With more people turning to assisted reproduction, fertility experts caution against the trend and warn against "non-invasive" embryo genetic testing.
What is a 'Non-Invasive Embryo Genetic Test'?
The niPGT, also known as non-invasive chromosomal screening (NICS) is a genetic testing that analyses cell-free DNA released by an embryo into its culture medium to check for chromosomal abnormalities or single-gene disorders, avoiding the need for cell biopsy, making it safer.
The Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), and the Academy of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) reviewed the testing and reached the conclusion that niPGT is not yet ready for routine clinical use in India.
According to experts, the niPGT genetic testing should not be used to decide which embryo to transfer. Serious concerns were raised by experts after covering nearly 3,000 embryos tested using niPGT against standard biopsy-based testing.
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Dr Deepak Modi, scientist at the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, said that though the testing appears to offer a simpler alternative, instead of removing cells, it analyses tiny fragments of DNA that embryos naturally release into the culture medium while growing in the labs.
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Since no biopsy is involved, niPGT testing is growing popular in India, with several commercial clinics and labs offering the services.
Experts say that the existing IVF treatments involve several add-on tests to patients that are reliable, validated and beneficial.
The panel noted that many niPGT protocols require six days of embryo culture, which itself has been linked to poorer outcomes in large studies.
Dr Pankaj Talwar, president of IFS, said that niPGT should continue to be explored strictly with ethically approved research settings.
