How to understand embryo grading in IVF USA?

2024-07-03 20:51:26，visits： 270

Throughout the entire process of IVF, embryo quality is crucial for successful pregnancy. The healthy development of an embryo in the uterus directly impacts the future health of the baby.

Understanding embryo quality depends on several key factors. The health of the parental reproductive cells is a decisive factor. If the eggs and sperm are healthy and mature, the chances of embryo development are higher. The facilities of the clinic and the qualifications of the team are also critical. Embryos are very sensitive during the cultivation process, and any minor environmental changes can affect their development. Chromosomal abnormalities are another factor affecting embryo quality. Chromosomal abnormalities may cause problems during embryo development and may even prevent successful implantation in the uterus. Therefore, embryos are assessed multiple times a day to ensure the selection of those with the highest developmental potential.

Firstly, the quality of formed embryos depends on the health status of parental reproductive cells. If they are mature, healthy, and free of disease, the chances of success in IVF USA are greatly increased.

The second factor is the qualifications of clinic staff and equipment used in cultivation. Embryos in the developmental stage are highly sensitive to any changes, and even minor disturbances can prevent their development.

The final factor that doctors cannot affect the quality of embryos is chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosomal abnormalities directly affect the "in vitro" development of embryos. Therefore, doctors assess the quality of embryos every day, usually no more than once a day, and observe them under a high-magnification microscope, evaluating embryos based on the following standards:

Grade 1: Embryo cells are of equal size; no fragments are found

Grade 2: Embryo cells are of equal size; only a few fragments

Grade 2.5: Most embryo cells are of equal size; moderate fragmentation

Grade 3: Embryo cells are of unequal size; no fragmentation to moderate fragmentation

Grade 4: Embryo cells are of equal or unequal size; fragmentation ranges from moderate to severe

To better understand which embryos are suitable for implantation, doctors assign them a quality code every day. This code consists of a number (embryo developmental stage) and two letters (the first letter is responsible for fetal formation, and the second letter is responsible for the attachment and formation of the placenta and chorionic membrane).

l Numbers range from 1 to 6, where 1 is an early blastocyst and 6 is a mature embryo ready for implantation.

l Letters represent quality scores, where A is a good embryo and D is poor quality.

For example, embryos coded as "3AB," "2AA," and "4BB" are blastocysts with high reproductive potential, while "2BB" and "2CB" are of average quality. Conversely, "1CD," "2CC," and "2DD" are poor-quality blastocysts with a low chance of implantation in the uterus. It is worth noting that embryos typically coded as "2BB" or "2CB" may develop into "4BB" shortly, and embryo quality assessment not only helps determine which embryos are suitable for implantation but also predicts which embryos can be frozen for future use. Only high-quality and mature embryos can survive and continue to develop after freezing.

If you have any questions about IVF treatment or need further consultation, we warmly invite you to contact IVF USA. Our expert team, especially Dr. Nathan Zhang, is dedicated to providing you with support and guidance. Currently, IVF USA provides services such as egg freezing in the USA, IVF-PGT, and third-party assisted reproduction, expanding our operations beyond the USA to include Japan for IVF and egg freezing, Thailand for IVF and egg freezing, as well as Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other regions, collaborating closely with top global IVF doctors.