The laboratory receives and identifies the eggs
After egg collection, the embryology team identifies and assesses the collected oocytes and prepares them for the fertilisation method planned by the clinical and laboratory team.
The sperm sample is prepared
The semen sample is processed so the laboratory can work with the sperm population appropriate for the planned procedure. The exact preparation depends on the sample and treatment method.
IVF and ICSI are different laboratory techniques
In conventional IVF, eggs and prepared sperm are placed together under laboratory conditions. In ICSI, an embryologist injects a selected sperm directly into an egg when the clinical plan calls for it.
Fertilisation is checked, but not every egg follows the same path
The laboratory checks for signs of fertilisation at the appropriate time. Some eggs may fertilise normally, some may not, and not every fertilised egg continues to develop into a transferable embryo.
Embryos are observed over time
Developing embryos are monitored according to laboratory protocols. The team records development and communicates information needed for the treatment plan while trying to maintain stable laboratory conditions.
The laboratory is one part of the larger IVF journey
Embryology, egg and sperm factors, the patient’s response to treatment, the uterus and many other biological variables contribute to outcome. No single laboratory observation can guarantee pregnancy or live birth.