 Embryology ...
Our laboratories have been fully inspected and accredited by the
Reproductive Laboratory Program of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the
Commission for Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA). In addition, we are enrolled in
proficiency testing programs with the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB).
(Click on pictures for enlarged viewing,
then use 'Back' button to return to page)
 |
A
two-cell embryo results after the first cleavage. This cell division occurs about
24 hours following fertilization. |
|
|
 |
Approximately,
36 hours after fertilization, the four cell stage appears. |
|
|
 |
Three
days after fertilization, the embryos are at the 4 or 8 cell stages. Some
embryos may be transferred to your uterus and the remaining are cultured for an additional
two days. Embryos that continue their development are frozen two days later. |
|
|
 |
Five
days after fertilization, the embryos reach the blastocyst stage. This
stage represents the first cellular differentiation. Some cells will become the
trophoblast (placenta) while others will give origin to the embryo proper. Embryos
at this stage can be transferred fresh to the uterus or cyropreserved for future frozen
transfers. After our initial studies with other mammalian embryos, we understand
that embryos have different metabolic requirements during their development. Therefore, we
have been using, successfully, a two-stage embryo culture system for human embryos. The
results are impressive! |
|
|