Embryo Quality and Freezing
The embryo cell's water content is slowly replaced with a cryo-protectant. The gradual freezing process can be as slow as 0,2*C/min.
The freezing and thawing of embryos is performed in several stages to avoid damage to the cells..
Freezing may be one of the options available if there are supernumery embryos-While freezing embryos may increase the overall success per egg collection (cumulative percentage- with fresh and frozen embryos) the success relies heavily on the number and suitability of embryos. Only the embryos with good morphology survive the freeze/thawing technique..
You should be aware that a consent form will be requested for the length of storage and the fate of the embryos in the event of separation, divorce etc.
Transfer of eggs & embryos to another centre
The storage and transport of genetic material from one IVF centre to a different
centre
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Genetic Material can be stored in Liquid Nitrogen.
The Greek law allows storage for upto 5 years (and another 5 years under special circumstances). |
Reason for storage:
• Women who must under Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy and wish to store ovarian tissue, oocytes or embryos for future use (fertilty preservation). Also men who have undergo similar treatment often store a sperm sample before initiating any treatment.
• Quarantine of Donor Sperm-Donor sperm samples are tested for bacterial & viral infection before storage..and after 6 months
to ensure the samples are safe to use.
• Men who are azospermic may produce sperm in the testis that can be stored after a testicular biopsy for later
IVF treatment using ICSI.
• Husbands who will not be present at the unit on the day of egg retrieval.
• Husbands who anticipate a problem of producing a semen sample on the day of egg retrieval.
• When there are surplus good quality embryos after IVF treatment.
•When embryos cannot be transferred in a "fresh" cycle e.g for risk of hyperstimulation, or difficulty encounted in
embryo-transfer.
Storage
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| Internal insolation |
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Tank which stores the genetic material.
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Top view of Tank with 6 sections.
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Transport
The genetic material is your proporty and you have every right to decide to move the sample to another unit.
When transporting from clinic to clinic- make sure there is enough time to complete the transaction-DON'T leave it to the last moment!
Inform both clinics your intentions and pay any fees that may be needed. Ask for written information about the sample and
which type of method was used in the freezing process.
You may have to sign another consent form for the release.
Below is the correct device for transporting frozen embryos, eggs and sperm.
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Dry –shipper: Mobile container for transportation of eggs, embryos and semen. Insolated with liquid nitrogen-can sustain very low temperatures for upto 30 days.
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