Revolutionary Mitochondrial DNA Testing

Choosing to use Mitochondrial DNA testing on embryos can help couples who have struggled with loosing pregnancies to find answers and increase their chances of implantation. With a high success rate, the Mitograde test could reduce the risk of multiple IVF cycles.

Blastocyst Mitochondrial DNA (Mitograde™) Testing for Viable Embryos

The Mitochondria is the main component of the cell that provides energy for cellular functions. Mitochondria contain their own DNA (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA) and play an important role in the development of the embryo. MitoGrade™ is the first validated clinical test able to measure the quantity of mtDNA in trophectoderm biopsies (cells forming the outer layer of a blastocyst, which provide nutrients to the embryo and develop into a large part of the placenta.) Scientists have discovered that a high amount of mtDNA in embryos could reduce the chances of pregnancy. The researchers found that a third of embryos contain a greater quantity of mtDNA, which ultimately result in a loss of pregnancy due to the inability of the embryo to implant and develop into a healthy live birth. In addition, researchers found that levels of mtDNA increase with age.

Testing for viable embryos with Mitochondrial DNA

This revolutionary test has great potential and hugely benefit couples undergoing infertility treatment, giving them added assurance of higher IVF success rates as compared with current stands in the US. The test could potentially minimize the long (and at times) demanding IVF cycle that couples face. In particular, clinical scientists will be able to determine the viability of the embryo. Additionally, women will not have to undergo several embryo transfers until the “right” embryo results in a pregnancy.

The MitoGrade^™ test is done following fertilization in the IVF procedure, during the blastocyst stage of the embryo (around five-day old embryos); a few cells are removed from the trophectoderm to assess mtDNA levels. Embryos that meet the optimum threshold of mtDNA are implanted to the uterus, while the others are discarded – this maximizes the probability of a successful full term pregnancy.

Further trials (ongoing) in the US with IVF using MitoGrade™ show increased pregnancy rates by another 10-20%; experts estimate its huge potential predicting higher success rates in IVF. MitoGrade™ is available for couples in our Program. Researchers are now trying to evaluate the reason for high levels of mtDNA in embryos, as well as the mystery behind the inability of a third of embryos to implant. 

How to get started with Embryo Adoption/Embryo Donation?

We encourage you to contact our office to schedule an appointment with our physicians to discuss this and all fertility therapy/treatment options AEAA has to offer. We want to get to know you and hear the dreams you have for your future family. We'd be happy to give you more information and answer any questions you might have. Our objective is to assist every AEAA patient with achieving their goal of starting or enlarging their family. We do our best to ensure patients have a clear understanding of their treatment options, so they are able to choose the option that will best fit their needs. Our highly trained team of professionals is here to answer your questions and assist you with your journey. If you are interested in Embryo Adoption, please feel free to contact us by calling (615) 321-8866.