New kit shown to achieve over 90% correlation rate between biopsied embryos and testing spent culture media
WALTHAM, Mass. – October 14, 2019 – PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader committed to innovating for a healthier world, today introduced its PG-Seq™ Rapid Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) kit. This solution tests spent embryo culture media for chromosomal abnormalities during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
PGT-A is used to identify viable embryos, so the transfer or storage of embryos with an incorrect number of chromosomes can be avoided, as those typically lead to failed IVF cycles. Traditionally, PGT-A requires a biopsy of a developing embryo by creating an opening in the outer coating prior to removal and testing of a few cells. However, recent studies have shown that an embryo releases small amounts of DNA into the culture media in which it is growing, allowing the surrounding fluid to be genetically tested instead.
PerkinElmer’s PG-Seq Rapid Non-Invasive PGT-A kit is specifically designed for this type of sample, which enables embryos to remain fully intact. Leveraging the science behind PerkinElmer’s biopsy-based PG-Seq kit 2.0, the new non-invasive kit tests the spent embryo culture media to accurately detect aneuploidies, as well as structural rearrangements, including unbalanced translocations and segmental errors.
The kit is a modified version of the new PG-Seq Rapid kit, a three-hour sample preparation workflow—less than half of the sample preparation time compared to the PG-Seq kit 2.0 workflow.
“Data from a global network of 15 laboratories who have provided samples, shows it is possible to achieve more than 90% correlation between results of biopsied embryo and spent embryo culture media with the PG-Seq Rapid Non-Invasive PGT kit,” said Masoud Toloue, Ph.D., vice president, Diagnostics, PerkinElmer. “By eliminating the risks associated with performing a cell biopsy, PGT-A becomes more broadly accessible. IVF providers can significantly increase the likelihood of successful embryo transfers and reduce time to pregnancy.”
“From what we’ve observed so far, the results look excellent, and we are looking forward to further developing our non-invasive PGT program,” said Manuel Viotti, PhD, senior scientist, Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Zouves Fertility Center.
PerkinElmer will showcase the PG-Seq Rapid Non-Invasive PGT-A kit and other next-generation workflow solutions at the 75th annual American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Scientific Congress, October 12-16, in Philadelphia.
For more information, please visit booth #901 at ASRM or click here.
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About PerkinElmer
PerkinElmer enables scientists, researchers and clinicians to address their most critical challenges across science and healthcare. With a mission focused on innovating for a healthier world, we deliver unique solutions to serve the diagnostics, life sciences, food and applied markets. We strategically partner with customers to enable earlier and more accurate insights supported by deep market knowledge and technical expertise. Our dedicated team of about 13,000 employees worldwide is passionate about helping customers work to create healthier families, improve the quality of life, and sustain the wellbeing and longevity of people globally. The Company reported revenue of approximately $2.8 billion in 2018, serves customers in more than 180 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information is available through 1-877-PKI-NYSE, or at www.perkinelmer.com.
Media Contact:
Brian Willinsky
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brian.willinsky@perkinelmer.com