Embrace – a non-invasive genetic test for embryos
Invimed was the first fertility clinic in Poland to introduce Embrace, a non-invasive pre-implantation genetic test that enables the detection of numerical chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy). This test promotes safer and more effective in vitro procedures and helps to avoid embryo biopsies.
„Embrace embryo genetic testing is an innovation that opens up new possibilities for the non-invasive testing of abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy) in embryos within assisted reproduction technologies”– says Dr Ricardo Faundez, DVM.
„In this way, we can improve the effectiveness of in vitro treatment and maximise the chances of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. And that is what matters most at Invimed fertility clinics.”– adds Dr Faundez.
This non-invasive method is possible because our embryologists collect samples from the culture medium, which contains embryonic DNA, to carry out the test. In this way, they make use of a natural process that accompanies embryo development during the in vitro procedure – the release of free DNA into the fluid surrounding the embryo.
On the basis of the results of the genetic examination of the embryos in Embrace, a normal (euploid) embryo is diagnosed. In addition, the IVF doctor recommends to the couple trying to have a baby which embryo should be transferred first, as it has the highest developmental and implantation potential.
What is the Embrace study?
Embrace is a non-invasive genetic test of embryos carried out during the in vitro procedure. Unlike conventional PGT tests, which require a biopsy, it does not involve the collection of cells from the embryo. The analysis utilises genetic material naturally released by the developing embryo into the culture medium in which it is kept in the laboratory.
The test allows the risk of chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) to be assessed and helps in selecting the embryos with the highest potential for development and implantation. Based on the results, the doctor may recommend which embryo should be considered for transfer first.
Who is the Embrace study for?
Embrace genetic testing is recommended when:
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previous IVF cycles had failed and there were repeated problems with embryo implantation,
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spontaneous abortions occurred,
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when the woman is over 35 years of age,
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couples are concerned about the occurrence of genetic diseases in their offspring,
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a man has a poor semen test result,
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the couple has a child with a genetic condition (e.g. Down's syndrome) or has had such a pregnancy,
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During the medical interview, the couple confirmed relatives with congenital defects, intellectual disabilities.
The choice of pre-implantation diagnostic method should be consulted with the attending physician and the geneticist at the Invimed clinic.
What types of abnormalities does Embrace detect?
Any abnormalities in chromosome number can cause foetal malformations and genetic disorders. The Embrace genetic screening of embryos detects, amongst other things:
- Down's syndrome,
- Edwards syndrome,
- Patau syndrome,
- Turner syndrome,
- Klinefelter syndrome,
- trisomy of the X chromosome,
- Jacobs syndrome.
What is non-invasive embryo genetic testing by Embrace?
Embrace genetic testing helps to determine whether the embryos have the correct number of chromosomes, i.e. whether they are euploid, which significantly increases the chance of a successful pregnancy, influences a higher success rate of IVF treatments and avoids embryo biopsies.
This method classifies embryos according to their likelihood of implantation. Normal, top-quality embryos are given the highest priority for transfer.
How does Embrace differ from PGT-A testing?
Both tests check whether the embryo’s DNA contains the correct number of chromosomes, as abnormalities in chromosome number can cause conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome. They differ in the way the genetic material is collected for analysis.
Embrace is a non-invasive test – it analyses the genetic material released by the embryo into the culture medium, known as ‘free DNA’, without the need for a biopsy.
PGT-A – involves collecting DNA directly from the embryo’s trophectoderm using a biopsy pipette.
How does the Embrace study work?
In the embryology laboratory of Invimed clinics, embryos develop under the guidance of experienced embryologists according to standard in vitro procedures in a drop of fluid, called culture medium.
On day 4 of development, the embryos are transferred to a fresh, properly prepared drop of culture medium. During growth, the blastocyst releases DNA into the surrounding fluid. Embryos consisting of more cells release more DNA, so blastocysts are cultured until day 6 or 7 of development for the Embrace test.
The blastocyst on day 6 or 7 of development is transferred from the medium and is further vitrified. It then waits safely in the clinic bank for the results of the Embrace genetic test.
The medium containing the blastocyst’s DNA is placed in a sterile test tube and stored at –20°C. The secured material is safely dispatched by a specialist courier company to the Igenomix research and diagnostic centre. The transport complies with the requirements set out in the European Union’s guidelines for biological material and those of Igenomix.
DNA from the sample is prepared for testing and analysed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and advanced algorithmic analysis developed by Igenomix. Based on this analysis, the laboratory identifies which blastocyst is genetically normal, and therefore the best candidate for transfer.
The result of the test will be available at the Invimed clinic within 4 weeks. On its basis, the patient and the attending doctor decide on the transfer of the blastocyst with the highest developmental and implantation potential.
How long does it take to get the result?
The waiting time for the results of the Embrace test is between 2 and 4 weeks from the time the sample is sent to the laboratory carrying out the analysis. The exact timeframe may depend on the number of embryos being analysed and the logistics involved in transporting and processing the samples.
Once the analysis is complete, the results are forwarded to the attending doctor, who discusses them with the patients and helps them decide which embryo has the greatest potential for implantation.
Where do we test genetic material?
The test is carried out at one of Europe’s largest genetic laboratories – Igenomix. It comprises a team of over 250 scientists, engineers and geneticists who, for more than a decade, have been using the most advanced genetic diagnostic techniques to improve the effectiveness of infertility treatment using assisted reproductive technologies.
What are the benefits of Embrace genetic testing?
There are several methods for assessing the developmental potential of embryos. The most commonly used methods are morphological assessment (structure) and embryo development kinetics. The chromosome count of a fresh embryo cannot be determined using a microscope; a more advanced test, such as invasive PGT-A, is required for this purpose.
In contrast, the non-invasive analysis of cell-free DNA from the culture medium using the Embrace method provides information on the number of chromosomes in the embryo without interfering with its structure. Embrace also enables the identification of embryos with the highest developmental and implantation potential, and prioritises them for transfer.
How does chromosome number affect embryo implantation and pregnancy development?
Normally, every human cell contains 46 chromosomes, arranged in pairs. Half of the chromosomes are inherited from the egg cell, and the other half from the sperm cell. Twenty-two pairs are autosomes (1–22), and one pair consists of sex chromosomes (designated as XX or XY).
Chromosomes contain the genetic information that is essential for the development of the embryo. Having a normal number of chromosomes suggests that the embryo is healthy and has a better chance of implanting, the pregnancy progressing successfully, and a healthy baby being born.
How much does the Embrace test cost?
The cost of the Embrace test varies depending on whether one embryo or more is being tested. The price is also influenced by the embryologists’ preparation of the material for testing, the storage and processing of the samples, and the analysis carried out in the genetics laboratory.
You can find the current prices for the test on our website under the ‘Price List’ tab, specifically under ‘Genetic testing of embryos’.
Glossary of terms
Blastocyst
Blastocyst – a stage in the development of the human embryo, which is reached approximately 5–6 days after fertilisation of the egg. It is a structure comprising around 100–200 cells, consisting of:
- the embryonic node (embryoblast), from which the foetus develops,
- the trophectoderm (trophoblast), which gives rise to the placenta and the foetal membranes,
- the blastocyst cavity, i.e. a fluid-filled space.
At the blastocyst stage, the embryo is ready to implant itself in the lining of the womb, which is essential for pregnancy to begin.
Growing medium
Growing medium – a specially prepared solution of chemical compounds, similar in composition to the fluids found in the fallopian tubes and the uterus. The composition of the culture medium is formulated on the basis of many years of research into the metabolism and behaviour of gametes and embryos in the natural environment of the female reproductive system. This enables us to use a solution that most closely resembles the maternal environment and to ensure optimal conditions for the growth and development of the embryo.
Bibliography
- Good practice recommendations from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology for pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT)
- R. Kurzawa, R. Spaczyński, „Diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Standards of the Polish Society for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology and the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians.”
Bartłomiej Wojtasik, MA – Director of Embryology, ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist, with Invimed since 2008. He has many years’ experience in clinical embryology and the management of embryology laboratories. He graduated in biology, specialising in microbiology and medical analysis.
Dr Marta Bogucka, DVM – Head of the Invimed Warsaw embryology laboratory; she has specialised in clinical embryology for over 20 years. As a subject matter consultant, she ensures that published content is in line with current medical knowledge and standards of infertility treatment.
Dr Ricardo Faundez, DVM – Director of Embryology at Invimed from 2005 to 2025
The medical information presented should be considered as general guidelines and does not replace the individual judgement of the doctor regarding the medical management of each patient. The doctor, after a thorough examination of the patient's condition, determines the extent and frequency of diagnostic tests and/or therapeutic procedures, taking into account specific medical indications. All medical decisions are made in full consultation with the patient.
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Invimed editorial team - we serve patients by solving their fertility problems. We use world medical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and treatment methods. We are here to make dreams of parenthood come true. The smiles on the faces of happy parents give meaning to our work.
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