The test which tells if you can have IVF baby

Simple check to take away heartache

IT can be a gruelling and expensive process for couples desperately trying to start a family.

But it is hoped a pioneering test will take away the heartache and excessive cost of fertility treatment.

Scientists have developed a way to check saliva to see how well couples might respond to certain procedures.

The easy-to-use DNA ‘spit test’ allows them to be screened for genetic causes of infertility before, during or after they start fertility treatment.

The result lets them determine which assisted conception method is likely to work best for them.

Researchers say the test can save couples time, disappointment and significant sums of money.

Launched by Dundee company Fertility Genomics, the test uses whole-exome sequencing to analyse all 22,000 known genes and give unprecedented insight into genetic causes of infertility and failed assisted conception.

Every year, more than 50,000 UK couples go through techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

However, in a significant number of cases genetic defects mean these couples are unwittingly bound to fail. Currently, they are often given a diagnosis of ‘unexplained fertility’, leading them to repeat unsuccessful attempts to conceive through a public route such as the NHS or through private providers.

Fertility Genomics chief scientific officer Dr Doug Lester said by testing before starting a paid treatment, couples could save thousands of pounds and avoid the distress of repeated failures.

One cycle of IVF or ICSI can cost between £5,000 and £7,000. Dr Lester said: ‘Fertility Genomics uniquely helps put power into the hands of couples seeking to conceive by allowing them to make a more informed choice.’

He added: ‘We are excited to bring this ground-breaking test to the sector and offer a positive and cost-effective service that will make a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of couples.’

The test works by analysing DNA samples provided by couples in ‘spit kits’.

The results give the probability of the success they can expect when undergoing IVF or ICSI, allowing them to choose their best method of treatment.

Whole-exome sequencing focuses on the area of the genes that affect proteins and tends to be linked to genetic diseases.

Fertility Genomics was formed by scientists and academics at Abertay University in Dundee who have more than 60 years of combined experience in physiology and the genetics of reproduction.

The firm has been supported by Abertay University’s Bell Street Ventures enterprise programme.

This month, the Mail revealed hundreds of couples are stuck on IVF waiting lists after vital services slowed during the pandemic.

Figures show 700 people were waiting for screening – which takes place before a procedure – on June 30 this year, a rise of nearly 13 per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

Despite a surge in those waiting to access treatment, Public Health Scotland said there had also been a significant drop in those being referred for IVF and ICSI.

This is due to fewer Scots having access to primary and secondary infertility services, as well as GPs.

In Scotland, women aged up to 40 can access up to three rounds of NHS-funded IVF ‘where there is a reasonable expectation of a live birth’. Those aged 40 to 42 can seek one round of IVF if the woman has never had the treatment before.

‘It allows a more informed choice’