Chromsomal aneuploidy (when a cell contains an abnormal number of chromosomes) is known to be correlated with infertility and IVF failure. Many researchers therefore believe that the outcome of IVF procedures may be improved by selecting and implanting only those embryos with a normal chromosome complement. Efforts to obtain robust clinical evidence have, however, been frustrated by lack of a technology able to reliably screen all 24 chromosomes in a short time frame and at an appropriate cost.
BlueGnome has therefore developed 24sure, a ground breaking technology to enable 24 chromosome aneuploidy screening of single cells in 12 hours. 24sure has been optimised for the cell types most relevant to IVF (polar body, blastomere, trophectoderm cells), and can be completed sufficiently quickly to allow fresh embryo transfer. One major advantage of 24sure is the simplicity of result interpretation. This is illustrated in the figure below, where a clear loss of chromosome 21 is visible, implying trisomy 21 in the oocyte.
24sure is already accelerating IVF research and trials are underway to assess its clinical efficacy. Most prominently, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology is undertaking a pilot study to evaluate 24sure in a clinical context. A number of trials are also underway in the United States.
24sure is available as both a full product solution and rapid service. Contact BlueGnome for further details.
