EMBRACE Test in Seville: safe and non-invasive embryo selection

At Viamed Fertility Institute, we know that every embryo is, for you, a treasure that we must protect with the utmost care. Until very recently, the only way to understand an embryo’s chromosomal health was through a biopsy, extracting a few cells. However, science has taken a giant leap forward with the EMBRACE Test, a technique that allows us to “read” the embryo’s genetics without needing to touch it. From our location at Viamed Hospital Santa Ángela de la Cruz, we present this technology as the ideal option for couples seeking maximum safety and the lowest possible risk for their embryos in their dream of building a family.

What is the EMBRACE Test and how does it “read” your embryo?

EMBRACE stands for Embryo Analysis of Culture Environment. To explain it simply: during the days in which the embryo grows in our laboratory, it naturally releases small traces of its genetic material into the liquid in which it rests, known as the culture medium.

Instead of performing a biopsy, our team of professionals analyses that DNA “trace” left by the embryo in the liquid. It is a form of non-invasive genetic diagnosis that allows us to identify which embryos are most likely to be healthy without physically manipulating their structure.

The advantage of being non-invasive: complete peace of mind at Viamed

The main concern for many patients when considering genetic diagnosis is the fear that a biopsy could damage the embryo. With the EMBRACE Test, that fear disappears completely:

Zero risk

As there is no physical manipulation or cell extraction, the embryo’s implantation potential remains intact.

High-complexity environment

At Hospital Santa Ángela de la Cruz, we perform this analysis under maximum sterility protocols, ensuring that the culture medium is collected with surgical precision to guarantee the reliability of the test.

Biological respect

It is currently the most “respectful” and natural way to select the best embryo in an assisted reproduction laboratory.

Why choose EMBRACE?

Choosing this technology for your treatment in Seville provides tangible benefits that go beyond technical safety:

Increased success rates

It helps us prioritise the transfer of embryos with the highest probability of being chromosomally healthy.

Prevention of abnormalities

It reduces the risk of transferring embryos with alterations such as Down syndrome, Patau syndrome or Edwards syndrome.

Emotional and time savings

By choosing the embryo with the greatest potential from the very beginning, we avoid transfers that would not result in pregnancy or that could lead to a biochemical miscarriage.

Differences between conventional PGT-A and the EMBRACE Test

It is common for couples to wonder whether to choose traditional genetic diagnosis or the EMBRACE system. Here is a summary of the key points:
Feature PGT-A, traditional DGP EMBRACE Test
Technique Biopsy, with cell extraction. Culture medium analysis, non-invasive.
Manipulation Requires touching the embryo. The embryo is not touched.
Precision Diagnostic, very high. Classification and prioritisation, high.
Ideal for High genetic risk cases. Couples seeking safety without risk.
Our medical team in Seville will advise you on which of the two options is most appropriate according to your clinical history and embryo reserve.

FAQs: frequently asked questions about the EMBRACE Test

EMBRACE is an excellent selection and prioritisation technique. Although biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis in cases of serious hereditary diseases, EMBRACE offers very high concordance for detecting aneuploidies, or alterations in the number of chromosomes, safely.

To perform the test, embryos must reach the blastocyst stage, on day 5 or 6 of development, and must have spent a minimum amount of time in a specific culture medium that allows the DNA sample to be collected.

It means that this embryo has a very high probability of being chromosomally normal and, therefore, it will be the first one we select for transfer, maximising the chances of your baby being born healthy.

Select the best beginning for your baby

Are you looking for the most advanced and safest technology in Seville? Do not place limits on your dream of building a family. Come to Viamed Fertility Institute and discover how the EMBRACE Test can give you the answers you need with the utmost respect for your embryos.

We are here to support you.
We are here to support you.

Dr. Pamela Valdivieso Mejía

gynaecologist and specialist in assisted reproduction

Dr. Silvia Valladares Jiménez

Specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition

Dr. José Vilar

GYNAECOLOGIST

Education and Qualifications

  • Medical Degree from the University of Cádiz.
  • Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz.

Professional Experience

  • Gynaecologist at IVI Málaga (2013–2018).
  • Gynaecologist at Grupo Internacional UR (2020–2025).
  • Gynaecologist at IFV (2026–present).
  • Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Andalusian Health Service (2019–present).

Qualifications and Awards

  • PhD in Medicine from the University of Cádiz.

Scientific Activity

  • Co-author of several scientific publications in international journals and presentations delivered at national and international conferences.
  • Co-author of several chapters in specialised books on Gynaecology and Assisted Reproduction.

Ángeles Bretón

CLINICAL EMBRYOLOGIST

Dr. Carlos Javier Vega Reina

GYNAECOLOGIST

Dr. María Miró

IMMUNOLOGIST

Dr. María Eugenia Molina

HEMATOLOGIST

Elena Mantrana Bermejo

Gynecologist. Specialist in Reproductive Medicine

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville.
  • Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Master’s Degree in Human Reproduction from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
  • Specialist Physician of the Andalusian Health Service in the South Health Management Area (AGSS) of Seville.
  • Coordinator of the Assisted Human Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Member of the Human Reproduction Advisory Committee of AGSS of Seville.
  • Member of the working group for the update of the Guide for Assisted Human Reproduction of the Ministry of Health of the Andalusian Regional Government.
  • Tutor of Specialist Doctors in Training of the Teaching Area of the University Hospital of Valme.
  • Clinical Tutor Medical Students University of Seville

Alberto Armijo

Gynecologist. Reproductive Medicine Specialist