Mitochondrial DNA levels as a marker of embryo viability in IVF

(European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) Despite the claims and counter-claims for new embryo assessment techniques introduced over the past two decades, the search for the holy grail of assisted reproduction -- the key to the embryo destined to implant -- continues. Genetic screening techniques so far have relied largely on the assessment of one component of the embryo's genetic constitution, the number of chromosomes in its cells.