AlfaLab: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis / Screening for Chromosomal Abnormalities in IVF Embryos NGS technology applied for the first time in Greece

31 May 2017

The AlfaLab Molecular Biology & Cytogenetics Center, a member of HYGEIA Group, has introduced the latest technology for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in IVF embryos, for the first time in Greece. The results so far have been excellent.

The Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology is used in Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis / Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGD/PGS) prior to the embryo transfer. It offers superior diagnostic accuracy for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities and mosaic embryos (embryos that carry both normal and abnormal cells), compared to previous methods. According to international research findings, there has been an increase in embryo implantation rates and healthy pregnancy rates following PGD/PGS in cases of infertility or recurrent miscarriages.

All these were discussed during a recent Round Table on “NGS Technology in Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis / Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGD/PGS) for Chromosomal Abnormalities”, hosted by AlfaLab in the E. Megapanos Lecture Theater, located within LETO Hospital.

As noted by the Director of the AlfaLab Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics Center, Clinical Laboratory Geneticist, Lina Florentin, “After two decades of experience and hundreds of demanding and successful PGD/PGS cases, AlfaLab continues to be innovative, with the aim of constantly developing new protocols and applications, and applying contemporary methodologies to achieve maximum diagnostic accuracy. PGD/PGS is a very important test that requires strict protocols and must be performed based on international guidelines. The Centers that perform this test must be certified to ISO 15189:2007, in line with the National Accreditation System, and must undergo constant quality controls for PGD and PGS.”

The benefits of NGS in PGD/PGS for chromosomal anomalies have led many modern genetic centers in Europe to adopt the method.