Quality control and standardization of embryo morphology scoring and viability markers.
A so-called 'good-quality embryo' may be defined as an embryo that has the potential to implant into the uterine endometrium and give rise to the birth of a healthy child. A standardized and objective scoring of embryo 'quality' is therefore crucial in the classification and selection of embryos. However, embryo scoring is still being performed mainly via ocular evaluation, which often results in different interpretations of embryo quality. The addition of viability markers, such as measuring gene expression or the uptake/release of metabolites, proteins or RNA/DNA molecules in the culture media, would increase the possibility of standardized measurements. However, no single biomarker has yet been introduced into standard clinical practice, mainly due to the complexity of the techniques and the influence of biological variations and differences in culture conditions. In this paper different methods for the scoring of embryos and the possibility of standardizing and implementing quality control systems are discussed.
Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg 413 45, Sweden. Electronic address: kersti.lundin@vgregion.se.
Kersti
K
Lundin
Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg 413 45, Sweden.
Aisling
A
Ahlström
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004626:Embryology / Q000592:standards; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000592:standards; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000592:standards; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D050498:Live Birth; D011247:Pregnancy; D011786:Quality Control; D059008:Time-Lapse Imaging
D015415:Biomarkers
IVF; embryo; human; quality control; validation