Cutting-Edge Genetic Testing in Conjunction With IVF

Non-Invasive Chromosomal Screening (NICS) is a cutting-edge genetic testing methodology used to evaluate the chromosomal status of an embryo culturing in vitro during the Blastocyst stage (5 to 6 days). The implementation of NICS genetic testing methodology marks a huge and truly a momentous achievement by Dr. John Zhang. NICS increases IVF and Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) pregnancy success rates by up to 30 percent.

Advantages of NICS Methodology

Cutting-edge NICS technology in conjunction with IVF detects most chromosomal abnormalities in embryos culturing in vitro without the need to remove cells by needle stick. NICS increases IVF and FET pregnancy success rates by up to 30%.

Advantages of NICS Procedure

• Less embryo manipulation
• Culture media is processed on site (no transportation concerns)
• Avoids disruptive embryo biopsies which have been recently shown to increase the risk of pre-eclampsia and placental problems in pregnancy
• Improved birth rates of healthy babies
• Gender identification and selection

Candidates for NICS

• Any woman desiring prenatal genetic screening to rule out Down’s Syndrome or other syndromes
• Women desiring to lower the risk of a miscarriage
• Recurrent pregnancy loss (2 or more miscarriages)
• Recurrent implantation failure (multiple failed embryo transfers)

NICS Methodology

• Oocyte – egg retrieval
• ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
• Day 5 or 6 Blastocyst – development of embryo in vitro culture
• Culture Medium Collection – no intrusion on embryo
• NICS Sample Preparation
• Next Generation Sequencing
• Result Reporting

NICS Outcome

NICS is an in vitro evaluation of the efficacy of a single-embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage (5 to 6 days development in vitro). NICS is the sequencing of free genomic DNA in the culture medium of individual blastocysts and obtaining chromosomal ploidy information.

When abnormal embryos detected using NICS, they are discarded. Only quality embryos are transferred to the mother’s uterus – or – frozen (cryopreserved) for future FETs.

• NICS does not require an embryo biopsy (extraction of cells)
• NICS is non-invasive procedure because a small sample of culture media surrounding the embryo is extracted for testing
• NICS causes little to no stress on the embryo as it develops in vitro

NICS Can Increase IVF Pregnancy Success Rate Up To 30 Percent!

State-of-the-art genetics technologies have proven to increase IVF pregnancy rates. Through the medical marvel of NICS in conjunction with IVF, genetic and chromosomal abnormalities can be detected in embryos.

• Only high quality embryos are transferred to the patient’s uterus
• Only high quality embryos are cryopreserved for future FET procedures

Aging and Embryo Quality

As a woman advances in age, the chance for low quality embryos increases.

Low quality embryos result in:

• Low pregnancy success rates
• High miscarriage rates
• High chance for birth defects

NICS Genetic Testing Methodology in Conjunction with IVF

Dr. John Zhang offers the highest IVF pregnancy rates and best overall patient satisfaction by successfully using NICS genetic testing methodology in conjunction with IVF. To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. John Zhang – call 212.969.7422.