Blastocyst Transfer

What Is Blastocyst Transfer?

The blastocyst is a stage in the early development of humans. It consists of an outer layer of cells trophoectoderm and an inner cell mass. The outer layer contributes to the formation of the placenta and the inner cell mass gives rise to the body of the embryo. Normally the embryos formed in the laboratory are transferred to the uterus on day three, for implantation and further development. In some cases, the embryos have to be cultured up to day five-six.
Blastocyst culture is a technique developed for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This procedure intends to increase pregnancy rates while reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies by choosing the best embryo to transfer.

Advantages of Blastocyst Culture

only good quality embryos survive to the blastocyst stage which allows the single best embryo to transfer
The blastocyst stage of implantation resembles physiological normal implantation in the uterus so the success rates are good.
This procedure is especially good for cases of repeated implantation failure.
The procedure also helps to screen the embryos for genetic abnormalities. In such cases
the embryo biopsy is done on day two and the embryos allowed to grow. The embryos are transferred on day five if they are normal. It ensures the transfer of good quality embryos in the IVF procedure.

Disadvantages of Blastocyst Culture

1.If the embryo number is less it is possible that embryo growth may be arrested and no blastocyst forms. In such cases there may be no embryos to transfer.
2.There is a higher chance of identical twins due to splitting of the blastocyst.