A fertility test that doubles the chances of pregnancy offers new hope to childless couples.
The test helps identify the healthiest embryos for use in IVF treatment and could cut the risk of twins or triplets.
Unlike most existing checks for a small number of abnormalities in embryos, the new CGH (comparative genomic hybridisation) test examines the full complement of normal chromosomes.
The test is also more accurate because it can safely remove a greater number of cells from embryos for DNA testing before the healthiest ones are chosen. Findings from a trial at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, used results from women with hard-to treat infertility, where previous IVF attempts failed or ended in miscarriage.
Unlike most existing checks for a small number of abnormalities in embryos, the new CGH ( comparative genomic hybridisation) test examines the full complement of normal chromosomes.
The test is also more accurate because it can safely remove a greater number of cells from embryos for DNA testing before the healthiest ones are chosen. Findings from a trial at the Colorado Centre for Reproductive Medicine, near Denver, used results from women with hard-totreat infertility, where previous IVF attempts failed or ended in miscarriage.
They showed the chances of an embryo implanting in the womb were 62 per cent – more than double the 27 per cent rate expected. Out of 23 women aged between 30 and 42 taking part in the trial, 18 conceived and their pregnancies passed the 12-week stage.
Source: Daily Mail, 10 November 2008
Chapter: Pregnancy :: 26 November 2008
