Embryoscopy (Time-Lapse Procedure)

The success of IVF or ICSI therapy largely depends on the quality of the embryos being transferred.

An incubator provides the best possible environmental conditions for the cells, allowing the embryos to undergo optimal development.

In traditional egg culture, fertilized eggs/embryos are examined once a day outside of the protective incubator environment under a microscope. This can cause potential stress to the cells, which may significantly impair embryonic development. With this classic method, embryo development remains a "black box" where lab staff cannot observe what happens between the two daily checks.

Embryoscopy allows for continuous observation and evaluation of the development of fertilized eggs and embryos in a specialized incubator. For this purpose, a high-tech microscope equipped with a camera takes photos of the developing cells at regular intervals. A special analysis software then compiles these images into a time-lapse video of each individual embryo. An experienced lab technician can evaluate the cell development and not only select the optimal cells but also determine the best timing for a successful embryo transfer. This is not possible with a conventional incubator.

The evaluation of embryos through "snapshots" has become a thing of the past with the introduction of embryoscopy. During embryoscopy, the cells remain in the protected environment of the incubator from the start of the cell culture until the embryo transfer.