Successful day 5 embryo transfer and pregnancies resulting after transportof embryos by air for biopsy and genetic analysis

Purpose: Case studies of four in vitro fertilization (NF) cycles where embr yo transport by commercial airline followed by biopsy ann generic analysis with subsequent culture to Day 5 and resulting ongoing pregnancy. Method Retrospective clinical case study of 4 patients requiring preimplant ation genetic diagnosis (PGD) testing. Normally fertilized embryos were tra nsported in a battery-powered portable incubator by commercial airline foll owing evaluation for fertilization under controlled conditions front the Ce nter for Assisted Reproduction, Bedford, Texas to the Reproductive Genetic Institute, Chicago Illinois. Following Day 3 embryo biopsy and genetic anal ysis, embryos were transported back to the Center for Assisted Reproduction for Day 5 embryo transfer. Results: Ongoing clinical pregnancy resulted for all patients receiving emb ryo transfer. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the feasibility of embryo transport b y air for centers that no not have the in-house capabilities to perform gen etic analysis With successful pregnancies obtained through extended culture to Day 5, embryos requiring genetic analysis can be successfully transport ed by air, tested, and returned to the initial facility for embryo transfer without time restriction.