What Every Embryologist Should Know About PGD ?

Monash Biotech

May 19th, 2025

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) has rapidly become a cornerstone of advanced IVF workflows in India, where approximately 200,000 to 250,000 cycles are performed annually—a number projected to double by 2030 as the market grows past ₹ 370 crore. For Indian embryologists and lab owners, mastering PGD is key to improving success rates, minimizing genetic risks, and standing out in a competitive fertility landscape.

1. The Indian IVF & PGD Landscape

• IVF Volume & Growth : India currently performs around 2–2.5 lakh IVF cycles per year, with forecasts indicating 5–6 lakh annual cycles by 2030.

• PGD Adoption : Though exact figures vary, over 60% of premier Indian IVF centers now offer PGD/PGS as part of their service portfolio, reflecting growing clinician and patient demand for genetic screening.

• Genetic Burden : Hemoglobinopathies like β-thalassemia affect ~3–4% of the Indian population, making monogenic disorder screening one of the top PGD indications in the country .

2. Key PGD Workflow Steps & Success Metrics

1. Embryo Biopsy

• Timing

— Cleavage-stage (Day 3): One or two blastomeres; single-cell analysis may carry up to 20% inconclusive or mosaicism risk.

— Blastocyst-stage (Day 5/6): Trophectoderm biopsy (5–10 cells) yields clearer results, with unambiguous diagnoses in ~93% of blastocysts sampled.

• Survival Rates: Studies show >99% of biopsied blastocysts survive the procedure, and >95% resume normal development in culture.

2. Genetic Analysis

• NGS for Aneuploidy: Provides broad chromosomal screening with >99% specificity.

• PCR for Single-Gene Disorders: Targeted assays for conditions like CFTR mutations or HBB (thalassemia).

3. Cryopreservation & Transfer

• Vitrification: Ensures >90% survival post-thaw.

• Clinical Outcomes: Singleton live birth rates per cycle are 21.3% after PGD versus 17.9% for standard IVF — demonstrating a relative increase of ~19% in birth probability.

3. Micropipettes & Biopsy Precision

• Tool Specs Matter: Pipette bore diameter (8–12 µm), tip angle, and glass homogeneity influence aspiration force and cell viability.

• Monash Biotech Advantage: Our IVF-grade biopsy pipettes maintain ±0.5 µm tolerances and ultra-smooth tips, reducing mechanical stress and ensuring >98% post-biopsy survival.

4. Contamination Control & Quality Assurance

• Lab Zoning: Separate rooms for biopsy, amplification, and culture to cut cross-contamination by >75%.

• UV Decontamination: Daily 15-minute UV cycles in hoods lower DNA carryover by ~90%.

• Negative Controls: Blank biopsies detect contamination events early; aim for <0.5% control-positive runs.

5. SOPs & Performance Indicators

• Biopsy Success Rate: Target ≥95% of scheduled embryos biopsied without lysis.

• Diagnostic Concordance: Aim for >98% match between PGD results and follow-up prenatal testing.

• Team Competency: Annual hands-on assessments; at least 20 supervised biopsies per new embryologist before independent practice.

6. Genetics Refresher for Indian Embryologists

• Mendelian Basics: Autosomal recessive disorders (e.g., thalassemia), autosomal dominant (e.g., Huntington’s), X-linked (e.g., DMD).

• Mosaicism Awareness: Expect 10–15% of blastocyst biopsies to show mosaic patterns; counsel accordingly.

7. Patient Counseling & Ethics

• Informed Consent: Must cover 5–10% chances of inconclusive or mosaic results.

• Ethical Boundaries: Indian guidelines permit PGD for serious genetic diseases but prohibit non-medical sex selection.

8. Emerging Trends

• Non-Invasive PGD : Early trials in spent culture media show ~70% concordance with biopsy results.

• AI-Assisted Triage : Image-based models predict aneuploidy risk with up to 85% accuracy, guiding which embryos to biopsy next.

With India’s IVF market surging and genetic disease prevalence remaining high, embryologists and lab owners can no longer view PGD as optional — it’s essential for delivering superior outcomes. By leveraging precise biopsy tools, rigorous QC protocols, and continuous training, your lab can achieve >90% biopsy survival and boost live birth rates by nearly 20%.

Monash Biotech stands ready to equip your team with world-class micropipettes and expert-led trainings— because when Indian embryologists excel, families across the nation thrive.