Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening - Fakih Fertility Center
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  • Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening


    Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), also known as Embryo Screening, is performed to check for any chromosomal abnormalities in all 24 chromosomes caused by missing or additional chromosomes. Chromosomal abnormalities include Trisomy 13 (Patau’s syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edward’s syndrome) and Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). CCS also includes the screening of chromosomes X and Y, making Family Balancing through Gender Selection possible. 

    Fakih IVF Fertility Center is one of the IVF centers in the Region capable of performing CCS in-house.


    What are the advantages of completing IVF with CCS?

    • Detect any missing or additional chromosomes 
    • Prevent trisomies such as Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome
    • Identify the gender of embryos
    • Embryos without chromosomal abnormalities are at lower risk for miscarriage
    • Locate translocations and micro-deletions [available with High Resolution CCS only]

    Who is recommended to complete IVF with CCS?

    CCS is typically recommended for couples with:

    • Advanced maternal age 
    • Low quality sperm
    • A history of recurrent miscarriage or IVF failures
    • Concern for Down syndrome
    • Interest in Gender Selection 
    • A history of translocations or micro-deletions

    What are the steps in an IVF journey with CCS?

    Completing CCS with an IVF-ICSI cycle does not change the duration of treatment. Following Egg Retrieval, if the eggs are fertilized successfully, a biopsy is taken from each embryo and tested through CCS. The healthy embryos of the desired gender are then transferred to the uterus. The following steps take place over 15 to 20 days.

    Ovarian Stimulation (7 to 10 days):

    Ovarian Stimulation (7 to 10 days):

    On Day 2 or 3 of the Menstrual cycle, medication is prescribed to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries. During this time, follicular growth is monitored through ultrasound as they develop into eggs and hormone levels are tracked through blood tests. Medication protocols are changed as needed. 36 – 40 hours before the scheduled Egg Retrieval, an hCG “trigger” shot is given to induce maturation of the eggs within a scheduled timeframe.

    Egg Retrieval (OPU):

    Egg Retrieval (OPU):

    Eggs are retrieved using a thin ultrasound-guided needle during a short procedure under sedation. The number of eggs retrieved depends on the body’s response to the medication.

    Sperm Collection and ICSI:

    Sperm Collection and ICSI:

    On the day of Egg Retrieval, a semen sample is taken to fertilize the retrieved eggs. To increase chances of fertilization, a single sperm is injected into each egg using a precision needle in a method called ICSI.

    Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS

    Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS

    Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS) will be completed for family balancing or to screen for any chromosomal abnormalities. 3 to 5 days after the Egg Retrieval, a biopsy is taken from each embryo and tested in the Genetics Lab. The health and gender of the embryos is identified and discussed with you before Embryo Transfer.

    Embryo Transfer (ET):

    Embryo Transfer (ET):

    Embryo Transfer is a minor procedure that does not require sedation. Following the procedure, hormone levels are tracked through blood test to confirm pregnancy.

    *The above dates are an approximation of an average cycle


    International Patients:

    If you are living abroad, Fakih IVF Fertility Center can help you! You may begin Ovarian Stimulation in your home country and travel to Oman to complete Egg Retrieval, Sperm Collection and ICSI, Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS) and Embryo Transfer (ET). Email our  International Patient Coordinator to begin your IVF journey with CCS.


    If you are interested in completing CCS with IVF or if you have any questions about the treatments available,  email our doctors or book an appointment at Fakih IVF Fertility Center today.