Clinician Information

Offer your patients the most advanced embryo screening with Orchid

WHAT IS ORCHID?
Orchid overview
Orchid is a cutting-edge whole genome embryo screening that combines Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Defects (PGT-M), and screens for hundreds of genes linked to severe monogenic diseases.

Orchid helps families maximize their chance for a successful pregnancy and healthy baby by screening embryos using whole genome sequencing.

Orchid obtains 100x more data, and reads >99%* of an embryo’s genome (compared to <1% that our competitors read). This is all done using the same 5-6 cell trophectoderm biopsy. With this advanced data, Orchid can detect conditions that other tests miss.
* Percentage is based on validation studies using genomic regions of National Institute of Standards and Technology - GIAB samples
Why is whole genome sequencing important?
Role of whole genome sequencing
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become a critical tool in identifying single-gene mutations that cause severe conditions.

Geneticists have spent decades identifying single-gene mutations that cause severe conditions. The diagnostic yield, or the percent of cases with a clear genetic cause, ranges by condition but has been increasing over time. For example, 30% of individuals with a neurodevelopmental disorder have an identified single-gene (monogenic) cause.

These advancements are used to diagnose children and adults who present symptoms. Now that whole genome sequencing is possible at the embryo stage, trophectoderm biopsies can be screened for hundreds of monogenic conditions, and diseases can be identified and avoided before transfer.

This represents a significant advancement over traditional embryo screening (PGT-A), which only focuses on chromosomal analysis.
How can I work with orchid?
Collaborating with Orchid
Orchid's collaboration process is designed to be seamless and straightforward. After an initial orientation, clinicians can easily order tests with Orchid handling all shipping logistics. Using the same 5-6 cell trophectoderm biopsy, Orchid provides comprehensive results and individualized reporting and consultations.
  1. Contact Orchid for an orientation
    Sign up for a commitment-free discussion with the Orchid team
  2. Quick and easy ordering
    Order tests efficiently, without any added work. Orchid handles shipping logistics for all samples.
  3. Same biopsy, superior results
    Get 100x more data and more comprehensive results with the same 5-6 cell trophectoderm biopsy
  4. Individualized reporting and consults
    Your patients will receive 1:1 consult with a board certified genetic counselor.
Get started with Orchid
Learn more about how Orchid can serve your patients and practice
Schedule here
Why is Orchid different?
Comparing Orchid to traditional PGT
Orchid offers several advantages over existing PGT methodologies. These include faster turnaround times, the ability to detect conditions that other tests may miss, and a comprehensive single screen that includes PGT-A, PGT-M, and gene panels. Moreover, Orchid provides one-on-one genetic counseling for all patients at no additional charge.
PGT-A
  • 100x more data than traditional PGT-A tests
  • Detect triploidy and molar embryos (complete uniparental isodisomy) that other labs might miss
  • Detect microdeletions + microduplications screened for during pregnancy but missed in traditional PGT
  • Plus all traditional PGT-A features
PGT-M
  • No probe design is necessary, which means faster turnaround time and less coordination
  • Ideal for:
    • Challenging PGT-M cases that may have been denied by other companies
    • Patients with a previous pregnancy/child with a de novo variant
    • Patients using an egg, sperm, or embryo donor
  • Faster results (3 weeks vs. 3 months)
  • Patients can screen for hundreds of monogenic diseases simultaneously (through gene panels)
Gene panels
  • Screen for hundreds of genetic neurodevelopmental conditions, genetic causes of birth defects, and genes associated with hereditary cancer.
  • Includes single gene disorders associated with advancing paternal age

Want to learn more? See our list of screened genes.

Learn More
Parental confirmation
  • Saliva-based test to confirm parental relationship to embryos
  • Non-blood samples increase convenience and ease for patients
Orchid’s comprehensive screening
Orchid's comprehensive screening combines PGT-A, PGT-M, screens for 100s of genes linked to severe disease, and measures genetic predisposition to disease. These are all screened simultaneously from the same embryo biopsy used in traditional testing.
Detect extra or missing chromosomes
Detect one gene that causes one condition
Detect genetic predisposition (genetic risk scores)
Detect neurodevelopmental disorders (monogenic)
Detect pediatric and adult onset cancers (monogenic)
Detect birth defects (monogenic)
PGT-A
PGT-M
PGT-P
What can I gain from working with Orchid?
Additional services for practices and patients
Orchid's superior data and hands-on approach can be a valuable addition to any fertility center. Benefits include reducing risk for patients and the practice, providing faster results for a wider variety of patients, and access to Orchid's expert staff. Orchid also provides access to board certified Genetic Counselors and Medical Genetics resources, as needed.

Patients receive comprehensive reports and have access to their own patient portal. Genetic counselors are available to answer both clinician and patient questions.
ORCHID SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
Developed by world-class experts
The technology behind Orchid has been developed by experts in medical genetics, embryology, and assisted reproductive technology.
Jacques
Jacques Cohen, PhD
Pioneering Embryologist and foundational figure in IVF and ART innovation
jan
Roohi Jeelani, MD
Double board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI)
jan
Lusine Aghajanova, MD, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor at the Stanford Medical Center
Barry
Barry Behr, PhD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Emeritus at the Stanford Medical Center
jan
Jonathan Kort, MD
Double board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI)
Jarry
Jerry Lanchbury, PhD
Expert in immunogenetics, 100+ peer reviewed publications
jan
Jan Liphardt, PhD
Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University
jan
Nathan Slotnick, MD, PhD
Perinatologist and Medical Geneticist
How can I learn more?
Orchid research
Orchid adheres to the highest clinical and scientific standards. It works with world-class experts in reproductive medicine and genetics, processes samples in a CAP/CLIA certified laboratory, is licensed to process samples nation-wide (except New York), and its technology has been independently validated.

CAP number: 9234146
CLIA number: 34D2260214
Get started with Orchid
Learn more about how Orchid can serve your patients and practice
Schedule here

FAQs

What genetic variations are included in Orchid’s
report?
While there can be hundreds of genetic variations within an embryo, Orchid only reports on genes known to cause monogenic disease based on decades of research. Genes included on our panels are selected based on extensive literature searches and information from the Clinical Domain Working Group, a group of independent academic geneticists. Only pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines are included. Carrier status is not reported unless requested.
What type of patient would benefit most from Orchid?
Any patient could benefit from Orchid, but a few examples of patients that would be most interest/benefit:
  • Patients looking to use the most advanced genetic testing option available, or are otherwise concerned about neurodevelopmental disorders, pediatric cancers, and/or birth defects
  • Patients who might traditionally do PGT-M (Orchid does not usually require probe development, which increases speed to results)
  • Patients concerned about de novo variants (i.e., advanced paternal age, a previous child with a de novo variant)
  • Patients using donor egg/sperm/embryos, with potentially limited contact with donor for testing
What action as a clinician can I take based on
Orchid’s embryo screening results?
Results can help clinicians like you counsel patients on each embryo’s genetic health profile and inform your patients’ transfer plans. A reproductive endocrinologist will be able to use the results of Orchid’s genetic risk assessment of embryos to assist with patient decision-making in embryo selection. The patient and physician can use this information to make an informed decision about which embryo to consider transferring first, based on the results of the report.
How long does it take to get set up?
Most fertility centers can get started with Orchid in just a few weeks. Schedule an initial conversation here to learn more.
Sign up here
How do I counsel patients on these results?
You don’t have to! Orchid’s Board Certified Genetic Counselors will happily lead all counseling sessions with patients on your behalf. Genetic counselors are available to answer any physician questions. Reach out to genetics@orchidhealth.com for more information on our genetic counseling approach.
How much does Orchid cost?
Orchid’s standard Preimplantation Whole-Genome Sequencing costs roughly $12,500 for an IVF cycle with 5 biopsied embryos.  However, costs may vary depending on the clinic and the complexity of a case (additional testing may incur additional costs).  For cost-sensitive patients, options for more limited screening may be available.  For more details please contact genetics@orchidhealth.com.