What is blastocyst culture and transfer?
Blastocyst culture grows embryos in the laboratory to the blastocyst stage (Day 5-6 from ovum/egg pickup and fertilization day). The best 1 or 2 blastocysts are transferred gently into the uterus.
What is blastocyst culture and transfer?
Blastocyst culture grows embryos in the laboratory to the blastocyst stage (Day 5-6 from ovum/egg pickup and fertilization day). The best 1 or 2 blastocysts are transferred gently into the uterus.
OVERVIEW
What is blastocyst culture and transfer?
Embryo transfer can occur on Day 2-3 at the cleavage stage or on Day 5-6 at the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst is a mature embryo having a defined structure and only the best quality embryos become blastocysts. Embryo selection during the blastocyst stage provides an embryologist the opportunity to select the best embryo and hence increases the chances of implantation. Selection of the blastocyst also facilitates electively single embryo transfer.
Step by step
Step by step process How blastocyst culture works, day by day
A laboratory timeline measured in days of embryo development.
Fertilization
Day 0: Eggs are retrieved and fertilised by IVF or ICSI on the same day.
Cleavage stage assessment
Day 2-3: Embryos are graded. Where very few are developing, transfer may happen now rather than waiting - see the decision point below.
Blastocyst stage
Day 5-6: Surviving embryos reach a mature, structured stage. Only the healthiest typically do, which is precisely how the technique aids selection.
Transfer
Best 1-2 Embryos transferred - The embryologist selects the strongest blastocyst or two and they are placed gently into the uterus through a fine catheter.
Freezing surplus blastocysts
Good-quality blastocysts not transferred can be vitrified for a later frozen transfer cycle.
Find out whether Blastocyst Culture and Transfer is your best next step
The right treatment depends on your diagnosis. One evaluation consultation is usually enough to know.
- Honest advice on your treatment options, based on your own tests
- Transparent pricing before you commit to a cycle
- 24×7 doctor-supervised medical helpline through your journey