Treatment Overview
Chromosome Integrity Screening (CIS) is an advanced genetic analysis used in Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to assess the chromosomal health of embryos before implantation during IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The test evaluates all 23 pairs of chromosomes to identify structural or numerical abnormalities such as missing, duplicated, or rearranged genetic material that could lead to infertility, miscarriage, or congenital disorders.
In Korea, fertility centers are at the forefront of genomic and reproductive technology. Korean specialists employ next-generation sequencing (NGS) and array-based chromosomal microanalysis to examine embryos with extraordinary precision. This approach allows the selection of embryos with perfect chromosomal integrity, significantly improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing the risk of genetic abnormalities.
Chromosome Integrity Screening is a vital component of Korea’s comprehensive fertility care system—integrating molecular genetics, embryology, and personalized reproductive medicine to help couples achieve safe, successful pregnancies.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of Chromosome Integrity Screening is to ensure that only chromosomally normal embryos are transferred during IVF, thereby increasing success rates and reducing genetic risks.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced IVF success: Identifying genetically balanced embryos improves implantation and live birth rates.
- Reduced miscarriage risk: Detects embryos with chromosomal abnormalities responsible for recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Early detection of aneuploidy: Identifies extra or missing chromosomes such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, or monosomy X.
- Supports advanced maternal age pregnancies: Screens age-related chromosomal issues in eggs from women over 35.
- Improved embryo selection: Ensures only viable, chromosomally balanced embryos are chosen for transfer.
- Reduced multiple cycles: Saves time and cost by optimizing IVF outcomes early.
- Peace of mind for families: Ensures genetic health and long-term well-being of the future child.
Korean fertility clinics combine CIS with advanced PGT platforms and clinical counseling to provide a holistic, scientifically driven fertility experience.
Ideal Candidates
Chromosome Integrity Screening is particularly beneficial for:
- Couples with recurrent miscarriages or failed IVF attempts.
- Women aged 35 and above, whose eggs have a higher chance of chromosomal errors.
- Couples with chromosomal translocations or structural rearrangements.
- Carriers of inherited chromosomal abnormalities.
- Patients with a history of genetic disorders in the family.
- Couples undergoing IVF for gender-related chromosomal disorders.
- Cancer survivors planning IVF after treatment to ensure chromosomal normality.
In Korea, fertility specialists personalize screening protocols based on patient age, medical history, and genetic background.
Possible Risks & Complications
Chromosome Integrity Screening is a safe and minimally invasive laboratory procedure, but some considerations include:
- Biopsy risk: Minimal risk of embryo damage during trophectoderm biopsy; reduced by using precision laser and micro-manipulation tools.
- Mosaicism: Some embryos may contain both normal and abnormal cells, complicating result interpretation.
- Emotional and ethical considerations: Deciding which embryos to transfer or discard can be emotionally challenging.
- Financial cost: Advanced genomic analysis may add to total IVF expenses.
- False positive/negative results: Rare due to modern sequencing accuracy, but still possible in complex chromosomal patterns.
Korean fertility labs follow stringent embryo handling and genetic verification protocols, ensuring near-perfect accuracy and safety.
Techniques & Laboratory Methods
1. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- The most advanced tool for detecting chromosomal abnormalities across all 23 pairs.
- Provides genome-wide data for high-resolution screening.
- Detects aneuploidy, deletions, duplications, and unbalanced rearrangements.
2. Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH)
- Microarray-based comparison between embryo DNA and reference samples.
- Effective for detecting missing or extra chromosomal segments.
3. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
- Targets specific chromosomes for screening; used selectively for focused testing.
4. Whole-Genome Amplification (WGA)
- Amplifies small amounts of DNA from biopsied cells to allow full genomic testing.
5. Bioinformatic Chromosome Mapping
- Data processing with AI-supported algorithms to identify even subtle imbalances.
- Used in Korean genetic laboratories to enhance precision and interpret mosaic patterns.
6. PGT-A Integration
- CIS forms the foundation of PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy).
- Ensures comprehensive embryo chromosomal evaluation before transfer.
These advanced techniques enable Korean fertility centers to achieve unparalleled accuracy in embryo chromosomal assessment, helping patients achieve genetically healthy pregnancies.
Recovery & Aftercare
Since Chromosome Integrity Screening is performed on embryos in the laboratory, it requires no physical recovery for patients. However, the process involves a few key steps in aftercare:
- Post-biopsy embryo care: Embryos are cryopreserved (vitrified) after biopsy while awaiting results.
- Genetic counseling: Couples meet with specialists to review the results and discuss which embryos are suitable for transfer.
- Emotional support: Counseling provided to help patients cope with the emotional and ethical decisions associated with genetic testing.
- IVF cycle planning: Once a chromosomally normal embryo is identified, transfer is scheduled in a subsequent cycle.
- Follow-up consultation: Ensures hormonal and uterine readiness before embryo transfer.
Korean fertility programs integrate CIS seamlessly into IVF treatment while maintaining a patient-centered approach that includes continuous communication and guidance.
Results & Longevity
Korea’s Chromosome Integrity Screening programs yield consistently high success rates and reliable outcomes:
- Embryo viability improvement: Over 70% implantation success when transferring chromosomally normal embryos.
- Miscarriage reduction: Up to 60% decrease in pregnancy loss rates after PGT-A.
- Accuracy: More than 99% reliability in chromosomal analysis using NGS.
- Healthy live births: Significantly higher delivery rates with normal chromosomal patterns.
- Time efficiency: Shorter overall treatment duration due to fewer failed transfers.
Korean fertility centers’ integration of genomic analysis, bioinformatics, and embryology ensures consistently safe, efficient, and ethical outcomes for all patients.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Consultation & Genetic Evaluation
- Comprehensive assessment of reproductive and genetic history.
- Determination of need for PGT and chromosomal screening.
Step 2 – IVF Cycle & Fertilization
- Controlled ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
- Eggs fertilized via ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) to ensure fertilization precision.
Step 3 – Embryo Development
- Embryos cultured to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6).
- Embryologists monitor development with time-lapse imaging and AI-assisted scoring.
Step 4 – Trophectoderm Biopsy
- A few outer cells (not affecting the inner cell mass) are carefully extracted using laser precision.
Step 5 – Chromosome Integrity Analysis
- Biopsied cells analyzed with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics mapping.
- Detects aneuploidy, mosaicism, and unbalanced translocations.
Step 6 – Embryo Vitrification & Storage
- Embryos safely frozen while awaiting test results or until optimal transfer timing.
Step 7 – Embryo Transfer
- Only embryos with confirmed chromosomal integrity are transferred to the uterus.
Why Korea Excels
- High-precision genomic laboratories with advanced sequencing platforms.
- AI-driven embryo assessment integrated with genetic testing.
- Multidisciplinary oncofertility and genomics teams providing holistic care.
- Strict bioethical oversight ensuring responsible embryo management.
- Strong record of successful, healthy births following PGT.
- Affordable international fertility services combining expertise and technology.
These strengths make Korea one of the top destinations globally for advanced genetic fertility care.
Cost Range
The cost of Chromosome Integrity Screening in Korea varies depending on the number of embryos analyzed and complexity of testing:
- Chromosome Integrity Screening (CIS): USD 3,000 – 5,000
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A): USD 4,000 – 6,000
- Comprehensive IVF + CIS Package: USD 8,000 – 12,000
- Genetic Counseling & Follow-up: USD 300 – 500
- Cryopreservation & Storage: USD 300 – 800 per year
Korean clinics offer transparent pricing and often provide package options that include IVF, biopsy, and genetic screening.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang): Leader in advanced embryo genomic screening and fertility genetics.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Specializes in PGT-A and chromosomal diagnostics with high accuracy.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Offers integrated genetic and fertility care under one facility.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Known for precise embryo biopsy and AI-based genomic interpretation.
- Seoul National University Fertility Center: Combines clinical excellence and academic research for superior outcomes.
