Fast track your treatment
To book an appointment or speak with one of our friendly team, please get in touch using the options below
Traditional observations of embryos during an IVF procedure give a glimpse into the development of the human embryo as it develops from a single cell to a blastocyst five days after egg collection. This involves bringing the embryos out of the incubator, so that they can be assessed under the microscope, which could theoretically be stressful for the embryos because of the change of environmental conditions.
To minimise the disturbance and stress to the embryos, microscopic observations are usually carried out once a day or every other day, to assess the morphology (form, shape, appearance and developmental stage) of the embryos. This means that there is a potential of missing significant events during embryo development while they are in the incubator not being observed. Since embryo morphology is the primary way in which embryos are selected for transfer there is a dilemma in how to get the most information from the observations without repeatedly removing the embryos from the incubator.
In contrast to traditional morphology assessment, time-lapse technology uses a camera system placed within an incubator to take an image of the embryos every five or ten minutes without removing them from the incubator. These images can then be combined together to make a video clip which can be studied remotely on a computer screen to assess the “continuously” changing morphology of the embryos, without having to take them out of the incubator. This also allows the embryologists to spot any abnormal development of embryos which may be missed by conventional assessment. This gives more information and helps the embryologists to choose the best embryo(s) for transfer without causing any additional environmental stress to the embryos.
The time-lapse imaging system avoids the need to move embryos or unnecessarily expose them to light from conventional examination with a traditional microscope. During the time-lapse culture embryos are also cultured in specially designed dishes which can hold either 9 or 16 embryos. The dish also allows the embryos to be cultured under ‘group’ culture conditions i.e. within the same droplet of culture medium, whilst also keeping the embryos in place so that they can be monitored continuously. Group culture has been shown to be beneficial to embryo development.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) are a government regulator, who ensure that fertility clinics and research centres comply with the law. The HFEA have rated time-lapsing imaging as 'On balance, the evidence from moderate/high quality evidence shows that this add-on has no effect on the treatment outcome.'
This rating means there is a conflicting amount of evidence on the effectiveness of this add-on treatment for improving your chances of having a baby. As a result, further research is still needed for this treatment, however current data suggests that it will not improve your chance of achieving a pregnancy.
The HFEA states time-lapse imaging does not pose any known risks to yourself or your child born from fertility treatments. Please speak to your gynaecologist about any concerns or questions you may have regarding the safety or risks associated with any fertility or add-on (optional) treatments. Your gynaecologist will take into consideration your medical history and current health before recommending an add-on treatment.
This technology is offered at an additional charge. We believe the use of this technology is currently best suited to patients who have a number of embryos to choose between and who are looking for answers following previous unsuccessful treatment.
If you are interested in using time-lapse imaging at the centre please inform the nurse / embryologist or consultant during your initial consultations. If you require additional information please contact your local centre directly who will be able to advise you further.
