The embryology laboratory is the heart of every Assisted Reproduction Unit and contributes decisively to pregnancy success rates. In the Embryology laboratory, all critical procedures are carried out such as, among others, the collection of eggs, their union with sperm for fertilization, the cultivation of embryos, freezing and thawing of gametes and embryos, micro-fertilization and embryo biopsy for pre-implantation testing.

There are two main factors that determine the success of the embryology laboratory: its staffing by highly trained embryologists and modern technological equipment. In recent years, several technological applications have been added to the field of in vitro fertilization, which aim to increase the efficiency of the treatment, to automate the procedures, to optimize the conditions of the embryological laboratory and, by extension, to increase the probability of pregnancy.

Indicatively, the cutting-edge technologies that bring the embryological laboratory of the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit into the new era are:

Time-lapse technology

Time-lapse systems consist of specialized incubators into which special digital microscopy cameras are integrated. The embryos are photographed every 5-10 minutes and these photos are compiled into a video using special software. In this way, we now have at our disposal information on the continuous development of the embryos throughout their stay in the laboratory. And all this without having to leave the incubator even for a moment. The embryos remain continuously within the optimal environment of the incubator, thus avoiding their unwanted exposure to non-ideal external conditions. The real-time video recording of embryos as they develop in the laboratory, combined with sophisticated software and the large amount of data resulting from timelapse systems, opens up a new horizon of possibilities, such as the use of artificial intelligence. Also, time-lapse is a very useful research tool that offers new information about cellular processes in embryos that were previously unknown to reproductive scientists. Besides, in the new laboratory of the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit, we are investing in the installation of multiple time-lapse systems, aiming to carry out almost all of the cases inside these incubators.

Artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence AI)

Advanced artificial intelligence systems (artificial intelligence, AI) bring the embryology laboratory of the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit into the new era of automation.

AI systems analyze a huge amount of data and have the ability to distinguish details in images and videos of fetuses that are not perceived by the human eye. In this way our embryologists are able to more accurately select which embryos will lead to pregnancy aiming to further increase our Unit’s success rates,

Life Aire IVF ventilation system

The air cleanliness of the embryology laboratory is critical for the optimal development of the embryos during their culture. It is essential that the laboratory environment is free of harmful micro-organisms, volatile substances and micro-particles. In the embryological laboratory of the Unit of the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit, the first in Europe and one of the few worldwide, state-of-the-art Life Aire IVF air purification system was installed, which neutralizes up to 99.99% of contaminants and is clinically proven to improve up to 14, 9% IVF success rates. In particular, the LifeAire IVF system’s advanced filters destroy embryotoxic airborne pathogens and trap up to 99.99% of biological and environmental chemical contaminants, as well as viruses, including coronaviruses, ensuring absolute cleanliness and safety in the embryology laboratory environment where embryos develop. This is the first system in Europe and one of the few currently in the world.

RI Witness Tracking and Identification System

Effective tracking and identification of eggs, sperm and embryos with their respective unique patients at all stages of the IVF process is now a legal requirement. The RI Witness electronic system using RIFD technology ensures the correctness of the procedures step by step and ensures the absolute safety, transparency and above all the trust of our patients.

Log and guard laboratory conditions monitoring system

The stability of the conditions of the embryological laboratory is achieved by the continuous real time recording of all critical parameters through the “Log and Guard” monitoring system. With this system we have a continuous 24/7 recording of all critical laboratory conditions (temperature of incubation ovens, refrigerators, rooms, pH of culture liquids, CO2 and N2 gas levels inside the incubation ovens, liquid nitrogen levels of the germ material storage containers in the cryopreservation bank) .

The HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit is a milestone in the field of assisted reproduction in Greece and is the largest investment of the last decade in this field in our country. It has set new standards in assisted reproduction and has become a reference point for fertility treatments, not only nationwide, but also internationally, offering high-quality medical services as well as hope to thousands of infertile couples. The Unit is supported by a leading team of doctors, clinical embryologists and renowned assisted reproduction specialists trained in the best centers worldwide, as well as experienced mental health and nursing professionals.