How does 24sure work

24sure can be used to select embryos which contain the correct number of chromosomes, termed euploid embryos. Many researchers believe that euploid embryos have an improved chance of resulting in a successful pregnancy.

24sure may be used to screen aneuploidy in cells at different stages of development of the egg or embryo. The choice of cell will depend upon the experience of the IVF centre, the nature of the IVF cycle (fresh or frozen), the medical history of the parents and the regulatory environment (which may limit testing to cells which are not destined to become part of the foetus). While the optimum choice of cell remains an area of active research and debate the broad applicability of 24sure provides complete flexibility in this decision.

The chosen cells are biopsied and placed in a tube and marked with an identification number which is unique to the egg or embryo from which they were taken. DNA from the cell is then extracted, amplified and screened using 24sure. Over 3000 measurements are made covering all available chromosomes; 23 chromosomes in the case of a polar body or 24 chromosomes in the case of a blastomere or trophectoderm biopsy (where the paternal Y chromosome is present).

Results are available in as little as 12 hours. For each cell the status of each chromosome may be infered as euploid or aneuploid. This information may then be used in the selection of embryos.