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Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGTA) is a powerful tool in assisted reproductive technology that helps identify genetically healthy embryos before implantation. A crucial step in this process is the embryo biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of cells from the embryo for genetic analysis. In this post, we'll dive into the details of the embryo biopsy procedure, its risks, and the success rates of pregnancies following embryo biopsy.

The Embryo Biopsy Procedure

The embryo biopsy is typically performed on day 5, 6, or rarely on day 7 after egg retrieval, when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage and contains over 100 cells. At this point, several cells are carefully removed from the outer trophoblast layer of the embryo, which will eventually develop into the placenta. The skilled embryologist then washes the cells to eliminate any potential contamination and transfers them into small tubes for genetic analysis. Meanwhile, the biopsied embryos are returned to the incubator and cryopreserved until the PGTA results are available. To learn more about the growth of embryos in an IVF lab, check out our recent article on what happens to an embryo grown in an IVF embryology lab. 

Risks Associated with Embryo Biopsy

As with any medical procedure, embryo biopsy carries some risks. There is a small chance (less than 1-2% with a skilled embryologist) that the embryo may be damaged during the biopsy, causing it to stop developing or making it unsuitable for transfer. While current data suggests that embryo biopsy has no adverse impact on the growth or medical outcomes of the resulting children, it's essential to understand that the technique is still relatively new, and there may be potential unknown consequences for live-born babies. If you're considering PGTA for your frozen embryos, our article on getting Orchid's screening on frozen embryos provides valuable information.

‍Success Rates and Healthy Pregnancies

Despite the risks involved, embryo biopsy has been performed for over 25 years and has resulted in tens of thousands of healthy pregnancies. Babies born after procedures that include embryo biopsy have not shown an increased rate of birth defects. While the long-term effects are still being studied, the success rates and safety record of embryo biopsy are encouraging for couples seeking to improve their chances of a healthy pregnancy through PGTA. For more information on the safety of embryo biopsy, read our article addressing the question: Will biopsy hurt my embryo? 

‍Conclusion

Embryo biopsy is a critical step in the PGTA process, allowing for the genetic analysis of embryos before implantation. While there are some risks associated with the procedure, the success rates and healthy pregnancies achieved through embryo biopsy are reassuring. As with any medical decision, it's essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your fertility specialist to determine if PGTA and embryo biopsy are right for you.

To learn about Orchid's Preimplantation Genetic Testing with Whole Genome Sequencing (PGT-WGS), read the following guide outlining genetic testing for embryos.

The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or implementing any medical information shared here.