A bovine protocol for training professionals in preimplantation genetic diagnosis using polymerase chain reaction.

Objective: To develop a bovine protocol for training in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) using PCR.

Design: Randomized study.

Setting: Human reproduction PCR laboratory.

Patient(s): Cow ovaries obtained from slaughterhouses.

Intervention(s): The ovaries were punctured and the oocytes were matured and submitted to in vitro fertilization. On the third day after fertilization, the embryos were biopsied and 1-2 blastomeres removed. A blastomere and the rest of the embryo were submitted to PCR for sex determination.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Establishment of a possible training protocol.

Result(s): A total of 50 embryos and 50 biopsied blastomeres were submitted to DNA amplification for sexing. Of the 50 embryos, 41 (82%) achieved successful DNA amplification and 9 (18%) did not. Of the 50 biopsies, 31 (62%) amplified and 19 (38%) did not. In 27 (65.9%) of the 41 embryos with DNA amplification, sex was identified as female and in 14 (34.1%) as male. In 40 cases (80%) amplification and sex determination were successful in both embryos and blastomeres. Sex was identical in all these cases.

Conclusion(s): This training model seems to be useful in identifying mistakes and difficulties and improving the professional's performance in the various stages of preimplantation genetic diagnosis.