Embryo culture

Eggs are fertilized in the laboratory on the same day as the egg retrieval procedure, or on the day previously frozen eggs are thawed. Fertilization is checked the following day, and normal fertilization is identified by the presence of two pronuclei. The embryos are then cultured and monitored for approximately 3–6 days.

Some embryos may naturally stop developing during the culture process. Only embryos that reach a suitable quality can be transferred to the uterus or frozen for future use.

Embryo culture takes place in specialized incubators where temperature and gas conditions are continuously monitored. At the same time, the laboratory team follows embryo development and ensures that treatment is carried out under optimal conditions.

EmbryoScope is described as a time-lapse incubator with an integrated imaging system. The system documents embryo development through regular image capture and creates a video that allows embryologists to assess the timing of cell divisions without disturbing the culture environment by repeatedly removing the embryos from the incubator.