How should we choose the ‘best’ embryo? A commentary on behalf of the British Fertility Society and the Association of Clinical Embryologists

Abstract

Embryo selection to improve pregnancy rates remains a significant challenge in IVF. Non-invasive and invasive methods of embryo selection include morphological assessment, metabolomics, time-lapse imaging and preimplantation genetic screening. To date, none has been shown conclusively to yield improved implantation and live birth rates. This review summarises current understanding of methods for embryo selection.

Keywords::

• human embryo
• IVF
• embryo viability

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Raj Mathur, Chairman of the BFS Policy and Practice Committee, those members of the BFS who responded to the consultation on the draft document, and the members of the Executive Committees of the ACE and BFS, for their constructive comments.

Declaration of interest: JH is a partner of the Embryology and PGD Academy, and CEO of Global Women Connected; the remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest.