PGD-FISH Analysis

Fixation

Biopsied trophectoderm cells are transferred onto a microscope slide. The chromosomes are then 'fixed' onto the slide.

Hybridization

A mixture of fluorescent probes is placed on the ‘fixed’ chromosomes allowing the probes to find and stick to the chromosomal regions to which they match.

Washing and analysis

The hybridized slides are washed and then viewed using a fluorescent microscope.

Normal male and female, and abnormal

Normal male

An embryo cell hybridized with FISH probes for chromosomes X (violet), Y (Gold), 18 (aqua), 21 (green) and 13 (red). This is a normal male pattern and this embryo would be suitable for transfer.

Normal female

An embryo cell hybridized with FISH probes for chromosomes X (violet), Y (Gold), 18 (aqua), 21 (green) and 13 (red). This is a normal female pattern and this embryo would be suitable for transfer.

Abnormal

An embryo cell hybridized with FISH probes for chromosomes X (violet), Y (Gold), 18 (aqua), 21 (green) and 13 (red). This cell has three copies of each chromosome and would not be suitable for transfer.