The system for monitoring embryos using time-lapse photography enables embryologists to closely observe the development of the embryos throughout the culture period.
A micro-camera that is integrated captures images of developing embryos at regular intervals and thus produces a continuous visual record of the process of cell division and of the various developmental changes. As a result, the embryos can be monitored while they are still in their controlled culture environment.
The images that have been recorded give embryologists extra information concerning the timing and pattern of embryo development and thus aid in the detailed assessment of the embryo. At Neelkanth IVF, time-lapse monitoring is used in combination with conventional embryology assessment techniques and the knowledge of the trained embryologists.
Step 1 – Culture inside the monitoring incubator. After fertilisation, the embryos are placed in a special culture dish inside an incubator that has a built-in camera and microscope. Each embryo usually sits in its own small well, so it can be followed individually.
Step 2 – Images at regular intervals. The camera automatically takes pictures of every embryo at fixed intervals (for example, every few minutes), often at different focal levels. Together these images form a time-lapse video of the embryo's development.
Step 3 – Stable conditions are maintained. Since the camera works inside the incubator, the embryos do not have to be taken out of the incubator again and again for checking. This keeps the temperature, gas levels and humidity steady and reduces handling.
Step 4 – Review by the embryologist. The embryologist can watch the recorded sequence on a screen and see exactly when important events happened, such as fertilisation checks and each cell division up to the blastocyst stage.
Along with how an embryo looks at a particular moment, time-lapse imaging shows the timing and pattern of its development. The embryologist can note how regularly the cells divide and can pick up irregular events, such as uneven cell division or abnormal cleavage patterns, that may be missed in a single daily check under the microscope. This gives additional information to support embryo assessment and selection.
Continuous observation. The embryo is followed throughout the culture period rather than only at one or two fixed times in the day.
Minimal disturbance. Fewer incubator openings and less moving of dishes mean steadier culture conditions.
Detailed record. The recorded images give a visual history of each embryo's development that can be reviewed by the team.
Added information for selection. Timing and division patterns provide extra data to help the embryologist decide which embryos are the most suitable for transfer or freezing.
Time-lapse technology is a support tool and not a replacement for embryology expertise. At Neelkanth IVF, it is used along with conventional embryo grading and the clinical judgement of trained embryologists, who make the final decision on which embryo to transfer or freeze. The embryologist also considers the individual patient's circumstances, because every treatment cycle is different.
