Endometrial Receptivity Testing in Las Vegas: ReceptivaDx and ERA
When embryo transfers have not resulted in pregnancy, or when a patient has a history of recurrent implantation challenges, additional testing may provide useful information. At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we offer specialized endometrial testing as part of an individualized approach to care.
The two most common endometrial receptivity tests are ReceptivaDx and the ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis). These are not routine tests — your doctor will discuss whether either option makes sense based on your history and treatment plan. Both are performed as part of an in-office biopsy procedure during a mock transfer cycle, and both examine the uterine lining in ways that a standard ultrasound cannot.
ReceptivaDx
ReceptivaDx, also called the BCL6 test, tests for the presence of the BCL6 protein marker in the uterine lining — a sign of uterine inflammation that is often associated with silent endometriosis, a form of the condition that causes no obvious symptoms but may interfere with embryo implantation. The test also detects CD138, a marker of chronic endometrial inflammation that may be related to bacteria.
This type of inflammation can go undetected on imaging and routine blood work. When BCL6 is identified, your doctor can discuss whether addressing the underlying inflammation before your next transfer may be appropriate for your situation.
ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis)
The ERA is a molecular test that analyzes a small sample of the uterine lining to better evaluate whether it may be receptive to an embryo at the time of the biopsy. In some patients, the window for implantation may be shifted slightly earlier or later than typical, and the ERA attempts to identify whether timing could be a contributing factor.
If an ERA is recommended, results fall into one of three categories:
- Receptive: the biopsy was taken within the expected window for embryo transfer.
- Pre-receptive: the uterine lining may not have been ready at the time of biopsy. Transfer timing may be adjusted to a later point in the progesterone window.
- Post-receptive: the lining may have passed its peak window. Transfer timing may be moved earlier in a subsequent cycle.
When might these tests be considered?
Your doctor at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas may discuss these tests with you if your history and circumstances suggest they could provide useful information. Situations where they may come up in conversation include:
- A history of two or more IVF embryo transfers without successful implantation
- A history of recurrent pregnancy loss where uterine factors have not been fully evaluated
- Unexplained infertility where standard testing has not identified a cause
- A known or suspected history of endometriosis, including silent endometriosis
What does the biopsy procedure involve?
Both ReceptivaDx and ERA require a small tissue sample from the uterine lining, taken during an in-office biopsy as part of a mock transfer cycle. Here’s what to expect:
- The biopsy is performed during a mock cycle — a medicated cycle that mimics the hormonal conditions of a real frozen embryo transfer, without the transfer itself.
- A thin catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity and a small tissue sample is gently collected. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
- Most patients experience mild to moderate cramping during and briefly after the procedure. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen one hour beforehand can help.
- The sample is sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis. Results are typically returned within approximately two weeks.
- Once results are received, your doctor will review the findings with you and discuss what, if anything, they suggest for your next steps.
Have questions about endometrial receptivity testing?
If you’ve heard about ReceptivaDx or ERA and want to know whether either might be relevant to your situation, the best place to start is a conversation with your doctor. Schedule a consultation at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas and we’ll help you understand your options.
