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The BBC published a report this week on the new technique of array CGH (aCGH) as developed by Reprogenetics in Oxford as the most accurate method of performing genetic screening of eggs and embryos to establish if they are normal or abnormal before embryo transfer following IVF treatment. CRM London is one of the few units doing this pioneering new treatment with the Oxford laboratory. www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12494767

As women approach 40 years old the number of eggs they produce with abnormal chromosomes increases. These eggs can only produce abnormal embryos so if on the contrary we can identify those embryos which have developed from the fertilisation of normal eggs, there is a higher chance that they will produce normal pregnancies. Abnormal embryos can still produce pregnancies but many will miscarry and some can carry on and produce babies with chromosome abnormalities such as Downs syndrome. This is why the chance of women having babies with chromosomal abnormalities becomes more common from the age of 35 years. Amniocentesis is usually offered to older women during pregnancy for this reason

CGH and genetic testic of eggs and embryos is best suited for women who produce a reasonable number of eggs as if you produce few eggs there is a high chance that no normal embryos develop. At CRM London we think genetic testing in IVF is most suitable in the following situations

• Repeated IVF failures (2 or more previous unsuccessful IVF or ICSI treatment cycles)
• Repeated miscarriages
• Advanced maternal age ( over 37 years of age)
• Previous pregnancy with abnormal chromosomes

CGH and genetic testing of eggs is a highly technical and complex treatment. More information is available in our genetic screening patient information.
If you are unsure whether genetic screening of eggs is suitable for you, come and speak to one of our Fertility Specialists at CRM London.