Introduction to the Embryology Lab

The Yale Fertility Center operates one of the most renowned IVF laboratories that incorporates state-of-the-art technology, equipment and protocols. Dr. Dawn Kelk, PhD, HCLD leads an experienced embryologist team that perform all IVF techniques including Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Assisted Zona Hatching (AZH), embryo biopsy (blastomere and blastocyst) for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening (PGD / PGS), and cryopreservation by vitrification. Our accomplished embryology team has pioneered innovations that have led to success in extended embryo culture, trophectoderm biopsy and vitrification of blastocysts and oocytes.

Fertilization

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF):

An embryologist loads an embryo into the transfer catheter.

The eggs and sperm are placed together (conventional insemination of oocytes) and the process of fertilization (penetration of egg by the sperm and union of genetic material of the sperm and egg) is left to nature.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):

The cells surrounding the egg are removed (a procedure called stripping); a single sperm is picked up into a delicate glass pipette and injected into an egg. ICSI is employed for couples with sperm related abnormalities, but is also recommended for couples who are at an increased risk for fertilization failure (e.g. those with unexplained infertility and for women of advanced age).

Assisted Hatching:

Assisted hatching is a laser guided procedure performed by an embryologist that softens the outer lining of the embryo to facilitate hatching. This procedure is routinely performed on all cycles using frozen embryos.

Our Locations

New Haven
150 Sargent Dr, 2nd Floor
New Haven, CT 06511-6110
Tel: 203-785-4708 / 1-877.Yale.IVF

Westport
125A Kings Highway North
Westport, CT 06880
Tel: (203) 341-8899

Guilford
5 Durham Rd, Building Two, 2nd Floor
Guilford, CT 06437
Tel: (203) 785-4708

Stamford

29 Hospital Plaza, Suite 400

Stamford, CT 06902

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