Products of Conception (POC) for Genetic Investigations

The majority of spontaneous miscarriages are sporadic and occur as a result of genetic abnormalities. Patients with recurrent pregnancy loss often undergo cytogenetic evaluation of the products of conception to better understand the etiology. Fetal tissues or extra embryonic membranes are frequently used to diagnose fetal chromosome abnormalities that are associated with approximately one-half of all first trimester spontaneous abortions. The most common chromosome abnormalities seen in spontaneous miscarriages are trisomy 16 and monosomy X. In some cases where the POC karyotype revealed a structural rearrangement, parental chromosome analysis is requested. The diagnosis of an abnormal karyotype in a POC may provide a chromosomal basis for the pregnancy loss.

What is POC Test?

This is the molecular test that detects the large scale of chromosome gain and loss across all 23 pairs of chromosomes (for example it can detect an extra copy of chromosome 16). The POC (Products of Conception) test at IFC was carried out by the Cytogenetic analysis of fetal tissue using K-BoBs kit for POC samples. As this assay does not require the cells to be cultured, those samples that may fail due to the fungal or bacterial contamination can be tested for such chromosomal imbalances. The limitation of this assay does not detect triploidy (this can be detected by PCR), small structural imbalances, balanced rearrangements and some mosaics.

Methodology:

Advantages of POC

• The POC test provides genetic information that enables for the appropriate reproductive counselling to the planning of any future pregnancies.
• It may also help in clarifying the risk for future miscarriages or for the birth of a chromosomally abnormal child. Abnormal POC cytogenetic results may prevent the need for extensive infertility evaluation.