Embryology lab

What happens in the embryology laboratory makes a big difference to the outcome of IVF. Our lab offers extended embryo culture, laser-assisted hatching and genetic testing of embryos.

Blastocyst culture

Embryos are grown in the lab for five days until they reach the blastocyst stage, then transferred. This helps us choose the embryo most likely to implant, so we can transfer fewer embryos and reduce the risk of twins or triplets.

Assisted hatching

Before it can implant, an embryo has to break out of its outer shell (the zona pellucida). In assisted hatching, the embryologist thins or opens a small part of this shell to make that easier. It may help women over 35 and women who have had failed IVF cycles.

Laser-assisted hatching

We use a diode laser to thin about a quarter of the shell’s circumference. The whole procedure takes a few milliseconds and does not touch the embryo itself. The same laser is used to keep sperm still before ICSI, and to open the shell when a cell is taken for genetic testing.

Genetic testing of embryos (PGT)

Pre-implantation genetic testing checks embryos for chromosomal or specific genetic conditions before transfer. A few cells are removed from each embryo and analysed, often with next-generation sequencing (NGS). It may be suggested if you have had repeated miscarriages or failed cycles, are older, or carry a known genetic condition.

Under Indian law (PC&PNDT Act), testing to find out the sex of an embryo or foetus is prohibited, and we do not do it.