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Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Chromosome Screening of Human Preimplantation Embryos by Using Spent Culture Medium: Sample Collection and Chromosomal Ploidy Analysis
Published on: September 7, 2021
Could monopronucleated ICSI zygotes be considered for transfer? Analysis through time-lapse monitoring and PGS
S Mateo1, F Vidal2, M Parriego3
1Reproductive Medicine Service, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Women's Health Dexeus, Gran Via Carles III, 71-75, 08028, Barcelona, Spain. silmat@dexeus.com.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the chromosomal constitution and the developmental potential of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) deriving embryos displaying a single pronucleus at the zygote stage.
Methods:
Eighty-eight embryos from single pronucleus (1PN) two polar bodies (2PB) ICSI zygotes from 64 preimplantational genetic screening (PGS) cycles (October 2012-December 2014), were retrospectively analyzed. Zygotes were cultured in a time-lapse incubator. Embryo biopsy was performed on day 3 and genetic analysis approached by array comparative genomic hybridization.
Results:
Chromosomal analysis revealed that 17% (15/88) of embryos derived from 1PN 2PB zygotes were diagnosed as euploid. After blastomere biopsy at day 3, the blastocyst rate at day 5 was 3.4% (3/88). Only 2.3% (2/88) euploid blastocysts were obtained. In two couples and after counseling and patient agreement, the transfer of a euploid blastocyst from a 1PN 2PB ICSI zygote was performed resulting in the birth of a healthy child.
Conclusions:
These results open the possibility to consider embryos coming from 1PN 2PB ICSI zygotes for transfer when no other embryos from 2PN 2PB ICSI zygotes are available and if a PGS diagnosis of euploidy is obtained. Confirmation of biparental inheritance is strongly recommended.

