Main Line Fertility now offers blastocyst biopsy with array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to IVF patients.  Array CGH is a new technique that tests embryos for aneuploidy (abnormal number) of all 22 chromosomes + sex chromosomes.  Main Line Fertility has the specialized laboratory equipment and highly-trained embryologists to perform blastocyst biopsy for genetic testing.

By day 5 or day 6 of culture, the strongest embryos develop to the blastocyst stage.  However, not all blastocysts have the normal number of chromosomes.  An example of aneuploidy is trisomy 21 (three copies of chromosome 21), which results in Down’s Syndrome.

 A blastocyst is comprised of hundreds of cells that have differentiated into an inner cell mass (which will develop into the fetus) and the trophectoderm (which will develop into the placenta).  During blastocyst biopsy, a small hole is made in the zona pellucida (the shell surrounding the embryo) and several cells are removed from the trophectoderm for testing.  The blastocysts are then returned to the incubator.

A major advantage of aCGH is the fast turn-around-time.  Reprogenetics, the lab that performs aCGH, is located in nearby New Jersey.  At Main Line Fertility, blastocysts can be biopsied on day 5 of culture, and the one/s with the normal number of chromosomes can be transferred on day 6. Most other centers that offer blastocyst biopsy will freeze embryos while the biopsied cells are tested. 

There may be other advantages of blastocyst biopsy compared to conventional day 3 embryo biopsy.  First, more cells are analyzed, and therefore the testing is thought to be more accurate.  Secondly, trophectoderm cells (future placenta) are biopsied and a smaller fraction of the total embryo is biopsied   In addition, many scientists believe that blastocyst biopsy is less stressful than conventional embryo biopsy on day 3 of culture.

A disadvantage of blastocyst biopsy is that not all embryos will develop to the blastocyst stage by day 5 of culture.  Therefore, patients who have poor embryo quality and development may not have any embryos to test.

If you would like to learn more contact Mr. Tyl H. Taylor, MS at  484-337-8969 or taylort@mainlinefertility.com , or you can contact Sharon H. Anderson, PhD at 484-337-8977 or andersons@mainlinefertility.com