Pacific Reproductive Center (PRC), sets the standard in providing the latest state-of-the-art science to ensure couples conceive a healthy baby.

In close collaboration with BlueGnome (Cambridge, UK) PRC becomes the first in-house aCGH laboratory within a fertility center in the United States.

Couples trying to conceive face many obstacles.  Some of these challenges may include repeat miscarriages, previously failed fertility treatments or a family history of chromosomal abnormalities.

For these patients, a technology called array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is now available for increased success outcomes.

Advantages From aCGH

Chromosome screening using aCGH and subsequently transferring only chromosomally normal embryos has the following potential advantages:

• Improved IVF implantation and pregnancy success rates
• Transfer of fewer embryos
• Reduced multiple births
• Reduced risk of birth defects
• Reduced incidence of miscarriage

What is aCGH?

Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH)  is the latest testing technique used to identify chromosomal abnormalities. aCGH testing allows the ability to test an embryo to examine the total number of chromosomes in a single cell to check for extra or missing chromosomes.

For example, Down syndrome is a result of an extra Trisomy 21 chromosome and Turner’s syndrome is a result of a missing or incomplete chromosome.

aCGH represents a breakthrough in the ability of embryologists to select healthier embryos when performed in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).  This increases the chances of delivering a healthy baby.

The PRC Advantage: aCGH Results Overnight

Currently, patients who embark on aCGH testing must delay embryo transfer while the testing of the cells are performed in a lab outside of their local fertility center.

Some testing locations can be found out of the country and may require the freezing of embryos and shipment of the biopsied cells.  The delay equates to an added emotional toll for couples and has additional financial implications.

PRC’s vested interest in the science of helping create families translates into patients receiving 24 hour results.  aCGH allows PRC physicians to transfer fewer, healthier, fresh embryos, enhancing the chance of success for each family.

Benefits of Utilizing PRC’s In-House aCGH Lab

As the FIRST IVF clinic in the country to offer aCGH testing in-house within a clinical setting, some of the benefits of having the ability to offer healthy embryo results on-site include:

• 24 hour result turn-a-round
• Eliminates the shipment of biopsied cells
• Allows for a fresh embryo transfer
• Repeatable testing if needed
• Increased accuracy
• Reduced overall costs of fertility treatments

The Role of Chromosomes in Healthy

Pregnancies

A normal number of chromosomes is required for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

At least 85% of chromosome anomalies can be traced back to the egg.  In comparison, only 7-8% of chromosomal abnormalities are estimated to be caused by the sperm.

aCGH is a breakthrough technology that offers the testing of all 24 chromosomes with great accuracy; including the ability to determine gender recognition for family balancing.

Who can benefit from aCGH

• Women of age 35 and older
• Women at risk  of  conceiving with a chromosomally abnormal embryo
• Women with two or more failed IVF cycles
• Women with a history of repeated miscarriages
• Parents pursuing family balancing