In October 2011, RMANJ presented data titled Cleavage Stage Embryo Biopsy Significantly Impairs Embryonic Reproductive Potential While Blastocyst Biopsy Does Not: A Novel Paired Analysis of Co-transferred Biopsied and Non-Biopsied Sibling Embryos that again demonstrated the significance of the IVF laboratory on successful outcomes.

The data demonstrated for the first time how the impact of when an embryo is biopsied for genetic testing can make a significant difference in outcomes. The impact of embryo biopsy on an embryo's ability to develop and implant had never been studied as deeply and with as much scrutiny until 2011.

Historically, embryo biopsy for genetic disease screening prior to IVF has been conducted at day 3 (the cleavage stage) when only 6-8 cells have formed. Cleavage stage biopsy removes 1-2 cells or a proportionately large percentage of cells, reducing the embryo's chances for implantation compared to Day 5, which uses a smaller percentage of cells for testing.

The entire RMA Network now only performs biopsy at Day 5 when 200 or more cells have developed, and cells are taken from then trophectoderm or outer layer of the embryo.

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