PGD and PGS Testing

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis/Screening

There are certain situations where it may be advantageous to know part of the genetic make-up of the embryo prior to deciding to transfer it back to the uterine cavity. The patient is treated using IVF and when the embryos are three or five days old, one or more cells are extracted (“embryo biopsy”) and tested for either specific genes or a variety of chromosomes.

The two types of genetic testing can be summarized as follows:

• 1. PGD : A number of people in the population carry genes on their chromosomes that may result in a miscarriage or an affected child. Such diseases may include cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, Fragile X syndrome and thalassaemia. In these instances we can identify whether the affected gene is present in an embryo prior to implantation;
• 2. PGS: Certain patients may be at a higher risk of a chromosomally abnormal embryo.

These include:

• women who are ≥ 35 years of age; or
• patients who have had ≥ 3 failed IVF attempts; or
• women who have had ≥ 2 miscarriages; or
• patients where it is known that there are unbalanced chromosomes

In these instances we at SWCIC can assess the normality of eight chromosomes (those most likely to be identified in miscarriage material) and implant an embryo which is normal for these.

How does it work?

• Assisted Hatching has normally being performed using a micro needle and laser by corrosive absorption of the external shell. At SWCIC IVF Fertility Centre, we utilize the most recent laser innovation to give our patients the quickest, most secure and most uniform method for Assisted Hatching accessible today it is known as Laser Assisted Hatching.
• During the process of Laser Assisted Hatching, the external shell of the embryo is broken by discharging a couple of laser heartbeats. The laser is terminated far from the cells of the embryo so that the cells are not harmed. This procedure greatly enhances the capacity of the embryo development and growth and therefore greatly increases the chances of live birth rate and pregnancy rate.

Difference between the PGD and PGS Testing

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

• PGD involves screening single cells from embryos for chromosomal disorder and genetic disorder. This testing is performed with IVF treatment and occurs prior to the embryo transfer, before the pregnancy. PGD gives the opportunity to select the embryos based on their genetic conditions and chromosomal condition. The main goal of PGD is to identify the abnormal embryos and these embryos should not transfer to the uterus. The unaffected embryo can be selected for transfer that more likely to make disease free and healthy babies.
• PGD can identify the presence of chromosomal translocations and gene disorders. There are over four thousand disorders. The common diseases tested are Tay Sachs, Cystic Fibrosis, Myotonic Dystrophy, Fragile X and Thalassemia.
• PGD testing can also be used to determine the sex of an embryo.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

• For those people who suffered from infertile problems and recurrent miscarriages, PGS applies the technology from PGD to increase the chances of getting pregnant. Embryos are scanned for aneuploidy which is the main cause for miscarriage and implantation failure. The main goal of PDS is to identify the chromosomally abnormal embryos. So, they are not transferred. The chromosomal normal embryos are transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy success.

How much PGS Testing Cost in Hyderabad?

• PGS costs are an addition to the IVF cycle cost and fertility medications. The cost depends on the number of embryos tested.

PGS recommended for which people?

• Older Women who have eggs with less number of chromosomes. So, it is recommended for women over 37 ages.
• If you have a family history of chromosomal problems, the fertility specialist will recommend it.
• If you had recurrent miscarriages and failed IVF cycles, it will be recommended.
• Men who have sperms with chromosomal abnormalities.
• Women who have difficulties in conceiving and several miscarriages or a baby with Down ‘s syndrome.
• PGS Success rates
• PGS improves IVF success rates for a woman under 37 with no failed IVF cycles and no history of miscarriages.

Who will be beneficial for Taking PGD?

• Several failed IVF Cycles
• Have a Marfan syndrome
• Several miscarriages
• Chromosomal abnormality
• Carrying a cystic fibroids