The process of preimplantation genetic screening includes the creation of embryos using IVF and it has the following stages:
Stage 1
The couple commences the IVF cycle with egg retrieval and fertilisation.
Stage 2
The fertilised eggs develop in the laboratory for 3 days (3rd day biopsy) or for 5 days (5th day biopsy, blastocyst stage).
Stage 3
The appropriately trained embryologist removes bioptic material from the embryos under examination using lasers that excise the cells.
Stage 4
The bioptic material is examined in specialised genetic analysis laboratories either for chromosomal anomalies or for genes associated with single-gene diseases.
Stage 5
Based on the results of the genetic analysis, only healthy embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus, and any additional healthy embryos are frozen to be used in a subsequent cycle.