Time Lapse

The Time Lapse incubator system is one of the newest techniques in assisted reproduction laboratories.

It consists of an incubator with an incorporated camera inside. Through a photographic system it helps embryologists to choose the most suitable embryo, thus improving the pregnancy rate.

This is because it makes it possible to record the development of the embryos in real time. In other words, it makes it possible to see the fertilization and growth of the embryos in a non-invasive and uninterrupted manner.

Using this new technology allows personalized, real-time monitoring without the need to manually manipulate the embryo. This improves the culture conditions of the embryo. 

The combination of microscope and incubator reduces the “stress” that embryos have when they are taken out of their environment (standard incubator). By reducing this stress, embryo development is optimized and, therefore, their chances of implantation.

In fact, this is a pioneering technology that records the very beginning of life. From the time it is a cell until it becomes a blastocyst, i.e. an embryo with more than 150 cells. 

time lapse, incubadora

With this real-time analysis system, the exact division of the embryos can be seen. Therefore, it can increase the chances of implantation in embryo transfer by up to 20%. This is because the most optimal embryo is chosen. 

All this is thanks to the mixture of its multiple inner chambers, stable development environment and software that ensures that the embryos are fertilized optimally. This also avoids human error. And, if the patient wishes, you can obtain a video of the embryos’ life development process. 

Frequently asked questions

  • When is it advisable to choose to use the Time Lapse incubator system? It is recommended in any situation, both for in vitro fertilization and for egg donation. Because in this way the embryo does not suffer and the best quality embryo can be chosen for transfer. 
  • And what happens with embryos of lower quality? In this case, the person in charge in the biology laboratory will decide if it is possible to use it for a successive embryo transfer. Just because it is of lower quality does not mean that it has no possibility of being able to implant correctly in the uterus.