NGS (Next Generation Sequencing)
NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) is the latest technology that makes it possible to examine all 24 pairs of chromosomes, including sex chromosomes, with an accuracy of 99.99%. The NGS method is the most progressive, informative and reliable. The analysis allows for a selection of genetically healthy embryos for transfer to the expectant mother’s uterus.
NGS is based on the determination of the DNA sequence, which fundamentally differs from other PGD methods, and opens up new possibilities in the diagnosis of embryos, for example, it allows the specialists to determine whether a particular embryo has mosaicism - the presence of cells with a different chromosome set. Mosaicism can cause miscarriage and the birth of a baby with a serious pathology that poses a danger to its life. Diagnosis of mosaicism in the pre-implantation period makes it possible to select genetically healthy embryos for transfer.
Genetic diagnosis of embryos before transfer to the uterus
- Increases the chances of a successful pregnancy;
- Increases the likelihood of having a healthy baby.
- Decreases the number of unsuccessful IVF attempts due to termination of pregnancy
- Decreases risks of having a child with chromosomal abnormalities.
A biopsy is performed on the 5th day of embryo development, when it reaches the blastocyst stage. The embryologist performs a biopsy using microinstruments, carefully taking several cells from the outer layer of the embryo for examination. In doing so, the instruments do not reach the internal cell mass, which is the basis for the laying of organs and tissues of the fetus.
After the biopsy, the embryos are kept frozen for the period necessary for the analysis. As soon as the results of the analysis are obtained, the most viable euploid (genetically healthy) embryo(s) are defrosted and transfered into the uterine cavity. Before defrosting and embryo transfer, a woman undergoes an appropriate premedication to ensure the successful implantation of the embryo.
The course of pregnancy and childbirth after the transfer of an embryo selected using the NGS method is similar to natural conception.