We are happy to announce the availability of the Genetic Screening of Embryo – PGS / PGD at our center.

Before making any decision about genetic testing, we review each couples history and offer the most viable option to them and counsel them about the treatment.

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) refers to diagnosis of a definitive genetic condition in an embryo.

Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) refers to screening of embryos for known genetic defects (mainly chromosome aneuploidies).

PGD and PGS are procedure done prior to Embryo Transfer to identify genetic defects in embryos. This prevents certain genetic diseases or disorders from being passed on to the child.

The Steps Involved are as follows:

Proper and detail counseling of patient / couples

IVF cycle is done so that we have more number of embryos for screening

Embryo Biopsy for PGD and PGS can be performed on the embryos that are in different developmental stages, therefore the biopsy procedure varies accordingly. In clinical practice, only two types of biopsy are used.

Blastomere biopsy – (on day three at cleavage stage embryos) – 1 or 2 cells are removed from 8-cell embryo for genetic analysis. After this the embryos are safely frozen

Trophoectoderm biopsy – (on day five at blastocyst stage embryos) – 4 or 5 cells are taken from the outer trophectoderm layer without affecting the inner cell mass from which the fetus later develops. After this the embryos are safely frozen.

The retrieved embryonic cells are then sent for genetic analysis by the use of microchip method. In this a larger number of cells allow a more accurate genetic assessment of the embryo without affecting its further development.

Once the cells have been extracted from a blastocyst, the embryos are then frozen and stored for a few days until the genetic results are available.

The main limitation of the process of blastocyst biopsy is that usually only a limited number of embryos will reach the blastocyst stage. Therefore, the final decision on biopsy approach should be left to our experienced specialists.

Once the report of PGD / PGS has identified the embryos free of genetic problems, the embryo(s) will be transferred in the uterus in the next month (usually by an IVF procedure).

Any additional embryos that are free of genetic problems are kept frozen for possible later use while embryos with the problematic gene(s) are destroyed/ discarded.

The whole process can take several weeks/ months. If you think about it, this process includes collection, fertilization, 3-5 days of development, 1-2 weeks of testing, and scheduling an appointment to discuss results with your doctor. It is important to keep this in mind if you plan to pursue IVF with PGD/PGS so that you know what to expect!

Indications PGD

 Single gene disorders – Thalassemia, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
 Carriers of chromosome abnormalities – Translocation carriers

Indications PGS

 At risk for aneuploidy – maternal age > 35 yrs , Prior trisomic conception
 Recurrent pregnancy losses
 Failed IVF cycles – more than 3 prior embryo transfers with high quality, morphologically normal embryos.

Our both center in Chembur, Mumbai and Vashi, Navi Mumbai are the best IVF Centers in India and managed by Dr. Sudha Tandon and team. She has been helping couples to fulfill their dream of parenthood. She and her experienced team have helped over 2000 couple’s battle various fertility issues for more than 25 years.

We at Dr Sudha Tandon’s fertility , IVF , Gynec Endoscopy and Maternity center have all world class facility for laparoscopic and Hysteroscopic surgery for all pelvic pathologies and IUI /IVF and ICSI treatment for ART .