BLASTOCYST CULTURE AND TRANSFER

Blastocyst Culture and Transfer is a technique in which an embryo is developed in the laboratory for 4-6 days after fertilisation before being placed in womb. The embryo gains many cells as a result of being developed for so many days. The embryos developed for 4-6 days are much more advanced than the ones developed for just three days. These Embryos are called blastocysts as explained by Dr Rama Sofat.

The embryos which survive for 4-6 days are more likely to produce the fruitful results. This enables embryologists to select from the more advanced embryos with better potential for implantation.

The biggest advantage of Blastocyst Culture and Transfer method is that it significantly reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies. Also, the pregnancy and implantation success rate is higher in this technique because it is easy to determine the robust embryos after developing for 4-6 days hence only the competent embryo are transferred to uterus as explained by Dr Rama Sofat.

How long does it take for a blastocyst to implant?

Human blastocysts should hatch from the shell and begin to implant 1-2 days after day 5 IVF blastocyst transfer.

How many cells are in a blastocyst?

The embryo divides from one cell into two cells, then four cells, eight cells, 16 cells, etc. until it reaches several hundred cells at the time of implantation and reaches the blastocyst stage on day five or six after ovulation as explained by Dr Rama Sofat.

How is the blastocyst formed?

The blastocyst possesses an inner cell mass (ICM), or embryoblast, which subsequently forms the embryo, and an outer layer of cells, or trophoblast, which later forms the placenta. The trophoblast surrounds the inner cell mass and a fluid-filled, blastocyst cavity known as the blastocoele or the blastocystic cavity as described by Dr Rama Sofat.

Where does blastocyst implantation occur?

It is by this adhesion that the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother to be able to grow. In humans, implantation of a fertilized ovum is most likely to occur around 9 days after ovulation, however this can range between 6 and 12 days.