Test tube babies: weeks of testing
In vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is an important reproductive method. In this process, embryo detection is very important. So, how many weeks does it take for IVF test? Next, we will elaborate from several aspects.
1. Embryo culture and development
Embryo culture and development of IVF is the key to testing for several weeks, because only healthy embryos can be successfully implanted and developed into fetuses. Generally speaking, the fertilized embryo will be cultured in the laboratory until it reaches a certain development stage. Generally, the time of embryo in incubator is 5-6 days.
During the 3-day culture, the embryo developed to 8 cell stages. At this stage, doctors can preliminarily assess the quality of the embryo by observing its appearance, shape and number of cells. A good embryo is usually regular and uniform, and the number of cells is in line with expectations.
During 5-6 days of culture, the embryo will develop to the blastocyst stage. At this time, the doctor can further judge the health of the embryo by evaluating the shape of the blastocyst, the quality of the internal cell mass and the external cell mass. A good blastocyst usually has complete outer cell mass and inner cell mass, and has proper blastocyst fluid.
Therefore, according to the culture and development of embryos, embryo quality assessment and selection can be carried out in patients receiving IVF to improve the success rate.
2. Chromosome detection of embryos
Chromosome abnormality is one of the main factors leading to embryonic development failure and abortion. In order to improve the success rate of IVF, doctors often conduct chromosome testing of embryos. This test is called whole chromosome screening (PGT-A) for "digital amplification".
When the embryo develops to the blastocyst stage, the doctor can take a small part of embryonic tissue for detection and get information about the embryo chromosome. Such testing usually takes 1-2 weeks to complete. During this period, the embryos will be kept in the incubator until the test results are received.
Through chromosome detection of embryos, doctors can screen embryos with abnormal chromosomes, thus improving the possibility of successful implantation and development.
3. Implantation and pregnancy detection
Implantation is an important step in the success of IVF, which occurs several days after embryo transfer. Generally speaking, doctors will conduct pregnancy tests within two weeks after embryo transfer.
Pregnancy testing usually uses blood or urine to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which appears after the implantation of fertilized eggs. If the level of hCG is higher than the threshold, it indicates that pregnancy occurs. In addition, doctors will also test other pregnancy related indicators, such as progesterone, estrogen and progesterone.
Therefore, implantation and pregnancy testing usually take about 2 weeks to confirm the success of IVF.
4. Summary
To sum up, the detection of IVF takes several weeks to ensure the culture and development of embryos, chromosome detection, implantation and pregnancy. It takes about 5-6 days for embryo culture and development, 1-2 weeks for chromosome detection, and about 2 weeks for implantation and pregnancy detection.
Therefore, it is very important for couples preparing for IVF to understand these timelines. In the process of receiving IVF babies, they should keep close communication with the doctor, and carry out corresponding testing and waiting according to the doctor's suggestions.
With the continuous development and improvement of IVF technology, it is possible to obtain different test cycles in different hospitals, so this factor should also be considered when selecting hospitals.
