Multiple micromanipulations for preimplantation genetic diagnosis do not affect embryo development to the blastocyst stage

To determine the impact of multiple micromanipulation procedures for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) on embryo development, a retrospective analysis was performed of 9,925 embryos (862 PGD cycles), which were compared with 28,126 nonbiopsied embryos (2,751 consecutive intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI] cycles) from the same time period. Because fertilization rates, the proportion of embryos with > or = 6 cells on day 3, and blastocyst rates were similar in the PGD and control groups, we conclude that multiple micromanipulations on oocytes and embryos can be performed safely for PGD.