Poland's first non-invasive embryo genetic test - Embrace
Invimed was the first infertility clinic in Poland to introduce non-invasive Embrace pre-implantation genetic testing, which allows for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy). This test promotes safer and more effective in vitro procedures and avoids the need for embryo biopsies. „Embrace embryo genetic testing is an innovation that opens up new possibilities in non-invasive testing for abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy) in embryos in assisted reproductive technologies.” – he says Dr. n. vet. Ricardo Faundez „In this way, we can increase the effectiveness of in vitro treatment and maximise the chances of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child. And that is what matters most at Invimed fertility clinics.” – adds Dr Faundez.
The non-invasive way is possible because our embryologists take samples from the culture medium, which contains DNA of embryonic origin, to carry out the test. In doing so, they take advantage of the 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.
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 genetic diseases does the Embrace genetic test detect?
Any abnormality in the number of chromosomes can cause embryonic malformations and genetic diseases. Embrace embryo genetic testing detects, among other things:
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Down's syndrome,
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Edwards syndrome,
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Patau syndrome,
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Turner syndrome,
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Klinefelter syndrome,
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trisomy of the X chromosome,
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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 ranks embryos according to their chance of implantation. Normal embryos of the best quality receive the highest priority for transfer. According to the Infertility Treatment Act, the remaining abnormal embryos are further stored in the bank for 20 years.
Where do we test genetic material?
The test is carried out in one of the largest genetic laboratories in Europe - Igenomix. It is a team of more than 250 scientists, engineers, geneticists who have been using the most advanced genetic diagnostic techniques to increase the effectiveness of infertility treatment with assisted reproduction techniques for more than a dozen years.
Embrace embryo genetic testing - what is the process like?
For genetic testing of Embrace embryos, the cost of culture medium preparation and the use of medical supplies is fixed and collected on the day of the LP. Other costs depend on the number of embryos tested.
You can find the current cost of non-invasive embryo genetic diagnosis on our website under Embrace on the Price List tab.
Growing medium
A specially prepared solution of chemical compounds, similar to the composition of the fluids of the fallopian tube and the uterus. The composition of the culture medium is prepared on the basis of many years of research on the metabolism and behaviour of gametes and embryos in the natural environment of the female reproductive system. This allows us to use a solution that is closest to the maternal environment and provides optimal conditions for embryo growth and development.
What are the benefits of Embrace genetic testing?
There are several methods for assessing the developmental potential of embryos. The most commonly used method is the morphological (conformation) assessment and the kinetics of embryo development. The chromosome number of a fresh embryo cannot be examined with a microscope, for this purpose a more sophisticated examination is needed, e.g. invasive PGT-A.
In contrast, the non-invasive evaluation of 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 allows the identification of embryos with the highest developmental and implantation potential and its priority for transfer.
How does chromosome number affect embryo implantation and pregnancy development?
There are normally 46 chromosomes in each human cell, arranged in pairs. Half of the chromosomes are inherited from the egg cell and the other half from the sperm. 22 pairs are autosomal chromosomes (1-22) and 1 pair are sex chromosomes (designated XX or XY).
Chromosomes contain the genetic information that is essential for the development of the embryo. Having a typical number of chromosomes suggests that the embryo is normal and has a better chance of implanting, developing a pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy baby.
Substantive consultation:
Dr. n. vet. Ricardo Faundez - Director of Embryology at Invimed Infertility Treatment Clinics
Bartłomiej Wojtasik, MA - Deputy Director of Embryology at Invimed Infertility Treatment Clinics