Hey there, friends! We’re excited to share some groundbreaking news from our lab about a new procedure called blastocyst biopsy, which allows us to perform genetic testing on embryos at a later stage of development—specifically, when they reach the blastocyst stage. Traditionally, we used to take a biopsy from embryos just three days after fertilization, at the 8-cell stage. The single cell we obtained would then be sent off for genetic analysis, while the rest of the embryo continued to grow in our lab. After 48 hours, we would hope the embryo had developed into a blastocyst by that point.
By opting for a biopsy at the blastocyst stage, we can access a part of the embryo that is destined to become the placenta and gather multiple cells for testing. This enhances the accuracy of our genetic assessments, even though it’s a more complex procedure. While it could mean having to freeze the embryo temporarily while we await results, this allows for more comprehensive testing options. Thanks to advancements in vitrification, we’re confident that these frozen embryos will have a good chance of surviving and implanting successfully when thawed.
As we look to the future, it’s likely that traditional biopsy methods will fade away in favor of this more advanced technique. Genetic testing is evolving quickly, and relying on just one cell isn’t sufficient due to the phenomenon of mosaicism, where genetic variations occur within different cells of the same embryo. Our new approach addresses this concern directly.
Stay tuned for exciting updates about our collaboration with a Bay Area genetic testing lab, as we continue to innovate in this rapidly changing field. For those curious about frozen embryo transfers, check out our post on 6 Essential Insights on Frozen Embryo Transfers for more information.
Also, if you’re exploring at-home insemination options, you might want to visit Make A Mom for their fertility boost kits. If you’re interested in understanding more about IUI success rates, WebMD provides some excellent insights.
In summary, our blastocyst biopsy procedure marks a significant step forward in genetic testing, promising better accuracy and outcomes for future fertility treatments. We’re thrilled about the possibilities it will bring!