Implantation Score
IS
The Implantation Score (IS) is a non-invasive genetic study developed at Ingenes that predicts each embryo's real implantation potential, with up to 85% efficiency alone and 92% combined with PGT-A.
The Implantation Score (IS) is a non-invasive genetic-metabolic study developed 100% at Ingenes that predicts the real implantation potential of each embryo before transfer. Unlike traditional morphological selection (looking at the embryo under the microscope), the IS analyzes molecular factors that determine whether that embryo is actually capable of implanting in your uterus.
The technique analyzes the cumulus cells surrounding the egg (it does not touch the embryo) and combines the results with a post-fertilization embryo analysis. That allows ranking embryos by concrete implantation probability, not by appearance.
Predictive efficiency reaches 85% on its own and rises to 92% when combined with PGT-A, well above traditional embryo selection. That means fewer failed transfers, less physical and emotional toll, and a shorter path to ongoing pregnancy.
- 0% Efficiency on its own
- 0% Combined with PGT-A
- Zero Embryo biopsies
What makes the Implantation Score different
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Exclusive Ingenes technique
The IS was developed entirely by our Genetics and Molecular Biology team, in academic alliance with Cinvestav-IPN. It is not offered at other centers: the sample is processed in our own labs.
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Non-invasive, no risk to the embryo
It analyzes the cumulus cells (which surround the egg) plus a post-fertilization analysis. No embryo biopsy required. Zero impact on embryo development.
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Prediction with data, not appearance
Traditional embryo selection relies on morphology. The IS adds real metabolic-genetic information, raising predictive efficiency from the standard to 85% (92% with PGT-A).
Cumulus cells: the key to predicting implantation
Each egg is surrounded by cumulus cells that nourish it and maintain its metabolism. Those cells contain genetic and metabolic information that directly reflects egg quality and the implantation potential of the future embryo.
The Implantation Score analyzes those cells (which are routinely collected during egg retrieval and normally discarded) with advanced molecular biology techniques. The result is then combined with the embryo's post-fertilization development to generate an individual score for each embryo.
That score ranks embryos by concrete implantation probability. Your physician no longer chooses by blastocyst appearance under the microscope alone: the choice has molecular backing.
Profiles where the Implantation Score adds clinical value
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Advanced maternal age
Women over 38, where egg quality is usually compromised and morphological embryo selection loses precision.
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Low egg quality or low reserve
Patients with fewer than 6 retrieved eggs per cycle or markers of low egg quality. The IS helps maximize every available embryo.
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Recurrent pregnancy loss
When there is a history of two or more early miscarriages, especially in the first trimester, the IS complements PGT-A in identifying the implantation factor.
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Previous implantation failures
Patients who already transferred morphologically good embryos without achieving pregnancy. The IS identifies if the problem is in the embryo's implantation potential.
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Few transfer opportunities
When few embryos are available, choosing the first one well is critical. The IS maximizes the probability of success in each transfer.
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Multi-cycle programs
Reducing the number of transfers needed to reach an ongoing pregnancy means less physical, emotional, and financial toll.
Your path is unique. So is your plan.
We design a protocol tailored to you after understanding your story and your previous tests. No generic diagnoses or protocols.
Four steps integrated into the IVF cycle
1. Cumulus cell collection. At the moment of egg retrieval, the IVF Lab team collects the cells surrounding each egg (the cumulus cells). It is a routine collection that is normally discarded. Zero additional impact on the patient.
2. Fertilization and embryo culture. Eggs are fertilized with IVF or ICSI/PICSI depending on the case. Embryos are cultured to day 5 or 6 (blastocyst), same as in any IVF cycle.
3. Molecular analysis in the lab. Cumulus cells are processed in our Molecular Biology Lab with validated techniques. In parallel, embryologists track each embryo's development. The data is cross-referenced.
4. Individual score per embryo. Each embryo receives an implantation potential score. Your physician chooses which one to transfer with molecular backing, not just morphology. If PGT-A is added in the same cycle, predictive efficiency rises to 92%.
What changes when you add the Implantation Score to the cycle
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Fewer failed transfers
By ranking embryos by real implantation potential, you avoid transferring embryos that look good but will not implant. That lowers the number of attempts required.
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Single transfer with confidence
When the score is good, transferring just one embryo is enough. That reduces multiple pregnancies and their associated complications (preterm birth, growth restriction).
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Less physical and emotional toll
Multi-cycle programs are hard. Each failed transfer is a loss. Reaching ongoing pregnancy sooner is what couples going through this value the most.
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Information before deciding
If embryos have a poor score, the plan is discussed before transfer. Sometimes it is better to wait for a new cycle with improved stimulation than to push with what is available.
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Make the most of every egg
In low ovarian reserve profiles, every egg counts. The IS helps not burn the best embryo at the worst moment of the endometrial cycle.
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Combinable with PGT-A
The IS does not replace PGT-A, it complements it. PGT-A rules out aneuploidies; the IS predicts implantation. Together they bring predictive efficiency to 92%.
Implantation Score within the TripleMed™ model
The Implantation Score is not applied as an isolated study. At Ingenes it is integrated into the IVF cycle within the TripleMed™ model, which combines reproductive medicine, genetic and regenerative medicine, and metabolic medicine in a single personalized plan.
That means your case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team: reproductive physician, embryologist, molecular biologist specialized in cumulus cell analysis, regenerative specialist, and metabolic specialist. The decision to add Score, PGT-A or both is made with shared clinical criteria, not by default.
We work with our own Molecular Biology lab and an academic alliance with Cinvestav-IPN, one of the most important genetic research centers in Mexico. That collaboration is what allowed us to develop the Implantation Score entirely in-house, with validated and reproducible techniques.
Frequently asked questions about the Implantation Score
What is the difference between the Implantation Score and PGT-A?
PGT-A analyzes the embryo's 23 chromosome pairs to rule out aneuploidies (Down, Edwards, Patau). The Implantation Score analyzes cumulus cells and embryo tracking to predict real implantation capacity. PGT-A tells you whether the embryo is chromosomally healthy; the IS tells you whether it will implant. They combine in the same cycle and together reach 92% predictive efficiency.
Why is it non-invasive if it analyzes the embryo?
Because it does not biopsy the embryo. It analyzes cumulus cells (which surround the egg before fertilization and are normally discarded) plus post-fertilization development tracking. The embryo is never touched.
When in the cycle is it done?
Cumulus cell collection happens at the moment of egg retrieval, in the same procedure where eggs are recovered. No additional invasive steps. The molecular analysis runs in parallel with embryo culture, so the result is ready before transfer.
Does it make sense without combining with PGT-A?
Yes. IS efficiency on its own is 85%, well above traditional morphological selection. If your case does not justify PGT-A (due to age, history, or embryo count), the IS adds value on its own.
Does it guarantee pregnancy?
No. It increases implantation probability and reduces failed transfers, but the final outcome also depends on endometrial receptivity, immunological factors, and others. What the IS guarantees is that the transferred embryo has the best implantation potential available in your cohort.
How long does the result take?
The analysis runs in parallel with embryo culture, between 3 and 5 days. The result is ready before the transfer decision, so it does not add time to the cycle. If transfer is deferred (with vitrification), your physician has the IS data on hand during planning.
How much does adding the Score to the cycle cost?
It is an additional cost to the IVF cycle, depending on the number of retrieved eggs and whether it is combined with PGT-A. We discuss it in detail at the First Consultation or during cycle planning, with concrete numbers based on your case.
Have your transfers failed to implant? The Score can explain why
When there are previous implantation failures or advanced maternal age, selecting the embryo by morphology alone is not enough. At the First Consultation we review your case and tell you if the Implantation Score adds real value to your plan.
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