Fertility Technology Advancement
Fertility labs employ cutting-edge equipment, including the NGS, biochip microarray laser scanner, and PCR system, to offer safe and precise reproductive medicine testing services. Utilizing their technical expertise and top-notch equipment, they specialize in detecting preimplantation genetic diagnosis and preimplantation genetic screening, significantly boosting the chances of successful implantation and conception.
AI embryo selection system
The “Embryo AI Intelligent Image Dynamic Analysis System” currently in use is a blend of AI deep learning modules and big data comprised of developing embryo images. This system assesses embryo quality and implantation rate by analyzing dynamic embryo development images and referencing morphology. It also acts as a supplementary assessment tool for PGT-A.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
Using the latest preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) technology, embryos with normal chromosome numbers can be identified for implantation, reducing the risk of spontaneous or artificial abortions caused by chromosome abnormalities and improving the success rate of in vitro fertilization. PGS technology uses Array-CGH and incorporates the advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique, providing fast and precise, high-resolution genetic analysis.
PGS is recommended for couples with the following conditions to increase the chances of conception:
- Women of advanced maternal age (over 35 years old)
- History of recurrent miscarriages
- Repeated failure of embryo implantation
- Family history of chromosomal abnormalities or translocations
- Individuals who wish to eliminate the risk of chromosomal disorders
- Patients with inherited diseases, such as chromosomal translocations.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnostics (PGD)
PGD is a technique used to prevent the transmission of genetic diseases to offspring by analyzing a cell from an eight-cell embryo before implantation. Fertility services provide personalized testing strategies and methods based on each patient’s condition. PGD is particularly useful for targeting single gene disorders or chromosomal translocations, as it can screen healthy embryos to increase the chances of successful implantation and conception. Some examples of genetic tests that can be done through PGD include alpha or beta polypeptide thalassemia, third-type spinocerebellar atrophy, polycystic kidney disease, Fabry disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and customized testing services for household hereditary factors. Additionally, PGD can detect abnormalities in chromosome numbers or irregular chromosomal structures.
In vitro Fertilization, IVF
In vitro fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF, involves placing the egg and sperm in a petri dish within the embryo laboratory to facilitate fertilization, often called the process of creating “test-tube babies.”
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, ICSI
ICSI is a micromanipulation technique used to achieve fertilization by injecting healthy-looking spermatozoa directly into a mature egg, making it a viable option for patients unable to conceive through natural means.
IVF Implantation
The in vitro cultured normally developed embryo is carefully selected and implanted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix at the optimal time based on the patient’s clinical condition and requirements post-insemination. This method is particularly suitable for women with bilateral oviduct obstruction and adhesion and infertile women who have undergone repeated intrauterine inseminations without success.
The Dynamic Analysis of Embryo Development (Embryogenesis)
Using the Embryoscope Time-lapse System, real-time images of embryo development are captured every ten minutes during fertilization. The dynamic analysis software continuously monitors and analyzes the embryo’s growth and developmental condition before implantation. This advanced technology provides detailed information on embryo division dynamics, allowing for the selection of the best embryo for implantation, ultimately increasing the chances of successful pregnancy while reducing the risk of miscarriage. Additionally, this system offers a more stable growing environment for the embryo, resulting in better developmental conditions. The standardized evaluation provides reliable data references, making the selection process more trustworthy and precise.
Laser Assisted Hatching, LAH
Assisted hatching (AHA) is a technique that involves creating a small hole in the zona pellucida of an embryo to increase the chances of implantation in the endometrium of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. This technique has been shown to be beneficial for women of advanced maternal age or those who have experienced multiple failed attempts at in vitro fertilization. Laser-assisted hatching is a fast, accurate, and safe method for performing this procedure.
Ovum Spindle Identification Technology
The spindle is crucial for cell division as it regulates chromosome movement, and any damage to it can cause chromosome abnormalities and affect embryo development. To address spindle deviation in older women, polarized light microscopy is used to identify the chromosomal location, prevent damage to sperm chromosomes during microinjection, and ensure successful fertilization.
Defrosting Technique for Frozen Embryo
One of the newest-generation vitrification cryopreservation and defrosting equipment to increase the survival rate of an embryo’s long-term preservation in liquid nitrogen.
Sperm analysis
A sperm analysis is regularly conducted to assess the sperm’s normality. The evaluation includes volume (normally 2-5 ml), quantity and concentration (normally >15 million/ml), sperm motility (normally >32%), sperm viability/survival rate (normally >58%), sperm morphology (normally >4% regular appearance), presence of leukocytes/white blood cells in spermatozoa (normally <1 million/ml), and the potential agglutination phenomenon of sperm, among other factors.
Computer-assisted Sperm Analysis, CASA)
The Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system is a fully-automated examination tool for evaluating sperm. It is a computerized system that records images and provides accurate, efficient, and comprehensive reports on sperm quantity, concentration, motility, linearity, and oscillation amplitude. The software has been recently updated to include automatic identification of sperm morphology in addition to sperm activity analysis.
Hyaluronan Binding Assay, HBA)
HBA is a test exclusively for spermatozoa that predicts their fertilizing ability by measuring the binding rate of sperm and Hyaluronan (normally > 18%). During natural insemination, Hyaluronan attracts mature sperm and induces hyperactivation, allowing only those with normal physiological function to bind with it. This test can help discriminate between sperm maturation and abnormalities.
Sperm Purification, Refrigeration, and Defrosting
Sperm from various subjects, such as donors, husbands for insemination, males with hereditary disease, or cancer patients prior to treatment, undergo a purification process called pure sperm wash. After processing with a cryo-protective agent and cooling, the sperm can be stored in liquid nitrogen for long-term preservation. Proper thawing procedures are followed when the sperm is needed.
Surgical Sperm Extraction
Surgical sperm extraction is a method for obtaining sperm from azoospermia patients undergoing artificial insemination. Various surgical techniques will be employed to extract sperm from the epididymis or testicle for in vitro fertilization based on a doctor’s evaluation.
Intrauterine Insemination, IUI
IUI is a reproductive technology that involves injecting high-quality and viable sperm into the uterus during the female ovulation period, mimicking natural conception as closely as possible. Typically, a single IUI has a success rate of 10-25%.
