In this segment of our IVF series, we take you behind the scenes of the embryology laboratory, illustrating the journey from egg to embryo, detailing embryo care, and highlighting how you and your clinical team remain informed throughout the process.
The process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) demands significant commitment from patients during the initial treatment phase. During ovarian stimulation, patients undertake daily injections and attend morning monitoring appointments, all while keeping close communication with their clinical team. Once the eggs are retrieved, the focus shifts to the embryology lab, where fertilization and embryo development occur until it’s time for transfer. Since this stage unfolds behind closed lab doors, many patients are unaware of the meticulous organization, precision, and expertise involved in nurturing each embryo.
Ensuring Embryo Safety in the Lab
To better serve patients in the Baltimore and Washington areas, there are two embryology labs: one in Rockville, MD, and another in Towson, MD. These facilities handle all aspects of IVF, including egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development, and transfers.
Equipped with advanced incubators, microscopes, and a dedicated team of technicians, the labs at this facility ensure that patients’ delicate eggs have the optimal chance of developing into viable embryos.
What sets our laboratory apart is the state-of-the-art equipment. The Rockville lab features ISO-certified Level 1000 clean rooms, meaning it maintains an exceptionally clean environment with fewer than 1,000 particles per cubic meter—compared to over 35 million particles found outside. The air is filtered and replaced 30 times an hour, utilizing HEPA and carbon filters to eliminate contaminants that could jeopardize embryo growth.
Embryos develop within one of 43 incubators designed to replicate a womb-like environment. Each incubator maintains a steady temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and remains dark to closely mimic natural conditions.
Many procedures occur under one of five inverted microscopes. These devices illuminate samples from above, allowing embryologists to view sperm, eggs, and embryos in high resolution, facilitating precise handling during procedures.
Additionally, there are 14 stereo microscopes and 2 phase microscopes for assessing embryo growth and quality. Daily evaluations are recorded in each patient’s electronic medical record, which the clinical team reviews and communicates with patients.
Forty-five liquid nitrogen storage tanks are monitored 24/7, housing frozen sperm, eggs, and embryos. Many patients choose to store surplus embryos for future use.
The Role of Skilled Embryologists
The backbone of the laboratory is its team of embryologists, who have specialized training in handling sperm, eggs, and embryos. They ensure the identification of specimens at each stage, following a strict Chain of Custody protocol to maintain the integrity of each patient’s samples. Two embryologists verify identification at each step, ensuring that the right sperm is matched with the right eggs. Patients also play a part in this process by confirming their identification at several key points.
Thanks to these rigorous measures, there have been no identification errors in over 20 years, making specimen accuracy a top priority.
To keep the embryologists skilled in all laboratory functions, tasks are rotated among team members daily. One team may focus on fertilization and culturing, while another handles embryo selection and transfers.
The Journey of Sperm
The embryology team begins its work on the day of egg retrieval, starting with the male partner’s semen sample, which can be collected on-site or frozen in advance if necessary.
The semen sample is processed through centrifugation to isolate the healthiest sperm, which are then prepared for fertilization.
On the same day, the female partner undergoes egg retrieval. As fluid from each egg follicle is extracted, it’s handed over to an embryologist, who examines and isolates the retrieved eggs for culturing.
Fertilization Techniques: Conventional and ICSI
Fertilization occurs later that day using either Conventional Fertilization or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), depending on sperm quality. Conventional Fertilization involves placing healthy sperm directly with mature eggs in a Petri dish, allowing natural fertilization.
In contrast, ICSI is a more controlled method where a single healthy sperm is injected into the center of each egg. This technique is particularly beneficial in cases of male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or poor motility. If challenges arise during fertilization, the embryologist can switch from Conventional to ICSI to maximize the chances of embryo development.
For those curious about home insemination options, you may find useful information in our article about using a sperm donor. Additionally, check out resources from Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits, which can be invaluable for those exploring this path. For further insights on pregnancy and home insemination, the NICHD offers excellent information.
Summary
In summary, the IVF laboratory is a sophisticated environment where skilled embryologists work tirelessly to ensure the safe development of embryos. Through rigorous protocols and advanced technology, the lab provides an essential service to couples navigating their fertility journeys.