Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies PGS

PGS is the testing of an embryo’s overall chromosomal normality prior to being transferred to the patient’s uterus in addition to IVF. Specifically, PGT-A identifies the most suitable and healthiest embryo to transfer by detecting chromosomal deficiencies – aneuploidy – an extra or missing chromosome, increasing in this way the overall chance of success.

This technique can help identify abnormalities that can cause implantation failure during IVF, as well as uncover conditions like Down syndrome (which is caused by an extra chromosome).

Studies show that the overall rate of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos is about 50 percent. As women age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases and so does the risk of miscarriage from these abnormalities. PGS can help improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy by identifying the healthiest embryos prior to embryo transfer.

The biopsy process does not harm the embryo and can be done in one of two ways:

A cell biopsy on Day 3 multicell embryos (typically one cell is removed from each embryo)

A cell biopsy on Day 5/6 blastocysts (a few cells are removed from each embryo) Our embryology team then screens the chromosomes to check for abnormalities, extra copies of chromosomes, or missing chromosomes. Only the healthy embryos showing normal chromosome pairs are transferred into the uterus.

PGS is commonly offered to couples who are experiencing repeat pregnancy loss or when the woman is of advanced maternal age. We offer different levels of PGS testing based on individual risk factors and physician recommendations.