Embryo selection in IVF: is polar body array comparative genomic hybridization accurate enough?
The emergence of the array comparative genomic hybridization technique (aCGH) is considered an advance in preimplantation genetic testing. Analysis of the recently published pilot study using polar body aCGH indicates that the test accuracy compares favourably with the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique although a substantial number of euploid zygotes are still likely to be excluded incorrectly. A sound argument against selection in principle has recently been published, based on accumulating evidence that potentially all embryos can now be cryopreserved and transferred in subsequent frozen replacement cycles without impairing pregnancy rates. We suggest that vitrification and serial transfer without testing are likely to give patients the best chance for a successful pregnancy, and avoid the use of an expensive technology.
Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, King's College London, School of Medicine at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' Hospitals, London SE1 9RT, UK. paul.scriven@kcl.ac.uk
Paul N
PN
Scriven
Caroline Mackie
CM
Ogilvie
Yacoub
Y
Khalaf
D000782:Aneuploidy; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology*; D055028:Comparative Genomic Hybridization / Q000379:methods*; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D059705:Polar Bodies; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*