Chromosomal Screening (CCS)
Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), also called embryo screening, examines all 24 chromosomes to detect any abnormalities caused by missing or extra chromosomes. These may include conditions such as Trisomy 13 (Patau’s syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). CCS also screens the X and Y chromosomes, enabling Family Balancing through Gender Selection.
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Advantages of completing IVF with CCS
- Detect missing or extra chromosomes
- Prevent trisomies such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome
- Determine the gender of embryos
- Identify embryos without chromosomal abnormalities, reducing the risk of miscarriage
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Who is recommended to complete IVF with CCS?
CCS is typically recommended for couples with:
- Advanced maternal age
- Low-quality sperm
- A history of recurrent miscarriage or IVF failures
- Concern for Down syndrome
- Interest in Gender Selection
- A history of translocations or micro-deletions
What Are the Steps in an IVF Journey With CCS?
Completing CCS with an IVF-ICSI cycle does not alter the duration of treatment. Following Egg Retrieval, if fertilization is successful, a biopsy is taken from each embryo for CCS testing. Healthy embryos of the desired gender are then transferred to the uterus. The process usually spans 15 to 20 days.
Ovarian Stimulation (7 to 10 days):On Day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle, fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate the growth of multiple ovarian follicles. Follicular development is monitored via ultrasound, and hormone levels are tracked through blood tests. Medication protocols are adjusted as needed. Approximately 36–40 hours before Egg Retrieval, an hCG “trigger” injection is administered to mature the eggs.
Egg Retrieval (OPU):Eggs are collected using a thin ultrasound-guided needle during a short procedure under sedation. The number of eggs retrieved depends on the individual’s response to stimulation.
Sperm Collection and ICSI:On the day of Egg Retrieval, a semen sample is collected. A single sperm is injected into each egg using the precision ICSI method to maximize fertilization chances.
Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS):CCS is performed for family balancing or to screen for chromosomal abnormalities. Three to five days after Egg Retrieval, a biopsy is taken from each embryo and tested in the Genetics Lab. The health and gender of the embryos are reviewed with the couple before Embryo Transfer.
Embryo Transfer (ET):Embryo Transfer is a minor procedure that does not require sedation. After the transfer, hormone levels are monitored through blood tests to confirm pregnancy.