This procedure consists of extracting several cells from a developing embryo, without damaging it, to analyze them genetically in the laboratory. In this way, the embryo with the highest probability of resulting in a pregnancy can be selected.
During the embryo biopsy at IVF-Life, we take about 5 cells from the embryo at the blastocyst stage (around day 5 or 6 after fertilization), which is when the embryo has between 100 and 200 cells.
Reproductive medicine makes it possible to achieve pregnancy when it is not possible naturally. There are different techniques to do this, which can also be combined to increase the chances of success. But that depends on each specific case.
Embryo biopsy, also known as embryo biopsy, is part of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and is an advanced procedure that allows embryos to be analyzed to detect possible genetic or chromosomal alterations.
Sample safety is always a priority at IVF-Life. For this reason, embryo biopsy is always carried out under very controlled conditions, using high-precision tools. A small opening is made in the membrane surrounding the embryo to extract between 3 and 10 cells from the trophectoderm. The procedure is performed by a highly trained and specialized embryologist.
Embryo after biopsy
Although it is a safe technique, as with any medical procedure, it is not without risks. There is a small possibility that the embryo may be damaged during manipulation, although this risk is very low when the biopsy is performed by experienced personnel. It is also important to know that not all embryos reach the blastocyst stage nor do all tolerate the biopsy and subsequent freezing well.
The aim is to perform a preimplantation genetic diagnosis on the embryo, a technique that allows the detection of chromosomal abnormalities or genetic mutations that could cause hereditary diseases in the offspring. This facilitates the selection of genetically healthy embryos, increasing the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy and decreasing the risk of miscarriage.
Embryo biopsy is not recommended in all cases. For example, in young patients with a good prognosis and no family history of genetic diseases, or when the number of embryos available is very low.

However, it is recommended:
It should also be taken into account that maternal age directly influences the genetic quality of embryos. Therefore, from the age of 35, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases significantly. For example, in women over 38, more than 50% of embryos may present anomalies. Embryo biopsy allows the identification of those that are genetically normal, which improves the chances of success of the treatment.