Published by INCITA Clinic
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The embryo’s outer layer
An egg and early embryo are surrounded by a protective outer layer called the zona pellucida. As an embryo develops into a blastocyst, it must emerge from this layer before implantation. This process is called hatching.
What laser-assisted hatching involves
Laser-assisted hatching uses a focused laser to make an opening in, or thin, the zona pellucida under microscopic control. It is a laboratory procedure considered within the wider treatment plan.
The laboratory also uses laser techniques in the preparation of embryos for some biopsy procedures. Hatching support and genetic analysis are different steps, even when both occur within an IVF pathway.
Individual assessment
The embryologist and treating doctor consider the embryo findings alongside age, previous transfer history and whether an embryo has been frozen and warmed. The technique is not a replacement for a clinical assessment of the reasons for earlier unsuccessful treatment.
Questions to ask the laboratory team
Ask whether assisted hatching is proposed in your cycle, why it is being considered and how it fits with culture, biopsy and transfer. The team can explain the planned handling of your embryos and discuss your particular questions.
Hatching, biopsy and transfer are different steps
Assisted hatching concerns the embryo’s outer layer. Biopsy obtains cells for a planned genetic analysis. Transfer places the selected embryo in the uterus. These steps may be discussed within one IVF pathway, but the presence of one does not mean it replaces the others.
A laboratory explanation should make clear what is being proposed for the particular embryos and why. The fact that a technique is available does not establish a need to use it in every cycle or predict that implantation will occur.
Keep the wider embryo record in view
Ask how the culture stage, appearance, any previous freezing and the intended genetic testing are being considered. If an earlier transfer was unsuccessful, bring the complete treatment and embryo records rather than assume that the explanation is the outer layer alone.
Read about the IVF laboratory sequence, fresh and frozen transfer and preparing for transfer.