The most common method for obtaining information about an embryo’s genetic makeup is embryo biopsy followed by analysis using massive sequencing techniques. However, as has happened in other fields of medicine, the trend is toward developing non-invasive diagnostic methods. As a result, it has been possible to isolate fetal DNA in maternal blood, allowing the diagnosis of genetic abnormalities in the first trimester and very significantly reducing the need for invasive techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
In the field of assisted reproduction, the first study reporting the presence of embryonic DNA in culture medium was published in 2016. Since then, various research groups have studied this embryonic DNA present in the medium and compared the results of this genetic makeup with those obtained through the conventional embryo biopsy technique, currently achieving concordance rates of over 80%.
Throughout their development, embryos release fragments of DNA; from day 4 onward, the release of this DNA increases significantly, and as the number of cells in the embryo increases, so does the amount of embryonic DNA in the medium.
What is the Embrace Test?
In May of this year, a Spanish research group led by Dr. Carmen Rubio published a study involving 8 centers across 4 continents, in which more than 1,300 samples were analyzed. The study compares the results of embryonic DNA obtained from the culture medium on day 6-7 of development with those obtained through trophectoderm biopsy, achieving a concordance rate of between 72-86%. They developed a protocol for analyzing DNA from the culture medium that is reproducible across centers, with no differences regarding the culture medium used at each center, the type of incubators, the stimulation protocol, or whether conventional in vitro fertilization or ICSI was used, with greater concordance in results as the patient’s age increases.
This is a tool whose purpose is not to replace conventional genetic diagnosis through biopsy, but which will help establish a priority regarding the greater or lesser likelihood that an embryo is genetically normal. By transferring these embryos first, the number of embryo transfers is reduced, the incidence of miscarriage is lowered, and the time to achieve pregnancy is shortened. It is a non-invasive method: the embryo remains in the incubator without any kind of interference.
When is the Embrace Test indicated?
The Embrace Test is indicated for any woman who wishes to increase her chances of pregnancy in an in vitro fertilization cycle. We know that embryo morphology does not predict whether an embryo is genetically normal or not; with this test, in addition to the morphological assessment of the embryo, we have the added information about its genetic makeup without the need for a biopsy, and it is that chromosomal information that carries the greatest weight when selecting the embryo with the highest probability of resulting in the birth of a healthy baby.
Our fertility clinic will be the first center in Andalusia to perform the Embrace Test
Clínica Fertia is the first center in Andalusia to have begun validating our assisted reproduction laboratory to perform the Embrace Test, with the goal of being able to offer all our patients the option of this new study.
Its name is a curious one: “Embrace” refers to the fact that it is the culture medium that embraces and remains in close contact with the embryo throughout its entire development.
We were excited to share this wonderful news with you; we strive every day to be an innovative, patient-focused assisted reproduction center, because we are committed to our patients.
Analysis of this culture medium will allow us to better select embryos in order to improve our results and shorten the time needed for many women’s dream to come true.
If you have any questions about the Embrace Test, we encourage you to contact our team; we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
