Photograghs of Vitrification
Open system
|
Cooling:
|
The solutions are prepared. |
 |
The solutions help the cells survive the super cooling process. |
 |
Special straws are used for the storage of the eggs or embryos in liquid nitrogen.
|
 |
The embryo is held on the tip of the cryoleafand it's cover slides over it (1).
|
 |
The embryologist places the embryo or oocyte through a series of solutions preparing the cell for very low temperatures. |
 |
After this, the sample is placed on the special straw/ cryoleaf. |
 |
The straw is plunged into immediatly into liquid nitrogen. |
 |
The protective cover slides over the tip. The external sheath is placed around it. The sample is stored. |
|
Warming:
|
The dilutions of warming media are prepared. |
 |
The sample is removed from it's storage in liquid nitrogen. |
 |
The straw is plunged into the first solution for instant thawing. |
 |
The embryo or oocyte detaches from the straw and is suspended in the media. |
 |
The embryo or oocyte is passed through a series of dilutions to resume its normal physiological state. Afterwards, it is placed in an incubator until it is time for embryo transfer.
|
