Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

What is PGS?
How Does PGS Work?
Benefits of PGS

What is PGS?

PGS, also referred to as aneuploidy screening, involves the comprehensive analysis of chromosomes in embryos created through IVF or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The primary goal of PGS is to identify chromosomal abnormalities, which are a leading cause of implantation failure, miscarriages, and genetic conditions such as Down syndrome.

How Does PGS Work?

  1. Embryo Creation:
    • After egg retrieval and fertilization through IVF/ICSI, embryos develop in a controlled lab environment.
  2. Embryo Biopsy:
    • A few cells are carefully removed from each embryo for genetic analysis. This biopsy is performed at the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6 of development) and is designed to minimize any potential harm to the embryo.

    3. Genetic Analysis:

    • The biopsied cells undergo testing using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to check for chromosomal abnormalities. This analysis assesses all 24 chromosomes (22 autosomes plus X and Y) for any gains or losses.

    4. Embryo Selection:

      • Based on the genetic results, embryos that are chromosomally normal are selected for transfer, maximizing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

    Benefits of PGS

    1. Improved Pregnancy Rates:
      • By deselecting embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, PGS significantly increases the likelihood of successful implantation and full-term pregnancy.
    2. Reduction of Miscarriages:
      • PGS helps lower the risk of miscarriages by ensuring that only genetically normal embryos are implanted.
    3. Increased Efficiency:
      • The use of PGS can reduce the number of IVF cycles needed to achieve a pregnancy, saving time and costs associated with repeated treatments.
    4. Single Embryo Transfers (eSET):
      • PGS allows for safer single embryo transfers, minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) while maintaining high success rates.
    5. Targeted Recommendations:
      • PGS is particularly recommended for women over 37, couples with a history of chromosomal issues, those experiencing recurrent miscarriages, repeated IVF failures, or severe male factor infertility.