Endometrial Receptivity Array (ERA)

The Endometrial Receptivity Array test (ERA) is a pioneering test that allows us to test the “receptivity” of the endometrium (womb lining) and may offer the opportunity to personalize the timing of embryo transfer to maximize chances of implantation.

In both natural cycles after ovulation and after egg collection in IVF treatments there is an “implantation window”, a narrow window of opportunity when the womb lining is at its optimal thickness and readiness to receive an embryo and allow successful implantation. The timing of embryo transfer is conventionally based on a standard number of days following egg collection and on a standard number of days on progesterone medication.

By taking a small biopsy of the endometrium, the ERA test allows the analysis of 238 genes to look for the genes that are vital to implantation that should be “switched on” when the lining is “receptive” i.e. ready to receive an embryo.

Early research from the group in Spain that pioneered the test suggest that in a small number of women (approximately 20% of those with recurrent cycle failure) this “implantation window” is not as expected and the results show the lining to be “pre-receptive” or “post-receptive”.