NGS (Next Generation Sequencing): What is it and Who is it Suitable for?

NGS, also known as Next Generation Sequencing, is a technology commonly used in chromosomal screening and represents the latest and most comprehensive chromosomal screening test that has become part of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) methods in the field of IVF treatment. The NGS method is a comprehensive chromosomal analysis applied to embryos before transfer as part of IVF treatment, detecting genetic problems in the chromosomes of embryos. The aim with this method is to perform genetic analysis on embryos before transfer, selecting healthy embryos, and, of course, increasing the chance of a healthy pregnancy. The test covers the entire set of 24 chromosomes.

Compared to different PGT methods applied and known until today, NGS provides high-density screening, enabling the detection of numerical changes in chromosomes as well as certain translocations.

Is NGS suitable for me?

To provide a clearer answer to this question, it is important to understand that the goal of NGS is to detect numerical and structural changes in chromosomes. Therefore, answering the question of which patient groups are more likely to encounter these changes will shed light on the subject.

Patient groups suitable for NGS application include:

• Women aged 38 and older
• Individuals with recurrent IVF failures
• Those experiencing recurrent pregnancy losses
• Severe male factor infertility
• Individuals with observed changes in their karyotypes (certain translocations)

Addressing a commonly asked question from our patients:

"Will you apply this method to me or to my spouse?"

The method is applied to embryos obtained through the fertilization of egg and sperm samples collected from both partners, detecting changes in chromosomes. While previously blastomere biopsy was performed on day 3 embryos, now trophectoderm biopsy is performed on day 5-6 embryos, reducing the rate of mosaicism.

In short, NGS increases the chance of a healthy pregnancy by conducting comprehensive chromosomal screening on embryos.