Rated black by the HFEA for improving the chances of having a baby for most fertility patients

What is time-lapse imaging incubation and imaging?

In IVF, time-lapse incubation and imaging is theoretically used to help select the embryos most likely to develop into a baby. In conventional IVF, the embryologist will check the developing embryos most days under a microscope, which involves removing them from the incubator for a brief period. The embryos will be graded based on how the embryos appear when checked, usually by looking at the number and appearance of cells.

Time-lapse incubation and imaging allow the embryologist to take thousands of images of the embryos as they grow without disturbing them. Not only does this mean the embryos do not have to be removed from the incubator, it also allows the embryologist to get a continuous view of each embryo as it develops, rather than just viewing them once a day.

The degree to which observations from time lapse images are used by clinics, for embryo assessment and selection, varies. Some clinics and time lapse system manufacturers have developed algorithms (or selection models) to rank or score embryos. The embryologist can then choose a specific embryo for implantation based on criteria such as rate of development and the number and appearance of cells.

Risks of time-lapse imaging

Time-lapse imaging and incubation does not carry any additional known risks for the person undergoing fertility treatment or any child born as a result of fertility treatment

Evidence

There have been several studies, including 5 moderate/high quality studies, investigating whether there are improvements in the chances of having a baby when using a time lapse incubator with automated or manual grading of embryos. Overall, the evidence from RCTs shows that time lapse imaging is not effective at improving the chances of having a baby for most patients undergoing IVF.

Time-lapse imaging has been shown to be a convenient and effective way to incubate embryos and provide a continuous view of embryo development which could offer benefits like enabling the embryologists to observe all fertilisation and developmental aspects of an embryo without disturbance.

Aria’s view

Undisturbed embryo culture is our standard incubation method at Aira. Time-lapse monitoring reduces the need for invasive procedures, such as removing embryos from the incubator for observation. This helps to reduce stress on the embryos and improves their chances of developing normally. Reducing stress on embryos is important to their development as harm can lead to embryo developmental arrest.

Images from embryos are compiled to obtain a continuous video of the embryo’s development which can be shared with you. Additional information on undisturbed embryo culture and timelapse imaging is available.