Ep. 15 | What Are Mosaic Embryos?

Mosaic is the term assigned to embryos found to possess both normal and abnormal cells during preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). PGS is typically completed on day five of embryo development for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Through PGS, embryologists can detect, and often diagnose, potential chromosomal abnormalities including the presence of Down syndrome. Until very recently, any cell with noted defects was discarded and not considered for IVF transfer.

However, recent developments have led doctors to suspect that these abnormal cells may be viable for transfer after all. In this episode, Eric Forman, M.D., medical and laboratory director at Columbia University Fertility Center, joins host Mark P. Trolice, M.D., to discuss why there has been some success in the transfer of mixed quality (mosaic) embryos, and why many of the births have gone on to produce healthy, normal babies.

Tune in to discover:

What mosaic embryos are and where they come fromThe benefits (and limitations) of preimplantation genetic testingWhy mosaic embryos may be viable for IVF transferWhen women and couples might consider using mosaic embryos for transfer