How is the embryo cell biopsy for PGD performed?
Embryo cell biopsy is the removal of a single cell from a 3-day embryo, which will be used for genetic testing. After the embryo has been incubated for about 3 days, the single fertilized egg cell has divided, and grown to 6 to 10 cells (called blastomeres). At this point, embryos are evaluated, and only embryos that seem healthy and normal are selected for PGD. The cell biopsy procedure is performed by a specialist called an embryologist. The entire embryo is only the size of a tiny grain of sand, and great skill is required to remove a single cell without damaging the fragile embryo. Using a powerful microscope and micromanipulation techniques, the embryologist holds the embryo steady with gentle suction, then carefully penetrates the embryo’s outer membrane with a microscopic, hollow glass needle. One, or sometimes two, of the embryo’s cells are extracted. After cell biopsy, the embryo is returned to the incubator to continue developing.
