Eggs, sperm & embryos
Embryo grading scores appearance — cell number and evenness and the degree of fragmentation at cleavage stage, or expansion and the quality of the inner cell mass and trophectoderm at blastocyst stage. Grading helps decide which embryo to transfer first, but it assesses appearance rather than chromosomes, so a lower-graded embryo can still lead to a healthy baby. Grading systems differ between laboratories, so grades are not directly comparable between clinics.
Also known as: embryo grade, grading, AA blastocyst
Related South Africa guides
Sources
- ESHRE/ICMART glossary and ESHRE laboratory guidance
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.