromosomes. A normal human cell has 46 XY (male) or 46 XX (female) chromosomes. Deletion (making it 45) or addition (making it 47) of chromosome(s) makes the embryo unviable. This is particularly pertinent if all the cells of the embryo are abnormal.

Hear from the best IVF center in Delhi NCR . Pre-implantation genetic screening is a technology in which a few cells (6-10) are taken out from an outer layer of a blastocyst (day 5 or day 6 embryo). This procedure is highly skilled and it is absolutely imperative that it is done by an expert and experienced Embryologist.

Dr. Rutvij Dalal, the best IVF specialist in Delhi and the scientific director of Janini IVF, has made it possible to have the most scientifically advanced equipment and technology available at his IVF centre. The highly experienced and expert in-house Embryologist Dr. Akanksha Mishra, who is one of the best Embryologists of India , specially oversees all PGS cases and handles the embryo biopsy (procedure during which the cells are removed for genetic testing) herself. A post-graduate masters degree holder from the University of Oxford, UK, there cannot be a better care-taker of your precious embryos than her!

How is the procedure done?

After laser hatching the outer layer of embryo (zona), the trophectoderm is teased into a micro-pipette such that we can take out about 6-10 cells. These cells are then sent to a Genetic laboratory in a special medium and are thereafter tested for chromosomal number and structure. If the genetic testing is not done and such abnormal embryos are transferred inside the uterus, it is likely that the resulting outcome will be either no pregnancy (i.e. failed cycle), a pregnancy that later on aborts (indeed, most embryos with lethal abnormalities constitute most common reason for a spontaneous abortion), or an abnormal child being born.

What is the technology used in PGS?

Dr. Rutvij Dalal, the best infertility doctor in delhi NCR , believes in using the most advanced technology of NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) for complete 24 chromosome CCS (Comprehensive chromosomal screening) which is time-efficient, reliable, accurate with a high sensitivity and specificity. Basically, in simple terms this technology is highly dependable to detect abnormal and semi-normal or mosaic embryos. Previously, there used to be a ‘FISH’ technology that soon became outdated. Then, there was something called array CGH. But now, only NGS is preferred as it is a much better and updated technology used in genetic testing.

What are the situations wherein PGS or PGT can particularly help?

• Advanced maternal age, where the age of the wife is more than 37. Older women are found to have increased chance of developing abnormal embryos due to the impaired quality of eggs.
• Male infertility - in case the husband’s sperm quality is poor, or the husband is known to have a genetic disease.
• When either the wife or husband is known to have or is a carrier of a hereditary disease (eg Thalassemia)
• Repeated miscarriages (abortions) in the past - one of the reasons of multiple miscarriages is chromosomal defect and PGS can help us select the normal embryo that can give a healthy pregnancy.
• Multiple failed attempts at IVF before - One of the important reasons of Repeated Implantation failure (couple having multiple failed attempts at IVF) is chromosomal aneuploidies. If such a couple avails PGT or pre-implantation genetic testing, they can also have the happiness of a lively, healthy new-born in their arms!

Is PGS for me?

It has been found in scientific literature that pre-implantation genetic screening can definitely reduce the time taken to pregnancy (TTP) and save your time in having a baby. This is particularly important for those couples who are already emotionally stressed after facing failure in an IVF cycle before. You can approach Dr. Dalal at info@janiniivf.com for further information.