Technical Conception LLC
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Figure 1.
Detailed drawing of a human sperm (spermatozoa)
Figure 2
Ultrasound Image of Developing Follicles
Figure 3
Human Egg or Oocyte Surrounded
by supporting Cumulus Cells, as seen at time of Oocyte Retrieval Figure 4
Zygote or Fertilized Oocyte
Figure 5
Day 3 8 cell grade A embryo, suitable for embryo transfer
Figure 6
Blastocysts can now be grown in the laboratory
and transferred on day 5 of development.. Figure 7
ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Figure 8
Assisted Hatching involves making a small hole in the zona pellucida of the embryo.
Figure 9
Cytoplasmic fragmentation
(small round “cells” on bottom left of embryo) can be a sign of reduced embryo quality. 
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RMFC offers the following services:
RMFC is committed to providing "Cutting Edge" technology to our patients. RMFC will continue to research and develop new technologies to assist our patients in reaching their goal of parenthood. An essential part of the process in helping the infertile couple achieve their goal of pregnancy involves the laboratory evaluation of both partners. RMFC consists of three laboratories; Endocrine (hormones), Andrology (sperm), and Embryology, and offers a comprehensive battery of tests and services for RMFC’s patients. RMFC also offers the latest innovations in “High Tech” Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. Semen Analysis: Most men produce Millions of sperm each day, however, many of these may be abnormal either in their shape, movement, or function. Many studies have shown that 50% of infertility is related to the sperm. RMFC’s Comprehensive Andrology Evaluation of the male will provide virtually all of the information necessary to assess an individual’s fertility potential. This comprehensive evaluation will utilize a battery of tests to assess the number, appearance, movement, and functional capacity of the sperm present in the man’s specimen. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In the event that pregnancy is not achieved after the comprehensive male and female evaluation, the use of assisted reproductive technology procedures are an option. When the patient and physician decide that it is time to undergo these “High Tech” procedures, RMFC’s Laboratory Team and RMFC’s clinical staff collaborate to facilitate your ART experience. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is the most commonly performed form of ART. IVF is currently indicated to treat many fertility problems, including unexplained infertility, male factor infertility, and failure of conventional infertility treatments. IVF is a five step process: Step1: Ovarian Stimulation – The use of medications to stimulate the growth of several oocyte (egg) containing follicles. Follicular development will be monitored by the physician via hormone levels and ultrasound images. (Figure 2) Step 2: Egg (oocyte) Retrieval –Ultrasound guided aspiration of the contents of the mature follicles (follicular fluid and oocytes) by the physician. The eggs are then identified and placed in culture by RMFC’s Embryology Team. (Figure 3) Step 3: Semen Collection, Processing, and Insemination – Shortly before or after the oocyte retrieval, a semen sample will be collected. This sample will be processed to isolate the strongest, most active sperm. Thousands of these sperm will then be placed with each mature egg. For partners who are concerned about producing a specimen on demand or who may not be available at the time of oocyte retrieval a semen specimen is frozen several weeks before the oocyte retrieval. Step 4: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Developed in the early 1990’s, ICSI has been one of the greatest advances in the treatment of male factor infertility. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into a mature egg. (Figure 7) The indications for ICSI include: • Severely compromised sperm parameters, including count, motility, and morphology. • Men with the need for micro-surgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). • Failed fertilization on prior IVF attempts. Step 5: Fertilization Evaluation –Fourteen to Eighteen hours after the sperm and eggs have been placed together, the eggs will be evaluated to verify fertilization. If fertilization is achieved the zygotes (fertilized eggs) will be cultured in preparation for embryo transfer. “Extra” zygotes may be frozen at this time for subsequent use. Step 6: Embryo Transfer – This brief, painless procedure will occur between three and five days following fertilization of the oocytes. Cleavage stage embryos will be transferred on day three (Figure 5) and Blastocysts, a more advanced embryonic stage where the embryo has begun to differentiate (Figure 6), will be transferred on day 5. This procedure involves placing the embryos in a thin catheter which is passed through the cervix and into the uterus, where the embryos are deposited. Hormone medication may be prescribed to encourage implantation and pregnancy. Assisted Hatching (AH): technique used to improve the odds of implantation of the embryo after the embryo transfer. AH at Reproductive medicine and Fertility center lab involves using a laser to make a small hole in the outer membrane or zona pellucida of the embryo. The opening allows the embryo to leave its "shell" and implant into the uterus." 
Embryo Biopsy for PGD
How does PGD work?
Protocols Preimplantation Genetic Screening (sometimes referred to as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis or PGD) PGD
Blastocyst Culture and Transfer:Until recent years most embryos produced in IVF were transferred on day 3 of development. Recently, with advances in our understanding of the needs of developing embryos, our ability to produce blastocysts in the laboratory has increased. Culturing and transferring blastocysts on day 5 of development allows us to maintain high pregnancy rates while transferring fewer embryos to reduce the risk of multiple gestations. Normally only 2 blastocyst stage embryos are transferred, effectively eliminating the risk of multiple gestations higher than twins. (Figure 6) Zygote and Embryo Cryopreservation:Freezing of fertilized oocytes (zygotes) and embryos is utilized when the number of embryos produced during an ART cycle exceeds the number necessary for a day 3 or day 5 embryo transfer. Once frozen, these embryos may be thawed and transferred in a subsequent cycle. |
