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Timing embryo biopsy for PGD - before or after cryopreservation?
S Shinar1,2, N Kornecki1,2, T Schwartz1,2
1a The Sarah Racine IVF Unit, Department of Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel.
Summary
Biopsy after embryo cryopreservation improves survival rates. This study found that performing pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) biopsy after thawing embryos significantly increases their survival compared to biopsying before freezing.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is crucial for identifying genetic disorders in embryos.
- Embryo biopsy for PGD can be performed either before or after cryopreservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare embryo survival rates based on the timing of biopsy (before vs. after cryopreservation).
- To determine the optimal biopsy timing for maximizing embryo viability in PGD cycles.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of PGD patients from 2010-2013.
- Inclusion of patients with good-quality embryos suitable for slow freezing.
- Division of embryos into two groups: biopsy before cryopreservation and biopsy after thawing.
Main Results:
- Survival rates were significantly higher when biopsy was performed after cryopreservation (77%) compared to before (68%).
- A total of 145 embryos were biopsied before cryopreservation and 228 were biopsied after thawing.
Conclusions:
- Cryopreservation followed by biopsy leads to superior embryo survival rates.
- Biopsy timing is a critical factor influencing embryo viability in PGD.
