Embryo selection is a decisive phase in a fertility treatment. In fact, the success of the treatment will largely depend on it.
Over the past ten years, assisted reproduction techniques have made significant advances, leading to improvements at different stages of the process, from sample collection and embryo culture to embryo transfer.
Embryo selection based on morphology and morphokinetics has been enhanced by the development of time-lapse technology, available in our clinic's laboratory.
Monitoring embryo development with time-lapse technology allows visualisation of their evolution without altering incubation conditions. This, combined with the evaluation by the embryology team, helps determine which embryos have the highest chance of implanting and achieving pregnancy.
Selecting embryos for transfer using objective criteria has significantly improved treatment success rates, as it enhances both implantation rates and the number of healthy babies born.
In our laboratory, we use GERI and Embryoscope® time-lapse incubators.
GERI is an incubator with a time-lapse system that allows development to be monitored from fertilisation to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6 of development).
The Embryoscope® time-lapse system includes a camera and image capture system that allows real-time observation of embryo development.
GERI is an incubator with a time-lapse system that allows development to be monitored from fertilisation to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6 of development).
The Embryoscope® time-lapse system includes a camera and image capture system that allows real-time observation of embryo development.
The embryology team is responsible for selecting the best embryo. They monitor embryo development daily. The embryos selected for transfer will be those with the highest chances of implanting. To select the most suitable embryo, embryologists follow several criteria:
Thanks to technological advances, the tools available to embryologists for embryo selection have significantly improved. These technologies provide more detailed information about embryo development, helping the embryology team identify embryos with a higher potential for implantation.
At IVF-Life, we use the most advanced preimplantation genetic analysis techniques for embryo selection based on genetic criteria.
We have an embryo genetic testing programme designed to detect possible abnormalities in the 23 pairs of chromosomes. This analysis provides information about the chromosomal status of the embryos, which can be used as a criterion for embryo selection.
Embryo selection using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) can identify chromosomal abnormalities that may be associated with implantation failure or miscarriage. This information can therefore help select the most suitable embryo for transfer.
Through embryo biopsy, a few cells are extracted from the developing embryo (around day 5 of development). Genetic material is obtained from these cells to analyse their chromosomal status. Around day 5, the embryo has differentiated into two distinct cell populations: the inner cell mass, which will give rise to the embryo proper, and the trophectoderm, which contributes to the formation of the placenta.
In our fertility clinics, we perform a trophectoderm biopsy, minimising risk to the embryo, as these cells are quickly replaced. In most European clinics, cell extraction for analysis is usually done on day 3 of embryonic development. This can negatively affect embryo viability, as the number of cells is still very low and not yet differentiated, leading to less reliable diagnoses.
Find answers to your questions
At IVF-Life, we have state-of-the-art technology that allows us to maintain high pregnancy rates by transferring the highest-quality embryo.
Both the medical and embryology teams advise against multiple embryo transfers. A twin pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and baby, such as premature birth or intrauterine growth restriction. The number of embryos transferred is determined individually according to each patient's circumstances and medical indications.
Thanks to strategies and techniques such as embryo selection, we have specialised in managing the most complex cases.
