Treatment Overview
Comprehensive Embryo Genetic Analysis refers to the full-spectrum genetic and chromosomal examination of embryos during an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process. The goal is to evaluate embryos for numerical chromosome abnormalities (aneuploidy), structural rearrangements, single-gene (monogenic) disorders, and other genomic variants—all prior to embryo transfer.
In Korea, fertility centres have elevated this process to an advanced level by combining high-resolution genomic platforms (such as next-generation sequencing, whole-genome amplification, and microarray analysis) with rigorous embryo biopsy protocols and embryo culture techniques. Clinics integrate embryo genomic profiling with embryology and reproductive endocrinology to ensure that only embryos with optimal genetic health are selected for transfer. For example, at a Korean centre the description of PGT services includes PGT-A (aneuploidy), PGT-SR (structural rearrangements) and PGT-M (monogenic disorders).
This enhanced genomic screening is especially valuable for couples with complex fertility or genetic backgrounds, offering higher precision in embryo selection and thereby improving IVF outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of comprehensive embryo genetic analysis is to maximise the chance of a healthy, genetically normal pregnancy by selecting the best embryo(s) from the cohort of IVF-produced embryos.
Key benefits include:
- Higher implantation and live birth rates: By transferring embryos with verified normal genetic profiles, the likelihood of successful implantation and delivery increases.
- Reduced miscarriage and chromosomal-abnormality risk: Many early pregnancy losses stem from chromosomal issues; screening can help avoid those.
- Prevention of inherited disorders: For couples known to carry single-gene mutations or chromosomal rearrangements, this analysis offers a pathway to avoid transmission.
- Fewer IVF cycles needed: With more accurate embryo selection, patients may require fewer transfers and experience shorter overall treatment timelines.
- Optimised single embryo transfer (eSET): Confidence in embryo quality allows clinics to recommend one embryo transfer, reducing risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
- Improved decision-making and counselling: Genetic data empowers clinicians and patients with clear information about embryo viability, risk, and family planning.
Korean fertility centres are known for integrating advanced genomic analysis into standard IVF workflows, offering high-precision embryo selection with patient-centred care.
Ideal Candidates
Comprehensive embryo genetic analysis is particularly suitable for:
- Women aged 35 + or where egg quality and chromosomal errors are more common.
- Couples who have had recurrent miscarriages or multiple failed IVF cycles.
- Carriers of monogenic disorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy, thalassemia) or known chromosomal rearrangements (translocations/inversions).
- Patients undergoing IVF with donor eggs/sperm, desiring maximal assurance of embryo quality.
- Cancer survivors seeking fertility preservation and wishing to optimise embryo quality.
- Couples who want to minimise the number of IVF cycles or expedite achieving pregnancy.
In Korea, fertility and genetics specialists evaluate individual risk factors and customise the genomic testing strategy accordingly.
Possible Risks & Complications
While the procedure is highly advanced and generally safe, a few considerations apply:
- Embryo biopsy risk: Trophectoderm biopsy (removal of a few cells from the embryo) is widely safe, but in rare cases may slightly reduce embryo viability.
- Mosaicism & ambiguous results: Some embryos exhibit mixed normal and abnormal cells, complicating interpretation.
- False negatives/positives: Although precision is very high, no test is 100% guaranteed; careful counselling is necessary.
- Emotional/ethical issues: Decisions about discarding or not transferring abnormal embryos may raise ethical or emotional challenges.
- Cost: Advanced genomic tests add substantially to IVF expense.
- Not all conditions screened: While comprehensive, testing cannot detect every possible genetic or epigenetic issue; standard prenatal screening may still be advised.
Korean clinics mitigate these risks through experienced embryology labs, genetic counselling, rigorous protocols, and patient education.
Techniques & Laboratory Methods
Korean centres deploy a range of the most advanced techniques in embryo genomic analysis:
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Allows genome-wide screening for chromosomal aneuploidies, structural variations and mutations with high resolution.
- Array Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (aCGH) or SNP arrays: Detect deletions, duplications and structural rearrangements across all chromosomes.
- Whole-Genome Amplification (WGA): Enables analysis from very small cell samples (e.g., 5-10 biopsy cells) for downstream genomic testing.
- PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): Screens all 23 chromosome pairs for numerical abnormalities.
- PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders): Targets single-gene mutations inherited in families.
- PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements): Detects chromosomal translocations, inversions or complex structural errors.
- Bioinformatic embryo ranking: Advanced analytics (including AI) correlate genetic data with embryo morphology, kinetics and viability to prioritise best embryos for transfer.
- Blastocyst stage biopsy and vitrification: Embryos are cultured to day 5-6, biopsied, and then vitrified (frozen) while awaiting genetic results to ensure no delay in embryo transfer planning.
These methods reflect Korea’s leadership in combining molecular genetics with embryology, delivering high end-to-end workflows for embryo selection.
Recovery & Aftercare
Because comprehensive embryo genetic analysis occurs in the laboratory within an IVF cycle, the direct “aftercare” for the patient is standard IVF post-retrieval care:
- Following egg retrieval, patient rests briefly and resumes normal activity within 24-48 hours.
- Embryos are biopsied and vitrified while awaiting genetic results (typically 1-2 weeks).
- Genetic counselling session held to review results and discuss embryo transfer strategy.
- A frozen embryo transfer cycle is scheduled with hormonal preparation of the uterus.
- Post-transfer monitoring follows standard IVF protocols (hCG levels, ultrasound, prenatal screening).
- Emotional support and counselling continue, especially when genetic testing outcomes influence decision-making.
Korean clinics provide integrated support—genetic counselling, embryology updates, psychological care and fertility restoration planning.
Results & Longevity
Results from Korean fertility centres show that comprehensive embryo genetic analysis offers strong outcomes:
- Increased implantation and live birth rates when euploid embryos are transferred compared to non-tested embryos.
- Significantly reduced miscarriage rates in screened embryo transfers. For example, global data suggest dramatic reductions in early pregnancy loss with PGT-A.
- Long-term offspring follow-up indicates normal development and health in births following embryo genomic screening.
- Many Korean clinics integrate this analysis into standard practice, showing consistent, reproducible results and high patient satisfaction.
- Because selected embryos are optimised, fewer multiple embryo transfers are needed, reducing twin/multiple pregnancy risks and improving neonatal outcomes.
Overall, Korea offers one of the strongest frameworks for embedding advanced embryo genomic screening into fertility treatment.
Treatment Process in Korea
Here’s a typical workflow in Korean clinics:
Step 1 – Consultation & Genetic Evaluation
- Review of couple’s reproductive, medical and genetic history.
- Discussion of need for comprehensive embryo genetic analysis (PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR) based on age, IVF history, genetic risk.
- Genetic counselling session to explain testing, benefits, limitations and cost.
Step 2 – IVF Cycle & Embryo Culture
- Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval proceed as standard.
- Fertilisation (usually via ICSI) and embryo culture to blastocyst (day 5-6).
Step 3 – Biopsy & Vitrification
- Trophectoderm biopsy performed on blastocyst (removes outer cells destined for placenta).
- Embryos vitrified (frozen) while waiting for genetic analysis, ensuring no time is lost.
Step 4 – Genetic Analysis
- Biopsied cells subjected to NGS, aCGH/SNP arrays, WGA and bioinformatic interpretation.
- Results classify embryos: euploid/unaffected vs aneuploid/affected/mosaic.
Step 5 – Transfer Planning
- Embryologists and clinicians select the best embryo(s) based on genetic result and embryo quality.
- Uterine preparation and frozen embryo transfer scheduled.
Step 6 – Post-Transfer & Follow-Up
- Standard monitoring of pregnancy, along with prenatal genetic screening if indicated.
- Cryostorage of remaining embryos in case of future need.
Why Korea Excels
- High-level genomic laboratories with rapid turnaround and precision genetics.
- Seamless integration of embryology, genetics and reproductive medicine under one clinical roof.
- Use of AI and analytics to link embryo genetics, morphology and implantation potential.
- Ethical/genetic counselling frameworks combined with patient-centred care.
- Competitive pricing and international access, making Korea a global hub for advanced fertility genetics.
Cost Range
Costs vary depending on complexity of testing, number of embryos, and clinic. Typical estimates in Korea:
- PGT-A (aneuploidy): approx USD 4,000 – 6,000.
- PGT-M (monogenic disorders): approx USD 5,000 – 8,000.
- PGT-SR (structural rearrangements): USD 5,000 – 9,000.
- Comprehensive IVF + genomic analysis package: USD 8,000 – 12,000 (including IVF stimulation, retrieval, biopsy, genetic testing, storage).
- Genetic counselling and follow-up: USD 300 – 500.
(Note: Prices are approximate and depend on clinic, patient age, embryo number, and extent of testing.)
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang) – Offers comprehensive PGT services including PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR.
- Maria Fertility Hospital – Known for integrating education, counselling and advanced embryo genetic testing.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital – Provides full-service fertility and genomics care with labs specialising in embryo genetics.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic – Offers focused genetic lab services combined with IVF and embryo biopsy.
- Seoul National University Fertility Centre – Academic-clinical institution with genomics research and fertility treatment integration.
