Embryology Lab

What is an embryology lab?

An embryology lab is where specialized teams work with eggs and sperm. They fertilize the eggs and monitor them until they reach different stages of development, then select the best for transfer. The embryology lab team freezes the remaining embryos in liquid nitrogen for future use.

The team also performs genetic screening of the embryos for diseases like cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and hereditary cancer syndromes. If you’re undergoing egg freezing, CARE Fertility’s embryology lab team freezes and thaws the eggs and evaluates their quality.

Working in the embryology lab requires exceptional skill and the highest ethical standards. Every IVF lab must have accreditation and an operating license from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). This accreditation requires annual renewal and inspections every two years.

What procedures does an embryology lab perform?

Some of the procedures CARE Fertility’s embryology lab performs include:

Semen analysis

Semen analysis is a form of diagnostic testing where the embryology lab team assesses the health and motility (movement) of sperm.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a specialty at CARE Fertility’s embryology lab. They offer conventional or stimulated IVF, reciprocal IVF for female same-sex couples, and the economical and convenient effortless IVF®.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

ICSI involves injecting one healthy sperm into the egg to fertilize it.

Assessment of embryo quality

Before implanting any embryos, the embryology lab team carefully assesses the quality of each embryo available to the recipient. They need to see which are the healthiest and most likely to succeed after implantation.

Embryo biopsy

A biopsy involves extracting tiny amounts of genetic material from the embryos to test for abnormalities.

Vitrification

Vitrification is a fast-freezing process for embryo and egg freezing that prevents the formation of harmful ice crystals.

What other facilities assist with fertility treatments?

In addition to its CAP-certified embryology lab, CARE Fertility also has endocrine and andrology (male health) laboratories certified by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988). Together, these facilities provide extensive services covering a variety of conditions, including:

• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Leiomyomata or fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Congenital problems with the uterus
• Recurrent pregnancy loss labs
• Fertility testing
• Computer-assisted semen analysis
• Fertility preservation
• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
• Egg reserve screening
• Sperm DNA fragmentation
• Ovulatory monitoring
• Genetic carrier screening
• Endometrial biopsy for endometrial function testing (EFT)

Combined with the practice’s surgery center, the facilities you need for every aspect of fertility treatment are available under one roof.

To benefit from the exceptional expertise of the CARE Fertility embryology lab team and their colleagues, call or book an appointment online today.

Notes: certified endocrine, andrology, and embryology laboratories. Our endocrine and andrology laboratory is CLIA certified, and our embryology (IVF) laboratory is CAP certified.