Necessary tests for test tube babies
The development of IVF technology provides an opportunity for couples who cannot conceive naturally to have healthy babies. In order to ensure the quality and safety of IVF, doctors usually carry out a series of necessary tests. The necessary tests for IVF will be described in detail in the following four aspects: gene testing, genetic disease screening, gender identification and pre embryo transfer testing.
1. Gene testing
Gene testing is the most important and basic test in the process of IVF. Gene testing can help couples understand their risk of genetic diseases, and can also exclude the possibility of some genetic diseases. This test usually includes chromosome karyotype analysis, single gene genetic disease screening and polygene genetic disease screening.
Chromosome karyotype analysis is a method to detect chromosome abnormalities in embryos. The normal human body generally has 46 chromosomes. If the embryo chromosome is abnormal, it may lead to problems such as abnormal embryonic development, abortion or chromosomal abnormalities.
Single gene genetic disease screening is to detect genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations. For example, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis and other genetic diseases are caused by a single gene mutation. Couples can know whether there is a mutation in the gene and avoid passing on the genetic disease to their offspring.
Multi gene genetic disease screening is to detect genetic diseases caused by multiple gene mutations. For example, some rare genetic diseases may be caused by multiple gene mutations. Through this test, couples can know whether they carry these gene mutations, so as to avoid passing on these genetic disease risks to their offspring.
2. Genetic disease screening
In addition to genetic testing, genetic disease screening is also required. Genetic disease screening is mainly aimed at detecting the genetic disease risk of couples themselves to avoid passing on high-risk genetic diseases to their offspring. Common genetic disease screening includes thalassemia, Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, hereditary blindness, etc. These screening programs are usually completed through blood testing or DNA testing.
The purpose of genetic disease screening is to enable couples to understand the risk of genetic diseases they may carry, and select suitable embryos for transplantation in the process of IVF, so as to reduce the probability of disease in offspring.
3. Gender identification
In certain circumstances, couples may wish to choose the sex of the embryo. Sex identification is a common test in the process of IVF. This requires analysis of the genetic material of the embryo to determine the sex of the embryo. The hospital will select suitable embryos for transplantation according to the requirements of the couple.
Gender identification is particularly important when some genetic diseases are transmitted with gender orientation. For example, some genetic diseases may only affect offspring of a certain sex. Through gender identification, couples can choose embryos that do not carry genetic diseases for transfer, thus reducing the risk of disease in offspring.
4. Detection before embryo transfer
Before embryo transfer, a series of tests should be carried out to ensure the quality and health of embryos. This includes embryo appearance assessment, embryo implantation ability assessment and embryo genetic testing.
The evaluation of embryo appearance is mainly to check the morphological characteristics of the embryo, including the number of cells, cell symmetry, embryo intima texture, etc. This helps to assess the development and implantation capacity of the embryo.
The evaluation of embryo implantation ability is to evaluate the implantation ability of embryos through specific indicators in the embryo culture dish. These indicators include the growth rate of the embryo, morphological development and evaluation of the environment around the embryo.
Embryonic genetic testing is mainly to detect chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations of embryos, so as to select the best quality embryos for transplantation.
Summary
In the process of IVF, gene testing, genetic disease screening, gender identification and pre embryo transfer testing are essential. These tests can help couples understand their own genetic disease risks, select healthy embryos for transplantation, and reduce the risk of disease in their offspring. Doctors will formulate the most appropriate treatment plan based on these test results to ensure the quality and safety of IVF.
