Comparative study of noninvasive chromosomal screening using blastocyst culture media: frozen–thawed embryos outperform fresh embryos

Category	Detail
Condition	Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)
Key Mechanisms	Noninvasive chromosomal screening (NICS) using cell-free DNA from spent embryo culture medium (SECM)
Target Population	Couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection-PGT-A (ICSI-PGT-A)
Care Setting	Assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics

NICS demonstrated an overall detection success rate of 98.08%.
Frozen-thawed embryos showed higher sensitivity (97.30% vs 78.05%) and positive predictive value (PPV; 100% vs 72.73%) compared to fresh embryos.
The rate of complete chromosomal inconsistency was lower in frozen-thawed embryos (2.63% vs 35.94%).
High DNA library concentrations (≥10 ng/µL) correlated with superior PPV and clinical consistency.
Mosaics were identified as a key contributor to diagnostic discordance.

Consider NICS as a noninvasive alternative to TE biopsy for genetic assessment of cryopreserved embryos.

Monitor clinical consistency and chromosomal status through NICS in frozen-thawed embryos.

Be aware of potential obstetric complications associated with TE biopsy, such as gestational hypertension.

Couples undergoing ICSI-PGT-A cycles with available frozen embryos.

NICS may reduce the need for invasive biopsies and associated risks.

Clinical Scorecard: Evaluation of Noninvasive Chromosomal Screening via Blastocyst Culture Media: Superior Performance of Frozen–Thawed Embryos Compared to Fresh Embryos