Blastocyst Transfer

In a typical IVF procedure, the embryo is transferred after three days of growth in the laboratory. With a blastocyst transfer, however, the embryo is allowed to grow for five days to the blastocyst stage. Embryos that survive to this stage of development are usually healthy and strong. Additionally, the cells have divided many times over by this point and embryologists can determine which blastocysts are the most likely to implant in the uterus. This procedure thus increases the likelihood of pregnancy while minimizing the chance of multiple births.

Because these blastocysts must remain in the laboratory for a longer period of time, different cultures are necessary to meet the requirements specific to each stage of growth. Dr. Mitch Schiewe, our Lab Director, is a leading expert in his field, and has a tremendous amount of experience with embryo culture.