Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS)
The Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) is pleased to offer comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS). CCS is preformed in conjunction with IVF and is particularly important to women 35 years of age or older whose eggs are at increased risk for chromosome errors. An estimated 70% of early miscarriage is associated with a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus.
CCS testing is performed on a few cells biopsied from a day 5 embryo called a blastocyst. The genetic material of the embryo is not altered in any way during CCS. During the time it takes to perform CCS, blastocysts are cryopreserved using a quick freezing method called vitrification. Embryo survival after vitrification is extremely high at 98%.
Waiting for the CCS results and vitrifying the embryos has an added benefit to the patient. It offers some time for the patient’s body to return to a normal hormonal state after ovarian stimulation. Studies have shown that transferring embryos into a uterus that is in a more natural hormonal state enhances the likelihood of implantation and a healthier outcome.
After CCS testing, only embryos that have the correct number of chromosomes are selected for transfer. CCS is provided to patients through an Institutional Review Board (IRB) - approved ongoing clinical study.
Who should consider CCS?
CCS is not recommended for all infertility patients. Those who may consider CCS include the following:
- Women 35 years of age or older
- Women with a history of repeated miscarriage
- Women with a previous pregnancy involving a chromosomal abnormality
- Women who have had multiple failed IVF cycles
As the worldwide pioneers of blastocyst CCS, we are delighted to announce over 800 healthy babies born and countless ongoing healthy pregnancies.
2011 Data -- Thawed Embryos from CCS Testing Patients
| | 2011 CCS Frozen Embryo Transfer Statistics
Comprehensive Chromosome Screening
Age |
| <35 | 35-37 | 38-40 | 41-42 | 43-44 |
| Number of transfers | 81 | 68 | 89 | 48 | 5 |
| Percentage of transfers resulting in pregnancies (FHT) | 75.3% | 83.8% | 78.7% | 75.0% | 4/5 |
| Percentage of transfers resulting in live births | 74.1% | 79.4% | 76.4% | 66.7% | 3/5 |
| Average number of embryos transferred | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Miscarriage rate | 1.6% | 5.3% | 2.9% | 8.3% | n=1 |
2007-2012 Data -- Thawed Embryos from CCS Testing Patients
| | CCS Frozen Embryo Transfer Statistics
Comprehensive Chromosome Screening
Age |
|
<35 |
35-37 |
38-40 |
41-42 | >42 |
|
Number of transfers |
256 |
240 |
287 |
145 | 24 |
|
Percentage of transfers resulting in pregnancies (FHT) |
81% | 75% |
73% |
70% | 17/24 |
|
Ongoing pregnancy rate* |
79% |
74% |
70% | 66% | 16/24 |
|
Average number of embryos transferred |
1.8 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
1.4 | 1.5
|
|
Miscarriage rate |
2% |
1% |
3% |
6% | n=1 |
*Live birth data is not yet available for 2012
Patients who are interested in learning more about CCS and/or meet the criteria listed above may schedule an appointment. Please call 303-788-8300 or click here.