Special laboratory methods
Assisted hatching (AH)
The human embryo is protected by a glycoprotein coating - Zona Pellucida. This cover protects the egg from the penetration of more sperm during fertilization and subsequently facilitates the passage of the embryo through the fallopian tube into the uterus. About 5 to 6 days after fertilization, the capsule ruptures and the embryo leaves the capsule.
The embryo can then nestle in the uterus with its outer layer of cells. If the package does not burst and the embryo is then released, pregnancy cannot occur. The AH micromanipulation technique enables artificial disruption of this envelope and thus increases the chance of the embryo implanting in the uterine lining and pregnancy.
Who is assisted hatching suitable for?
- In case of repeated implantation failure
- In frozen embryos for which AH was not performed
