Types of Assisted Hatching

November 25th, 2009, Posted in Types
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Shortly before the embryos are replaced during the IVF process, whether they are fresh or frozen/thawed, a small hole is made in the coating (zona pellicuda) and it is then placed back inside an incubator until embryo transfer can take place.  The process is repeated for each embryo created during the fertility treatment. The assisted hatched embryos are then transferred into the uterine cavity as usual (though some clinics will give the woman a course of antibiotics to prevent infection).  The main methods currently in use for assisted hatching are:

chemical

This is the most commonly used method of assisted hatching ivf. A tiny bit of acidic solution is dropped onto the zona pellicuda through a hollow needle by the embryologist.  The acid slowly eats into the protective layer, making a small hole.  Finally the embryo is washed in a special liquid.

mechanical

A micromanipulator machine is used with this technique.  During this process a very thin glass needle is used to pierce the zona pellucida mechanically through both sides, then a pipette is rubbed against the trapped area of the protective layer until the area has been completely ground down.

Laser

The first two methods mentioned here bear some risk of damaging the embryo.  However, because of its precise, reliable nature, laser technology is a much safer option.  Not many clinics are using the process as yet as the machinery is expensive and new training is required but those that do have noticed an increase in success rates.

Advantages:

  • Laser assisted hatching doesn’t involve the use of chemicals which could possibly harm the embryos and it is completed in a much shorter time frame and so the embryos spend less time out of their optimal culture conditions. This method also needs significantly less manual handling of the embryos, which also reduces the possibilities for accidental damage.
  • All of the above mentioned factors help to minimise the stress that the embryos are put under during the IVF treatment and will hopefully then have an increased chance of implantation success and rates of pregnancy.

Costs

In the UK the average cost of Assisted Hatching is £400 while in the US it is $750 and in Australia $265.  Remember that this is added onto the considerably more expensive IVF cost.