Laboratory Process Innovation Can Improve Time to Receive Results for Patients Initiating Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (Pgt-M)

OBJECTIVE: Assess efficacy of PGT-M after implementation of simultaneous PGT-M test optimization and testing of biopsied embryo samples. DESIGN: In January 2024, simultaneous optimization and testing of biopsied samples replaced sequential PGT-M test optimization at a reference laboratory (CooperSurgical, NJ). Retrospective chart review was completed for patients initiating PGT-M in January-March over 3 years (2022, 2023, 2024). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dates of required PGT-M initiation steps (patient consultation, DNA collection, PGT-M test optimization completion (if applicable), and PGT-M biopsy results) were collected and compared. Interval days (d) between patient consult and result reporting was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way Chi squared test. Cases resulted within intervals of 60d, 61-90d, 91-120d, 121-150d, 151-180d, and > 180d of case initiation were calculated for each study year. RESULTS: PGT-M was successful for all patients submitting biopsies. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, 275, 265, and 396 patients completed PGT-M initiation, respectively (Table 1). In 2022 and 2023, PGT-M test optimization was completed in an average of 54.5d. For 2022 or 2023 patients, the average number of days for completed PGT-M initiation was 198.7 and 179.3, respectively (p = 0.202), against a current 2024 average of 98.4 (p < 0.0001). This represents an average time savings of 100.3d and 80.9d against 2022 and 2023 timeframes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous PGT-M test optimization and testing of biopsied samples significantly reduces the time to receive results for first-time PGT-M patients. The observed time reduction represented savings beyond those directly delivered by the changed laboratory PGT-M process, indicating additional time savings within the IVF process. This potentially allows patients additional time for further reproductive planning.