Embryology is a biology branch that studies embryos and their development. An embryology lab is where specialists freeze eggs for future use, fertilize them, and monitor them as they develop. Embryologists can freeze viable embryos for future use. The professionals also do genetic screening of embryos for diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The specialists in an embryology lab Fort Worth have exceptional skills and high ethical standards. All procedures of in-vitro fertilization take place in an embryology lab. There are various procedures that take place in an embryology lab, and here are some.
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Vitrification
Traditionally, embryologists used cryopreservation which usually allowed ice crystals to form inside the egg or embryo, causing damage. Vitrification is a fast-freezing technique where your embryologist places the egg or embryo into freezing media droplets on a culture dish. Unlike cryopreservation, Vitrification does not allow ice crystals to form inside the embryo. The embryo or egg undergoes a series of exposure to an increasing cryo-protectant concentration for over ten minutes. The specialist loads the egg or embryo into a straw and dips it into liquid nitrogen for less than a minute. The provider then puts the straw onto a cane and stores it in a cryo tank for future use.
Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer involves placing embryos in the uterus. Your embryologist first confirms the embryos to be transferred are viable. Through ultrasound, the specialist will place the embryos into your uterus using a catheter. The provider will then check the tube in the lab to ensure no embryos remain, confirming that the transfer was successful. If you are using frozen eggs, your embryologist will thaw and fertilize a few eggs and fertilize them with sperm. The formed embryo will grow in the lab for about five days before you get embryo transfer.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a cellular biopsy that looks for specific genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Your doctor may recommend PGD if you have a recurrent pregnancy loss, recurrent IVF failure, or when you are a known carrier of a genetic disease you do not want to pass on to your children. Embryologists perform PGD when the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, a phase where it has already made several hundred cells. The embryologist extracts about three cells from the embryo and takes them to an outside lab for testing.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection involves your embryologist injecting a single, healthy sperm into the center of each egg. The procedure is essential if male factor infertility is present. Fertilization needs only one healthy sperm, so ICSI is one of the most transformational advancements in fertility treatment. During ICSI, your specialist picks the sperm with the best morphology, shape, and movement.
An embryology lab is where specialists freeze eggs for future use, fertilize eggs and monitor embryos as they develop. Common procedures in an embryology lab include Vitrification, embryo transfer, Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Schedule an appointment at CARE Fertility to freeze your eggs successfully in an embryology lab.
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