Treatment Overview
A Precise Embryo Aneuploidy Check refers specifically to screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidies) prior to implantation using advanced genomic technologies. This process is often part of a Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) protocol within an IVF cycle. In this procedure, embryos (typically at the blastocyst stage) undergo trophectoderm biopsy, and the collected cells are analysed via high-throughput sequencing or microarray techniques to detect extra or missing chromosomes. Embryos classified as “euploid” (correct chromosomal complement) are then selected for transfer, improving the chances of successful implantation and reducing the risk of miscarriage.
In Korea, fertility centres have refined the embryo aneuploidy check process via next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole-genome amplification, and rigorous quality control, providing highly precise chromosomal screening as part of advanced IVF services. For example, at the genetic clinic of CHA Fertility Center, the description notes that PGT-A is used for older women, recurrent implantation failure, habitual miscarriage, or when chromosomal risk is higher.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of a precise embryo aneuploidy check is to ensure that only chromosomally normal embryos are transferred—thus enhancing IVF success rates and minimizing genetic risk.
Key benefits include:
- Higher implantation and live birth rates: By selecting euploid embryos, the probability of successful implantation is increased.
- Reduced miscarriage risk: Aneuploidy is a major cause of early pregnancy loss; detecting abnormal embryos helps avoid transferring them.
- Efficient use of embryos: Rather than transferring multiple embryos to compensate for unknown quality, clinics can safely perform single embryo transfers (SET) with confidence.
- Improved outcomes in advanced maternal age: Women over 35 have higher rates of aneuploid eggs; screening helps mitigate that risk.
- Better cumulative outcomes per IVF cycle: Patients achieve success with fewer transfers and cycles.
- Greater certainty in embryo selection: Provides data-driven decision making and reduces guesswork.
These benefits are accentuated in Korea’s fertility centers, where the combination of skilled embryology labs and genomic analysis drives consistent precision and improved outcomes.
Ideal Candidates
A precise embryo aneuploidy check is particularly recommended for:
- Women aged 35 or older, as chromosomal abnormalities increase with maternal age.
- Couples with a history of recurrent miscarriage.
- Patients with repeated IVF failures or implantation failures.
- Couples whose prior pregnancies included chromosomal abnormalities.
- Patients seeking single embryo transfer (SET) to reduce multiple pregnancy risk while retaining high success.
- Patients using donor eggs or sperm, wanting assurance of embryo chromosomal health.
- Cancer survivors or those undergoing fertility preservation planning who prefer maximal embryo assurance.
At centers like CHA, PGT-A is explicitly indicated in such high-risk or challenging scenarios. seoul.chamc.co.kr
Possible Risks & Complications
While precise aneuploidy checking is considered safe and standard in many fertility labs, potential considerations include:
- Embryo biopsy risk: The procedure involves removal of some trophectoderm cells; if done suboptimally, there is a small risk of harming embryo viability.
- Mosaicism: Some embryos might contain a mix of normal and abnormal cells. Interpreting mosaic results can be complex and controversial.
- False positives/negatives: Although accuracy is high, no test is entirely perfect, and sampling or amplification errors may arise.
- Emotional and ethical burdens: Deciding which embryos to discard or not transfer can be emotionally difficult for couples.
- Delay in embryo transfer: Embryos are often frozen while awaiting test results, which may lengthen the time to transfer.
- Cost implication: Precise genetic testing adds cost beyond standard IVF.
Korean fertility clinics reduce these risks by using high-end lab protocols, multiple quality checks, expert embryologists, and thorough genetic counselling.
Techniques & Laboratory Methods
Korean clinics implement a suite of advanced methods to deliver precise embryo aneuploidy checking:
- Blastocyst Stage Trophectoderm Biopsy
- On day 5 or 6, a few cells from the trophectoderm (future placenta) are extracted using laser micro-dissection, leaving the embryo’s inner cell mass intact.
- Whole-Genome Amplification (WGA)
- Amplifies DNA from the small biopsy sample to allow full chromosomal analysis.
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- High-resolution sequencing that detects gains and losses across all 23 chromosome pairs with high sensitivity.
- Bioinformatics & Data Interpretation
- Advanced software pipelines ensure accurate calling of euploid vs aneuploid status, with rigorous quality filters.
- Embryo Vitrification
- Embryos are frozen immediately post-biopsy to preserve their integrity while waiting for genetic analysis.
- Quality Control & Redundancy
- Korean labs maintain redundancies in sample tracking, contamination checks, and data validation to ensure reliability.
- Integrated Genetic Counseling
- Results are interpreted in the context of clinical history; couples receive informed guidance.
These technical layers combine to provide a high-precision aneuploidy check embedded within Korea’s advanced IVF infrastructure.
Recovery & Aftercare
Because embryo aneuploidy checking takes place in the lab, the patient’s recovery is similar to standard IVF cycles:
- After egg retrieval, patients rest briefly and may have mild cramping or bloating.
- Embryos are biopsied and vitrified; patients await results.
- Genetic counselling sessions are arranged to explain findings.
- Once a euploid embryo is identified, a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle is scheduled under hormonal preparation.
- Standard post-transfer monitoring applies (hCG testing, ultrasounds, luteal support).
- Psychological support is offered to manage emotional aspects of selection and outcomes.
Korean clinics emphasize continuous support, transparency, and follow-up throughout the process.
Results & Longevity
While individual clinic data may vary, the precision of aneuploidy checking in Korean fertility centers contributes to strong outcomes:
- Embryos classified as euploid typically show higher implantation and live birth rates compared to non-tested or unselected embryos.
- Miscarriage rates are lower when only euploid embryos are transferred.
- The test accuracy of NGS-based PGT-A in modern labs often exceeds 95-98% for detecting full chromosome aneuploidies.
- Long-term follow-up suggests healthy outcomes for children born from screened embryos.
- Cryostorage of embryos maintains long-term viability when combined with Korea’s high standards in vitrification and storage systems.
Korean fertility centers are increasingly transparent in sharing success metrics, enabling international confidence for patients.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Initial Consultation & Assessment
- Comprehensive evaluation of fertility, genetic history, and risk factors.
- Decision on whether precise aneuploidy screening is appropriate.
Step 2 – Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval
- Tailored stimulation protocol.
- Retrieval performed under sedation.
Step 3 – Fertilization & Embryo Culture
- Fertilization by IVF or ICSI.
- Embryos cultured to blastocyst stage.
Step 4 – Biopsy & Embryo Freezing
- Trophectoderm biopsy on day 5–6.
- Embryos vitrified while awaiting genetic results.
Step 5 – Chromosomal Analysis (PGT-A)
- WGA and NGS performed to detect chromosome number abnormalities.
- Bioinformatic interpretation classifies each embryo’s chromosomal status.
Step 6 – Embryo Selection & Transfer Planning
- Euploid embryos selected for transfer.
- Genetic counseling and decision meeting with couple.
Step 7 – Frozen Embryo Transfer & Follow-Up
- Preparation of uterine environment.
- Transfer of selected embryo and subsequent monitoring.
Cost Range
The cost for a precise embryo aneuploidy check as part of PGT-A in Korea typically includes:
- PGT-A testing (per batch of embryos): USD 3,000 – 6,000
- Embryo biopsy & vitrification: USD 1,500 – 2,500
- IVF stimulation, retrieval & culture: USD 6,000 – 10,000 (depending on clinic and protocol)
- Frozen embryo transfer (FET): USD 2,000 – 4,000
- Annual embryo storage fees: USD 300 – 800
- Genetic counselling/consultation: USD 300 – 500
Thus, a full IVF + precise aneuploidy check package might range from USD 10,000 to USD 15,000+, depending on the number of embryos and clinic sophistication.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul / Bundang): Renowned for its genetic clinic offering PGT-A, PGT-SR and advanced screening.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic (Seoul): Known for specialization in infertility and genetics, with an in-house laboratory for embryo genetic analysis.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: A major IVF hospital with advanced embryology and genetic screening services.
