PerkinElmer, Waltham, Mass, has introduced its PG-Seq rapid noninvasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) kit. The product tests spent embryo culture media for chromosomal abnormalities during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

PGT-A is used to identify viable embryos, in order to avoid the transfer or storage of embryos with an incorrect number of chromosomes, because those embryos typically lead to failed IVF cycles. Traditionally, PGT-A requires a biopsy of a developing embryo, which is done by creating an opening in the outer coating in order to remove and test a few cells. However, recent studies have shown that an embryo releases small amounts of DNA into the culture media in which it is growing, which means that genetic testing can instead be done on the surrounding fluid.1

PerkinElmer’s PG-Seq rapid noninvasive PGT-A kit is specifically designed for this type of sample, which enables embryos to remain fully intact. The new noninvasive kit tests the spent embryo culture media to detect aneuploidies as well as structural rearrangements, including unbalanced translocations and segmental errors.

Photo ToloueMasoud_crop368x368p

Masoud Toloue, PhD, PerkinElmer.

“Data from a global network of 15 laboratories who have provided samples shows it is possible to achieve more than 90% correlation between results of biopsied embryo and spent embryo culture media with the PG-Seq rapid noninvasive PGT-A kit,” says Masoud Toloue, PhD, vice president for diagnostics at PerkinElmer. “By eliminating the risks associated with performing a cell biopsy, PGT-A becomes more broadly accessible. IVF providers can significantly increase the likelihood of successful embryo transfers and reduce time to pregnancy.”

For further information, visit PerkinElmer.

Reference

  1. Lane M, Zander-Fox DL, Hamilton H, et al. Ability to detect aneuploidy from cell-free DNA collected from media is dependent on the stage of development of the embryo. Fertil Steril. 2017;108(3 suppl):e61; doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.07.192.