What is NGS? Who is NGS used for?

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is the newest and most comprehensive chromosome screening test that has begun to be included in Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) methods in IVF treatment. The NGS method is a comprehensive chromosome analysis method that is applied to embryos before transfer within the scope of IVF treatment and detects genetic problems in the chromosomes of embryos. The aim with this method is to select healthy embryos by genetic analysis of embryos before transfer and to increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy. All 46 chromosomes are scanned with this test. 

Compared to the different PGT methods currently in use, NGS provides a high-density screening and enables the detection of some translocations as well as numerical changes that may occur in chromosomes. 

Is NGS Suitable for Me? 

The goal of NGS is to identify structural and numerical errors in chromosomes, therefore answering which patient groups have a higher chance of developing chromosomes with such errors will also help answer the question. 

Patient groups that can undergo NGS: 

• Women older than 38 years  
• Repeated IVF failures 
• Repeated miscarriages 
• Severe male factor 
• Changes in the karyotype of individuals (some translocations) 

In short, NGS increases pregnancy chance by using a comprehensive chromosome screening to identify healthy embryos to be transferred. 

The examination of the biopsy material taken in the PGD procedure takes up to two weeks. Genetic sorting is completed in two weeks. 

High Resolution NGS 

The genetic structure of embryos can be examined in more detail with the High Resolution NGS method, which is performed in older women, recurrent IVF failures or recurrent miscarriages. Thus, embryos with damage in a smaller region can be distinguished, making a significant contribution to increasing the chance of pregnancy. 

What is the Difference Between High Resolution PGD and Standard PGD?

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, PGD (PGD-A, PGS) is a method of detecting and examining in detail chromosomal disorders that may occur before or after fertilization of embryos formed during IVF applications. In the high-resolution PGD method, the regions of the chromosomes can be examined in much more detail with specially designed technology that can detect irregularities not only numerically but also in more detailed regions in the structures of the chromosomes.