Identification of Viable Human Embryos Using Three Different Methods

Infertility affects an increasing number of couples. For many, the choice of treatment is in vitro fertilization (IVF) . Currently, there are no markers fully predictive of developmental competence of IVF embryos. Present embryo selection is based on morphology assessment, which produces implantation rates in the range of 20%-30 %. The overall purpose of the present study is to investigate methods for selection of the best embryo. We aim to examine the relationship between pregnancy outcome and the transcriptional profile of selected genes, cleavage kinetics (time-lapse), and metabolic profile. We hypothesise that the quality of the embryo is reflected by the transcription of selected genes, the cleavage kinetics, and the metabolic profile. If so, these parameters can predict the success or failure of a pregnancy. Furthermore, the interrelationship - if any - between these parameters will be evaluated. A secondary aim is to evaluate the effect of blastomere biopsy using time-lapse and metabolic analysis