TREATMENT
Blastocyst Culture
Embryos are grown to day 5, the blastocyst stage, so only the strongest are chosen. The result is a higher implantation rate with fewer embryos transferred — a technique Dr. Tongtis helped pioneer in Thailand.
- Timing
- Day 5 embryos
- Price
- Included with IVF
- PGT add-on
- ฿35,000–55,000
How it works
- Day 1–3Fertilised eggs divide in precision incubators.
- Day 5Embryos reaching blastocyst are graded for quality.
- Optional PGTA biopsy screens embryos genetically before transfer.
Why day-5 blastocyst transfer?
- More selectiveOnly the strongest embryos reach day 5, so the best one is easier to choose.
- Natural timingDay 5 is when an embryo would naturally reach the uterus.
- Fewer embryos, fewer twinsA single strong blastocyst can be transferred, lowering the risk of multiple pregnancy.
- Ready for PGTBlastocysts can be biopsied safely for genetic testing before transfer.
Blastocyst culture since 1998
DBN’s director, M.R. Dr. Tongtis Tongyai, established the blastocyst culture programme of the Blastocyst Center at Praram 9 Hospital in 1998 — and later added genetic testing of day-5 embryos. That experience is in every cycle at DBN.
About Dr. Tongtis →Blastocyst culture: your questions
What is a blastocyst?
A blastocyst is an embryo that has grown for 5–6 days after fertilisation. It has around 100 cells, a fluid-filled cavity, an inner cell mass that becomes the baby and an outer layer that becomes the placenta.
Why transfer on day 5 instead of day 2–3?
Only the strongest embryos reach the blastocyst stage, so choosing on day 5 is more selective. It also matches natural timing — in a natural pregnancy the embryo reaches the uterus at about this stage — which supports implantation and lets us transfer fewer embryos, lowering the risk of twins or triplets.
Who is blastocyst culture for?
It is part of most IVF and ICSI cycles at DBN, and is especially helpful after previous failed transfers, when several embryos develop and you want to transfer just one, or when genetic testing (PGT) is planned.
Can blastocysts be genetically tested?
Yes. A few cells can be taken from the outer layer of a day-5 blastocyst (blastocyst biopsy) for PGT-A or PGT-M, without touching the cells that become the baby. PGT is an optional add-on of ฿35,000–55,000.
Is blastocyst culture included in the IVF price?
Yes — day-5 blastocyst culture is included in DBN’s IVF & ICSI cycle (about ฿450,000). Only genetic testing is extra.
What will my treatment cost?
Price guide
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