Keith Whitacre, the embryologist at Northeastern Ohio Fertility Center, has tremendous expertise in all aspects of In Vitro Fertilization, including many new and exciting technological advances in the field of Human Assisted Reproductive Technology. One of the techniques Keith implemented when joining NEOFC was trophectoderm biopsy, or the process of using a laser to remove cells from a blastocyst stage embryo in preparation for genetic testing. Genetic testing of Pre-Implantation embryos, either Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) for single gene defects, or Pre-Implantation Screening (PGS) for chromosomal abnormalities or aneuploidies (like Down’s Syndrome) has become a very important tool in Human Assisted Reproduction. Using this technology, we are able to select (with a high probability of certainty) genetically normal embryos for transfer. The utility of this type of testing has been very exciting. Genetic testing of IVF embryos has been shown to reduce the occurrence of spontaneous miscarriages, improve fetal and neonatal outcomes at birth, and improve the chances of successful pregnancy for patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization.
We look forward to talking to you about all of the exciting things we are doing at Northeastern Ohio Fertility Center.
Nicholas J. Spirtos, D.O.
