Successful Day 5 embryo transfer and pregnancies resulting after transport of embryos by air for biopsy and genetic analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Case studies of four in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles where embryo transport by commercial airline followed by biopsy and genetic analysis with subsequent culture to Day 5 and resulting ongoing pregnancy.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical case study of 4 patients requiring preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) testing. Normally fertilized embryos were transported in a battery-powered portable incubator by commercial airline following evaluation for fertilization under controlled conditions from the Center for Assisted Reproduction, Bedford, Texas to the Reproductive Genetic Institute, Chicago, Illinois. Following Day 3 embryo biopsy and genetic analysis, embryos were transported back to the Center for Assisted Reproduction for Day 5 embryo transfer.


RESULTS
Ongoing clinical pregnancy resulted for all patients receiving embryo transfer.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate the feasibility of embryo transport by air for centers that do not have the in-house capabilities to perform genetic analysis. With successful pregnancies obtained through extended culture to Day 5, embryos requiring genetic analysis can be successfully transported by air, tested, and returned to the initial facility for embryo transfer without time restriction.
Langley
M
M
Center for Assisted Reproduction, Bedford, Texas 76022, USA. martinl@embryo.net
Marek
D
D
Cieslak
J
J
Masciangelo
C
C
Doody
K M
KM
Doody
K J
KJ
D000328:Adult; D001359:Aviation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014186:Transportation