Preimplantation Genetic Testing Expands in Dar es Salaam
As dailynews.co.tz reported, new options have emerged for couples facing repeated miscarriages and unsuccessful fertility treatments, thanks to modern genetic testing that allows specialists to screen embryos for chromosomal defects prior to uterine transfer. The procedure, known as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), examines embryos created through in-vitro fertilisation to help doctors assess their chromosome composition and make informed decisions when selecting embryos for transfer.
During a Friday event in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Ratheen Rawal, Director of the Nu Life Fertility Centre, announced that the clinic was incorporating recent advancements in reproductive medicine to broaden care choices for patients dealing with infertility. He explained that the goal of this program is to provide specialized care domestically, allowing couples to pursue effective treatments without being forced to travel abroad.
Embryo Biopsies and Clinical Outcomes
According to the fertility centre, more than 800 embryo biopsies have been conducted since the service was introduced about one and a half years ago. Out of those procedures, more than 150 couples have subsequently achieved pregnancies and carried them to delivery.
The development coincides with broader efforts in Tanzania to improve maternal and child health. The government is currently preparing a strategic plan for the 2026/27–2030/31 period aimed at accelerating reductions in preventable deaths among mothers, newborns, and children. Dr. Felix Bundala, Assistant Director for Child and Adolescent Health in the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Department, stated that the upcoming plan will strengthen interventions targeting maternal, newborn, and under-five mortality.
Addressing Chromosomal Abnormalities in Pregnancy Loss
Nu Life Medical Doctor Sheila Ramadhani explained that chromosomal abnormalities are among the primary causes of miscarriages during the first three months of pregnancy. She noted that PGT-A is performed after eggs and sperm are combined through IVF to create embryos, but before an embryo is transferred into the uterus.
Some couples experience two or three miscarriages, while others fail to achieve pregnancy despite undergoing different fertility treatments. In some of these cases, chromosomal abnormalities may be responsible,
Dr. Ramadhani said.
Dr. Madhav Hiran, the centre’s Medical Director, detailed the technical procedure involved. He stated that the method requires collecting a small number of cells from the outer layer of an embryo that has reached the blastocyst stage, which typically occurs around the fifth day of development.
The collected cells are then analysed to assess the embryo’s chromosomes before specialists consider whether it is suitable for transfer. Dr. Hiran explained that three to four cells are taken from the trophectoderm and tested to determine whether the embryo possesses the expected chromosome number. Identifying these embryos can help guide treatment, particularly for patients with a history of repeated miscarriages or failed implantation.
Limitations and Medical Guidance
While PGT-A can identify specific chromosomal abnormalities associated with conditions such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome, specialists caution that the test does not guarantee pregnancy or a live birth. Its suitability depends entirely on individual circumstances.
Additionally, genetic testing does not replace a comprehensive medical assessment of other possible causes of pregnancy loss. Fertility specialists recommend that affected couples investigate the full range of causes behind repeated miscarriages to determine whether PGT-A or alternative treatment options are appropriate for their specific medical needs.
Worth a look