Genetics Laboratory

The only facility in Greece performing Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in an independent, in-house genetics laboratory

 

  • First Genetics Laboratory in Greece licensed by the National Authority for Medical Assisted Reproduction
  • Operates in state-of-the-art facilities with advanced technology and the highest quality standards
  • A Scientific Team of highly qualified geneticists with 20 years of experience in PGT and genetic counseling

 

Technology & Capabilities

  • Application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for comprehensive chromosomal analysis of embryos
  • Reliable, rapid & high-quality diagnostic results
  • Full compliance with international safety standards for PGT
  • Cutting-edge equipment supporting all genetic testing workflows

Female Fertility

The investigation of the infertile couple requires regular and systematic tests, which must be performed and evaluated by Assisted Reproduction specialists.

  • Hysterosalpingography
  • Ovulation testing
  • Ovarian reserve testing
  • Hormonal evaluation
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Laparoscopy

 

Male Fertility Testing

The Andrology Lab offers the full range of sperm testing for the evaluation of male infertility

  • Sperm analysis is performed by experienced clinical embryologists
  • Specialized assessment of sperm fertilizing capacity
  • Guidance on available options and the optimal fertilization method for future IVF treatment

 

Ovarian stimulation protocols

To increase the efficiency of IVF, we aim to collect an able number of eggs to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

  • Individualized stimulation protocol for each woman
  • Focus on achieving optimal results while minimizing complications
  • Women can maintain normal daily activities during stimulation
  • Controlled ovarian stimulation performed with a structured protocol
  • Protocol includes daily subcutaneous injections

 

In-Vitro Fertilization – Microfertilization

  • Most advanced and effective assisted reproduction treatment
  • Fertilization of eggs with sperm in vitro to create embryos
  • Embryo culture for 2–6 days in controlled incubators
  • Selection of one or two high-quality embryos for uterine transfer
  • Excess high-quality embryos may be cryopreserved for future use

Indications

  • Female and/or male infertility
  • Obstructed fallopian tubes or hydrosalpinx
  • Endometriosis
  • Ovulation disorders / polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Advanced reproductive age
  • Sperm disorders (moderate to severe male infertility)
  • Required for couples undergoing Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Egg freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)

  • Vitrification enables long-term preservation of eggs for future use
  • High post-thaw survival rates and maintained fertility potential
  • Allows postponement of motherhood with good chances of success

Medical Indications

  • Women undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or treatments affecting fertility

Social Indications

  • Women wishing to preserve fertility for future family planning
  • Eggs frozen at a younger age have significantly better quality than eggs produced later in life

Egg freezing recommended for the following cases:

  • Women who wish to postpone motherhood.
  • Cancer and other patients who will receive gonadotoxic therapy (medical treatment
  • harmful to the ovaries).
  • Women who have undergone extensive ovarian surgery, for example in severe endometriosis.
  • When sperm is not available on the day of ovulation to make fertilization possible.
  • Couples who do not wish to freeze embryos for religious or cultural reasons.
  • Patients who have a poor response and opt to accumulate eggs.
  • Sperm freezing

Sperm freezing

Sperm freezing may be required to preserve fertility prior to certain medical treatments or as part of a fertility treatment cycle. If the partner’s presence on the day of ovulation is not possible:

  • Before chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • Before any surgery that may result in reduced male fertility
  • In cases of sperm retrieval by testicular biopsy
  • Prior to a fertility treatment cycle as a backup sample for the day of treatment.

Preimplantation Testing

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) ensures that only healthy embryos are selected for transfer in IVF cycles, helping prevent hereditary or chromosomal abnormalities. Embryos are usually biopsied at the blastocyst stage using a laser-assisted method, and the procedure follows the updated international PGT classification. PGT is divided into:

  • PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single-gene defects)
  • PGT- A (preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements)
  • PGT-SR (preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements)

Egg donation

  • Used when a woman cannot produce eggs or produces eggs of poor quality
  • IVF is performed using the partner’s sperm and donor eggs
  • Resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus

Counseling & Psychological Support

  • IVF is often a stressful experience for both partners
  • Emotional needs of women and couples are fully acknowledged
  • Psychological support sessions are provided throughout treatment
  • Services offered confidentially and securely
  • Provided at no additional cost

Personalized Nutritional Support

  • Nutrition plays an important role in assisted conception programs
  • Specific nutrients help optimize conditions for conception and implantation
  • May improve the chances of IVF success
  • Supports proper function and recovery of the female reproductive system
  • Contributes to overall fertility enhancement

Personalized Egg Quality Insights

Empower Fertility Journey with AI:  Advanced, non-invasive assessments of egg quality using artificial intelligence (AI) are available at HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis, providing deeper insights into reproductive potential.

  • VIOLET™ and MAGENTA™ – AI-powered, non-invasive egg quality assessment tools developed by Future Fertility Future Fertility
  • Provide personalized, objective evaluations beyond age-based estimates
  • Offer deeper insight into individual reproductive potential
  • Traditional assessment relies only on age, despite significant variation between individuals
  • AI tools replace assumptions with data-driven accuracy
  • Support informed decision-making throughout the fertility journey

AIVF: Artificial Intelligence in IVF

Enhancing IVF Success with Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is improving IVF outcomes by helping predict embryo chromosomal abnormalities and optimizing embryo selection and treatment decisions.

  • Aneuploidy is a major reason for implantation failure, miscarriage, and genetic abnormalities
  • IVF success rates vary with age and underlying infertility factors
  • AI assists in identifying embryos with higher developmental potential
  • AI supports personalized treatment protocols
  • AI contributes to more informed clinical decision-making

 

IVF specialist – Scientific Director Dr. Evangelos Makrakis, Obstetrician – Gynecologist

Prof. Evangelos Makrakis, a gynecologist specialized in Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Endocrinology, is the Scientific Director of the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit. 

He is an Associate Professor in the Medical School of Nicosia University, a graduate and PhD holder of the Athens University Medical School, and a gynecologist with extensive clinical experience and research activity.

He has a rich CV that includes clinical posts in UK hospitals, Scientific Director posts in assisted reproduction units of both university/academic (Atticon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and private sectors (EMBRYOART), publications in international scientific journals (1448 references and 20 h-index until July 2023), lectures and presentations in international and Greek conferences.

Dr. Makrakis teaches undergraduate classes (Medical School of the University of Athens) and postgraduate classes (in eight postgraduate courses of Greek Universities). He is a board member of the Greek Society for Fertility/Infertility, the Association of Greek Infertility Doctors and the Hellenic Society of Gynecologic Endocrinology. He is also a member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.