Time Lapse Incubators – What they are and why we use them

August 2018

Time Lapse Incubators – What they are and why we use them

Since 2015, we have been using Time Lapse incubators to monitor Embryo development and help with embryo selection, prior to embryo transfer.

The eggs are injected with sperm and then placed in the Time Lapse incubators.

Photographs taken every 5 minutes for the next 2-5 days can be replayed on video so that the embryologist can ‘see’ cell division and development of each embryo. This helps us to decide which are the ‘best’ embryos for transfer on day 3 or Day 5.

Pregnancy rates have improved significantly since we have started using this technology.

Advantages of time lapse Incubation.

1. Eggs/embryos are not disturbed for 3-5 days. This helps maintain good conditions for the embryos.
2. Abnormal cell division can be seen so these embryos are not transferred.
3. Good cell division at the right time helps us select the best embryos for replacement.