What is Embryo Culture?

• Embryo culture is a component of IVF.
• Embryos are allowed to grow for some time in artificial medium.
• It is technique of Embryo development in IVF lab from 1-6 days after fertilization.
• Main Embryo stages at which embryo transfer is at day 3 & day 5.

Technique

• Culture of embryos can either be performed in an artificial culture medium.
  • Sequential media
  • Single step media
  • Culture oil (over lay)
• Buffering system – control and regulation of pH for in vitro embryo culture.
• Culture buffer media can be classified according to type of buffer system.
  • Co2/ bicarbonate
  • Phosphate buffered medium
  • HEPES buffered medium
  • MOPS buffered medium
• Incubating Temperature at 37 c, co2 6.0 depends on incubator & embryologists.