Singapore Standardizes Genetic Testing for IVF Embryos

Singapore’s Ministry of Health has approved genetic testing of IVF embryos as mainstream clinical service.

Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) for monogenic or single-gene defects (PGT-M) and chromosomal structural rearrangements (PGT-SR), previously available under a pilot programme, are now classified as mainstream, regulated clinical services with effect from May 1.

PGT-M and PGT-SR, previously known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, have been available in Singapore since 2005 under a pilot programme.

No change has been made to the eligibility criteria for patients to receive these treatments. MOH said these services should be carried out only for couples at risk of passing on serious genetic disorders such as harlequin ichthyosis, beta thalassemia and Huntington’s disease.

“Based on findings from the pilot programme, PGT-M and PGT-SR were found to be safe and able to reduce the likelihood of live-born offspring being affected by these serious inheritable diseases.

The ministry said it had received nine applications from hospitals and clinical laboratories to offer PGT services as at May 1.

SOURCES- Strait Times
Written by Brian Wang, NExtbigfuture.com

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