Treatment Overview
Weighted Genetic Risk Screening (WGRS) is an advanced form of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) designed to assess and quantify the combined genetic risks in embryos created through IVF. Unlike standard screening methods that evaluate genetic abnormalities in isolation, this approach uses a weighted scoring model to integrate multiple factors — chromosomal stability, inherited mutations, genetic carrier status, and family medical history — into a single, comprehensive embryo health index.
In Korea, fertility specialists have developed highly sophisticated versions of this testing protocol by merging next-generation sequencing (NGS), genomic analytics, and AI-driven bioinformatics. The result is a detailed risk profile for each embryo, allowing doctors to rank embryos not only for normalcy but for long-term genetic and developmental potential.
This data-driven method reflects Korea’s leadership in precision reproductive medicine, ensuring that patients receive the most informed and scientifically grounded embryo selection process possible.
Purpose & Benefits
The goal of Weighted Genetic Risk Screening is to provide couples with the most accurate, predictive insight into embryo viability by combining all relevant genetic risk factors into one scientifically calculated score.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive risk evaluation: Integrates chromosomal, monogenic, and structural genetic data into one predictive model.
- Enhanced embryo selection: Allows clinicians to prioritize embryos with the lowest overall genetic risk and highest developmental potential.
- Reduction of inherited disease transmission: Detects known and hidden gene mutations before implantation.
- Higher success rates: Improves IVF efficiency by ensuring only genetically stable embryos are transferred.
- Minimized miscarriage risk: Identifies chromosomal abnormalities that commonly cause early pregnancy loss.
- Personalized reproductive planning: Risk scores can be adjusted based on the couple’s genetic background and family history.
- Optimized single embryo transfer (SET): Facilitates safer transfers with confidence in embryo quality.
- Long-term family health assurance: Reduces the probability of hereditary diseases being passed to future generations.
Korean fertility programs use these methods to transform embryo selection from a visual or categorical process into a quantifiable and evidence-based decision system.
Ideal Candidates
Weighted Genetic Risk Screening is ideal for:
- Women aged 35 years and older, to minimize chromosomal errors due to egg age.
- Couples with a family history of inherited genetic disorders.
- Patients with previous miscarriages or failed IVF cycles.
- Carriers of genetic mutations or chromosomal translocations.
- Couples undergoing PGT-A, PGT-M, or PGT-SR who desire integrated analysis.
- Cancer survivors who wish to preserve healthy reproductive outcomes after treatment.
- Patients using donor eggs or sperm and seeking comprehensive genetic validation of embryos.
- International fertility patients who want predictive, advanced embryo analytics in one treatment program.
By combining genetic information with clinical and environmental factors, Korean clinics ensure a personalized and highly precise risk screening strategy for each patient.
Possible Risks & Complications
While Weighted Genetic Risk Screening is highly safe and accurate, patients should be aware of the following considerations:
- Embryo biopsy precision: A small risk exists during cell sampling; minimized through micro-laser biopsy techniques.
- Data complexity: The integration of multiple genetic variables can produce complex interpretations that require expert review.
- Emotional impact: Results may show higher-than-expected risks for some embryos, requiring sensitive counseling.
- Mosaicism: Some embryos may contain both normal and abnormal cells, complicating result analysis.
- Financial investment: Advanced testing and data interpretation add to IVF costs.
- Timing: Additional analysis may extend embryo transfer by a few days or require cryopreservation.
Korean fertility laboratories minimize these risks through standardized protocols, quality control, and extensive genetic counseling.
Techniques & Laboratory Methods
The Weighted Genetic Risk Screening process in Korean fertility laboratories combines advanced genomic technologies and clinical data analytics:
1. Trophectoderm Biopsy (Day 5–6)
Embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage; a few trophectoderm cells are safely extracted using precision laser technology for genetic testing.
2. Whole Genome Amplification (WGA)
DNA from the biopsy is amplified to ensure sufficient material for comprehensive sequencing.
3. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
High-resolution sequencing detects chromosomal aneuploidies, small genetic mutations, and structural rearrangements across the genome.
4. Carrier and Monogenic Disorder Analysis (PGT-M)
Identifies single-gene mutations or carrier conditions that may be passed on to offspring.
5. Chromosomal Structure Analysis (PGT-SR)
Detects inversions, translocations, and unbalanced chromosomal formations.
6. Weighted Risk Algorithm Integration
Combines all test results into a mathematical risk model, assigning each embryo a genetic stability score based on:
- Chromosomal integrity
- Mutation presence and type
- Family genetic background
- Embryo developmental kinetics (AI-based)
- Maternal age and egg quality indicators
7. Bioinformatic Data Review & Genetic Counseling
Geneticists and fertility specialists review results and discuss findings with patients to determine the optimal embryo for transfer.
This layered approach ensures that each embryo’s potential is assessed with the highest degree of precision, using both quantitative and qualitative data.
Recovery & Aftercare
Since the testing occurs entirely in the laboratory, there is minimal physical recovery required for patients.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Post-retrieval rest: Light activity after egg retrieval; mild soreness is normal.
- Embryo cryopreservation: Biopsied embryos are vitrified while awaiting genetic results.
- Result consultation: Patients meet with fertility specialists and genetic counselors to discuss risk scores and embryo options.
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): Once a low-risk embryo is identified, transfer is scheduled in a hormonally prepared cycle.
- Follow-up and monitoring: Bloodwork and ultrasounds confirm early pregnancy development.
- Psychological support: Emotional counseling available for patients processing genetic information and treatment outcomes.
Korean fertility centers offer full-service aftercare, ensuring both physical recovery and emotional support throughout the process.
Results & Longevity
Korea’s implementation of Weighted Genetic Risk Screening has produced outstanding results, including:
- Higher implantation rates: Over 65–75% success with low-risk, genetically stable embryos.
- Reduced miscarriage rates: Decrease of up to 70% in early pregnancy loss compared to unscreened cycles.
- Improved cumulative live-birth rates: Fewer failed cycles required to achieve pregnancy.
- Increased precision: More than 99% accuracy in detecting major chromosomal and genetic abnormalities.
- Healthy offspring outcomes: Screened embryos demonstrate consistent normal growth and health post-birth.
- Long-term embryo viability: Cryopreserved embryos retain genetic stability for many years.
Weighted genetic models not only ensure immediate pregnancy success but also help predict the likelihood of healthy, long-term development in children.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Genetic Consultation & Pre-IVF Assessment
- Evaluation of both partners’ genetic history and carrier status.
- Discussion of specific testing goals and risk factors.
Step 2 – Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval
- Personalized medication regimen to maximize egg quality and count.
- Egg retrieval performed under mild sedation.
Step 3 – Fertilization & Embryo Development
- Fertilization via ICSI to prevent DNA contamination.
- Embryos cultured to blastocyst stage using AI-assisted incubators.
Step 4 – Embryo Biopsy & Genetic Sequencing
- Trophectoderm biopsy performed using advanced micro-laser precision.
- Genetic material sequenced using ultra-high resolution NGS.
Step 5 – Weighted Risk Calculation
- Bioinformatics algorithms assess each embryo’s total genetic and chromosomal risk profile.
- Embryos ranked from lowest to highest genetic risk.
Step 6 – Embryo Transfer & Post-Treatment Monitoring
- Transfer of top-ranked embryo during an optimized uterine cycle.
- Regular monitoring ensures implantation and early pregnancy success.
Why Korea Leads
- Cutting-edge technology combining AI, genomics, and bioinformatics.
- Integrated fertility-genetics teams ensuring seamless workflow.
- Exceptional lab standards and international accreditation.
- Customized patient experience for both domestic and international couples.
- Efficient turnaround times with results ready in as little as 7–10 days.
Korean fertility centers excel in precision-based embryo evaluation and are globally recognized for innovation in genetic testing.
Cost Range
The cost of Weighted Genetic Risk Screening in Korea depends on the number of embryos tested and complexity of the genetic profile.
Typical cost breakdown includes:
- Weighted Genetic Risk Screening (full PGT-A/M/SR integration): USD 5,000 – 8,000
- Embryo Biopsy & Cryopreservation: USD 1,500 – 2,500
- IVF Cycle (stimulation, retrieval, culture): USD 6,000 – 10,000
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): USD 2,000 – 4,000
- Genetic Counseling & Reporting: USD 300 – 500
- Annual Storage Fee: USD 300 – 700
Comprehensive IVF + Weighted Genetic Risk Screening packages generally range between USD 10,000 – 15,000, depending on patient needs and clinic services.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul / Bundang): Known for integrating genetic modeling and AI-based embryo analytics.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Offers advanced genomic fertility programs with comprehensive genetic screening.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Specializes in multi-dimensional embryo evaluation using weighted genetic algorithms.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Combines genetics, embryology, and personalized patient care for high-risk cases.
- Seoul National University Fertility Center: A leader in research-driven reproductive genetics and IVF success.
