With a new genetic test system now available from Vysis, Inc., for research use only, geneticists can now identify chromosomal abnormalities in a preimplanted embryo, which may eventually reduce the rate of spontaneous miscarriage resulting from a genetically affected fetus. An estimated 60 percent of all reproductive losses in pregnancies are associated with a chromosomal abnormality in the embryo. Genetic Imaging Workstation, the new assay may help researchers identify chromosomal aneuploidies that account for more than 85 percent of chromosomal abnormalities that cause birth defects. These chromosome abnormalities are often associated with advanced maternal age, a history of reproductive or genetic abnormalities, the inability to conceive, or spontaneous abortions and stillbirths. When a DNA FISH probe binds with its genetic target, a brightly colored signal can beobserved that allows one to detect chromosomal aneuploidies, translocations, gene deletion or amplification, or other genetic abnormalities.
Results are available within four hours.
In IVF a woman's egg, or ovum, is cultivated and later fertilized by a sperm cell in a laboratory petri dish. Those embryos that do not have genetic abnormalities could be implanted into the uterus. Dr. Verlinsky uses FISH technology to determine the impact of preimplantation genetic testing on the pregnancy success rate of IVF for infertile couples. In our research study, the pregnancy rate with IVF patients 35-45 years of age has increased significantly with the use of preimplantation genetics, from 16 percent to 30 percent. An estimated five to eight million couples in the United States are infertile, with approximately two million undergoing infertility treatment.