IVF test could double chance of success

Doctors say the extra risk shows the need for women to be screened for the disease following fertility treatment.

Doctors say the extra risk shows the need for women to be screened for the disease following fertility treatment.

Published Jul 2, 2015

Share

London - A 20 minute test that could double a woman’s chances of having a baby has been developed by British scientists.

They claim it will lead to a ‘step-change’ in fertility treatment and are aiming to make it cheap enough for use by the NHS.

Available in as little as two years, it would check the health of a woman’s embryos, allowing only the best to be chosen for IVF. This should allow more women to achieve their dream of motherhood, and spare others the heartache of going through numerous unsuccessful IVF treatments.

Scientists at Hertfordshire-based MAP Diagnostics have discovered differences in signals secreted by embryos that are likely to result in a successful pregnancy and those that miscarry, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology’s conference in Lisbon was told.

Tests on embryos from 115 patients suggest the method would give a woman 57 per cent chance of becoming a mother. This is around double the national average. Results are available within 20 minutes, sparing patients the agony of waiting to hear if they have any healthy embryos.

Researcher Professor Ray Iles said: ‘More research is needed but it could be on the market in as little as two years.’

Daily Mail

Related Topics: