Time lapse Imaging

What is TIME–LAPSE?

It is a method of capturing very slow actions by taking a series of single pictures over a period of time and then putting them together to show the action happening fast.

Time lapse imaging in Assisted Reproduction, is an innovative technology, where a specialised incubator is designed specifically for the culture of human embryos.

The incubator is fitted with a time-lapse camera. This camera takes several images of each embryo during its time in culture, which results in a video of each embryo’s development.

So, we have what is, in effect, a feature film of the developing embryos.

How does time-lapse culture of embryos differ from standard culture?

In routine standard culture, the progress and development of your embryos is monitored once a day. This requires the Embryologist to remove your embryos from the incubator and examine them under the microscope, before returning them to the incubator. Effectively, this gives a snapshot or two of how your embryos are growing each day.

Using the TIME-LAPSE TECHNOLOGY, your embryos are monitored and observed at any time of the day and night without them being removed from the culture environment.

HOW DOES THIS HELP?

Based on recent studies of the cell division pattern of embryos, certain cell time points and events are especially important for predicting further development potential and pregnancy potential of your embryos. Using these time points we can choose the best embryos among all and it also gives a lot of information regarding the viability of your embryos. Only a time-lapse camera can record these time points fully and do routine observations that are not possible under the microscope at these time points since they vary between the embryos.

Some studies have also shown that embryos with specific division times and certain development patterns can have up to 15-20% better chance of pregnancy. The optimum times for cell division can be checked more easily and chances are implantation improved in cases in which selection is done using time lapse technology.

So, the advantages are

1) it can improve embryo selection
2) Predict chromosomal abnormalities
So, the benefits are reduced handling by the embryologist, more monitoring and you can have your first video of your baby. If you’d like to have one, you can receive a video of the transferred embryo developing.

WHAT IS THE COST?

There will be an additional cost for monitoring the embryos by time-lapse imaging apart from the routine charges for an IVF cycle.

Who can benefit from time-lapse?

1: People who expect to have several good quality embryos to choose from.
2: People who have had poor quality embryos previously and want more information about their embryo development.