PGS in Pakistan
PGS Service Image
Preimplantation Genetic Screening
The majority of pregnancies, natural or assisted, fail due to aneuploid conceptions. Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is a great way to examine embryos for genetic and chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is a type of pre-implantation genetic testing in which embryos are screened for aneuploidy. It is also known as PGT-A, which means pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.
PGS allows the fertility expert to identify the most normal or euploid embryo for implantation. It increases the chance of successful pregnancy and alleviates miscarriage rates. It evaluates all 23 pairs of chromosomes to detect any chromosome-level condition that may be present in an embryo. Australian Concept uses this technique to obtain favorable IVF results.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening is used to accomplish high level of success during fertility treatment it is extremely necessary to determine the exact number of chromosomes with in an embryo.
-Thorough evaluation of all 24 chromosomes
-A 12- hour process
-Resulting in greater than 99% of cases
-An excelling experience of beyond 20 years in genetics
State of the art Reproductive Genetic Services
Overview
A genetic study of the embryo developed during an IVF treatment cycle is called PGS, which stands for Pre-implantation Genetic Screening, the sole purpose of which is to help you have a normal and healthy baby.
The PGS test:
-Should be carried out on an embryo before it is transferred into a female uterus.
-Ensures the establishment of an embryo that is free from aneuploidies and hence safe to be transferred to the mother.
-Further boosts the pregnancy rates.
-The time required to achieve pregnancy is also reduced.
Which couples should consider a PGS test?
Our infertility specialists advise this test in the following cases;
-When there is a maternal history of recurrent miscarriages; women with two or more miscarriages fall in this category.
– When the maternal age is either 35 years or above.
-When the couple has had IVF failures in the past, to or more failures are considered significant.
-When the male factor plays a major role in infertility; which includes low sperm quantity as well as quality.
Advantages of PGS test.
-The pregnancy rates increase on every transfer.
-The percentage of miscarriage is significantly reduced.
-which in turn leads to decreased implantation failures.
-Higher chances of having a healthy baby free of aneuploidies.
-Saves the couples from going through multiple cycles of IVF, therefore helps to save their time and money.
How is the test carried out?
The entire process of PGD is summarized in the following flow diagram:
PGS Procedure and Process
Genetic Testing Methods
Genetic testing helps to evaluate embryos created through IVF for any abnormalities before implantation. Pre-implantation genetic screening specifically examines embryos for aneuploidy. It employs comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH), an indirect DNA test, which examines all 23 pairs of chromosomes for aneuploidy. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is the latest technology that can sequence thousands of genes quickly and give reliable results.
Embryo Biopsy
At 3rd or 5th day of development, the embryos are biopsied. An expert removes a few cells from the outer layer of embryos without harming their viability. It is a delicate procedure; hence, the experts at Australian Concept perform it with utmost care and attention. Once the cells are removed, they are sent off for genetic analysis.
Genetic Analysis
The cells removed from the embryos are placed in test tubes and sent to laboratory for evaluation. The cells are analysed, using NGS or CGH, for any chromosomal aneuploidy. Genetic analysis takes a day usually. It helps fertility experts identify the highest quality embryo for implantation, which reduces the risk of miscarriage and congenital abnormalities.
Selection and Transfer
When the PGS results are obtained, the fertility expert identifies the most euploid embryos for implantation. Only one or two euploid embryos are implanted into the uterus, and the remaining embryos are frozen for future use.
Ethical Considerations
Australian Concept has always been ethical in its practices. We acknowledge the sensitivity of the issue. Therefore, we deal with utmost care when handling genetic information. Besides, we provide complete guidance to our clients to reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities, which helps them make informed decisions.
PGS Success Factors
Risks and Considerations with PGS
Genetic Disorder Prevention
PGS has been quite successful in preventing genetic disorders caused by aneuploid embryos. It examines the embryos and helps the fertility experts identify the embryos with the correct number of chromosomes. When the highest quality embryo is implanted into the uterus, it enhances the chance of successful pregnancy and prevents the risk of genetic disorders.
Embryo Viability
PGS increases the chance of successful pregnancy and live birth as it allows fertility experts to identify the most viable embryo. The higher the embryo quality, the higher the chances of healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
Family Planning and Genetic Health
The journey towards parenthood through assisted reproduction is an emotional rollercoaster. In such cases, PGS provides peace of mind to the parents regarding their children’s health. Moreover, it identifies the gender of an embryo, which allows the couple to plan their family as per their desire.
Potential Risks
PGS is a safe procedure. However, there are some risks attached to it, which include,
- Damage to the viability of the embryo during biopsy
- The limited scope of PGS can only examine embryos for numerical chromosomal abnormalities. Thus, there is a risk of other genetic abnormalities.
- Mosaicism
- Inconclusive results
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Australian Concept acknowledges the ethical and legal considerations of its worthy clients. We provide them with all the necessary information so they can make an informed decision. Assisted reproduction and genetic testing is a sensitive topic. Therefore, we handle the cases with utmost care and diligence and support our clients, ensuring a healthy journey towards parenthood.
Cost of PGS
Depending on several factors, the price may increase. For instance, if the couple wants PGS as an add-on to IVF, the cost may increase due to the cost of IVF.
Alternative Options
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Prenatal Genetic Testing are two alternative options for PGS. Unlike PGS, PGD examines an embryo for specific genetic disorders already present in both or either of the parents. In contrast, prenatal genetic testing detects congenital abnormalities by analysing the genetic information of the developing fetus.
Choosing the Right PGS Center
Accreditations and Certifications
While choosing a PGS centre, the couple should assess the reliability of the clinic. With over 20 years of experience, Australian Concept is an ISO-certified fertility clinic with the country’s highest success rate in fertility treatments. Our highly qualified professionals provide tailored treatment plans to achieve the desired results. Our experts perform PGS with utmost care to optimise the chances of a healthy pregnancy and live birth.
Experienced Genetic Counselors
Genetic counsellors play an imperative role in the success of fertility treatments. Australian Concept has a team of highly professional genetic counsellors who assess and prevent the risks of passing on congenital abnormalities to offspring and communicate it with prospective parents. They assist our worthy clients in embryo selection, which helps them make informed decisions and family planning.
Success Rates
Australian Concept is the best fertility clinic with the highest fertility treatment success rate nationwide. We have helped 15000’s+ of couples in their journey towards parenthood. We have a 70-80% PGS success rate. Depending upon the history of our worthy clients, we employ this procedure to reduce the chances of aneuploidy and optimise the chances of healthy pregnancy and live birth.
Facility and Equipment
With over two decades of successful experience in the field, Australian Concept uses the most advanced technology to obtain precise and accurate results. Our clinics are well-equipped and meet the international standards of care and safety.
Location and Accessibility
Fertility treatments require frequent visits; therefore, the Australian Concept Infertility Clinic is located at an easily accessible site in Lahore.
Address: 116 Babar Block, Garden Town, Barkat Market, behind Salaar Centre, Lahore.
Contact no. +92-304-111-2229
FAQ's
What is PGS Cost in Lahore?
PGS cost in Lahore ranges from Rs. —-. The cost covers consultation, counselling, embryo biopsy, monitoring, and genetic analysis. It is usually performed as an add-on to IVF. Therefore, the cost may increase. Please contact the number provided to learn about the accurate cost of PGS in Lahore.
What are PGS Success Rates?
Data reveals that PGS has a success rate of 70-80%. The PGS success rate widely depends upon the maternal age. With the increase in maternal age, the chances of PGS success decrease. Studies have shown that the post-PGS live birth rate is lower in women above the age of 35 years as compared to women under the age of 35 years.
Who is Eligible for PGS?
Couples facing the following are eligible for PGS:
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Failure at IVF
- Increased maternal age
Additionally, couples who want to enhance their chances of healthy pregnancy and live births and those who want to balance their family can also go for PGS.
What is the duration of PGS?
PGS takes a few weeks to complete. However, this is only the duration of PGS exclusive of IVF. The PGS duration may vary for each couple, depending upon their medical situation. To know the exact period of PGS, consult with your fertility expert.
What is the role of genetic counselling and support in PGS?
Genetic counselling plays a vital role in PGS. The genetic counsellors assess the risk of passing congenital abnormalities to the offspring and communicate it to the prospective parents. Their assessment, guidance, and support help the couple to make an informed decision.
