Embryo Grading
The following is a guide on how RADfertility’s IVF lab assesses blastocyst embryos utilizing the grading scale created by Dr. David K. Gardner.
Once fertilized, embryos will continue to develop in our laboratory for up to seven days. The embryo grading process assesses embryo quality and requires a vast amount of training and skill. Our embryologists use their experience to grade the embryos in order to select the best embryo for transfer, hopefully increasing the odds of a successful pregnancy.
A blastocyst is the most advanced stage an embryo can achieve in culture and typically occurs 5 – 7 days post fertilization. Only the best quality embryos develop to the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst has two distinct cell types and a central cavity filled with fluid:
Number Describing Overall Expansion of the Fluid Cavity
Initially blastocysts are given a numerical score from 1 to 6 based upon their degree of expansion and hatching status. This part of the assessment can be performed on a dissection microscope.
1 – Early Blastocyst
Blastocoel < half the volume of the embryo
2 – Blastocyst
Blastocoel > half the volume of the embryo
3 – Full Blastocyst
Blastocoel completely fills the embryo
4 – Expanded Blastocyst
Blastocoel volume is now larger than that of the early embryo and the zona is thinning
5 – Hatching
Embryo has breached the zona pellucida and is hatching out of its shell
6 – Hatched
Embryo is completely hatched
Letter Grade for Inner Cell Mass
The second step in scoring the blastocysts should be performed on an inverted microscope. The development of the inner cell mass (ICM) can then be assessed. The ICM is given a letter, the highest score being an A.
Letter Grade for Trophectoderm
The third step in scoring the blastocysts should be performed on an inverted microscope. The development of the trophectoderm can then be assessed. The trophecoderm is given a letter, the highest score being an A.
Additional Embryo Assessment Tools
EmbryoScope®
Embryo grading is much more than the embryos’ isolated appearance. It also includes their morphokinetic development as witnessed via the EmbryoScope®.
Learn more about the EmbryoScope®
Preimplantation Genetic Testing For Aneuploidies (PGT-A, Formerly Known As PGS)
The chromosomal status of an embryo can be determined with preimplantation genetic screening which evaluates all 46 chromosomes within a few cells carefully removed from each embryo. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A, formerly known as PGS) provides information regarding the chromosomal health of the embryo.
Learn more about Preimplantation Genetic Testing For Aneuploidies (PGT-A)
About Our Laboratory
Our laboratory team leads the way through research and innovation contributing to nationally recognized success rates.
Embryo Grading
RADfertility uses the grading scale created by Dr. David K. Gardner to assess blastocyst embryos.
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis is performed in order to assess the viability of sperm before treatment at RADfertility.
RADdad at-Home Sperm Collection Kit
Our RADdad at-home sperm collection kit provides a convenient and discreet alternative to the fertility center setting.
EmbryoScope®
Time-lapse video allows our IVF experts to analyze individual embryo growth.
PGT-A
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) is a tool used to optimize the efficiency of IVF, increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
PGT-M and PGT-SR
Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects (PGT-M) and (PGT-SR) are tests that help evaluate embryos for genetic risk factors.
Laboratory Research
RADfertility is committed to advancing the science and practice of reproductive medicine through education and research.
Newark Office
4735 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Medical Arts Pavilion 2
Suite 3217
Newark, DE 19713
Wilmington Office
Silverside Medical Center
2700 Silverside Road, Suite 2A
Wilmington, DE 19810
Dover Office
Eden Hill Medical Center
200 Banning Street, Suite 240
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 602-8822
Fax: (302) 602-8832
©RADfertility 2021