Manual of Embryo Culture in Human Assisted Reproduction (Cambridge Laboratory Manuals in Assisted Reproductive Technology)

Whilst assisted reproduction techniques (ART) have become increasingly successful and largely standardized, there is still only a partial understanding of what constitutes a 'true' embryo environment. Replicating the varying physiological conditions of the in-vivo environment that the embryo travels through in the in-vitro culture is still a major challenge in ART. This practical volume details how to organize and operate an IVF laboratory in order to mimic these conditions for successful embryo culture. Environments and equipment that are essential for running safe and efficient facilities such as maintaining good air quality and hygiene protocols, and utilizing an effective layout are covered in detail. Other chapters discuss the different consumables needed, optimal handling techniques and parameter monitoring systems, as well as recent advances in the area including artificial intelligence and automation. This is an indispensable guide to understanding the background science of culturing embryos, crucial to successful outcomes in ART. Comprehensive guidance on the optimal structure, organization and management of IVF laboratories helps readers improve their practices and ensure successful procedures 27 detailed color illustrations bring the content to life, depicting the topics being discussed and helping readers understand the content Highly practical, guidance is comprehensive but plainly written and includes tips for optimizing outcomes and trouble-shooting any issues that may occur in an IVF laboratory "In a span of just a couple of decades, human reproduction has been revolutionized by the widespread use of assisted reproduction. Many couples and individuals who previously could not achieve pregnancy and live birth are now able to fulfill their wish of a family. In addition, it is possible to postpone and plan the time for reproduction through improved cryopreservation techniques for gametes and embryos. Today, assisted reproduction techniques are established all over the world, having led to more than 8 million children born, with an estimated 10 million embryos cryopreserved. It is important to remember that the success of these - now more or less standard - procedures, have been accomplished by the dedicated work of a large number of scientists, embryologists and clinicians. However, despite considerable experimental and clinical research, we still only have a partial understanding of what constitutes a "true" embryo environment. In vivo the oocyte travels from the ovary to the uterus through a landscape of changing physiological conditions. Much effort has been made to mimic this varying environment in the in vitro culture but we still do not know whether in the end the embryos should be in utero for a better environment or maintained in vitro for a better selection. Special focus of research has been directed towards composition of the culture media, handling of the gametes and embryos, and to the design of specialized incubators to create stable and controlled conditions regarding pH, temperature and osmolarity"-- Provided by publisher Introduction to Embryo Culture Kersti Lundin and Aisling Ahlstrom 1. Facilities for Embryo Culture Julius Hreinsson 2. Incubators for Embryo Culture Borut Kovacic 3. Consumables for the IVF laboratory – Production and Validation, Quality Control and Bioassays Hubert Joris 4. Embryo Metabolism and what does the Embryo Need? – Embryo Stress Paula Vergaro and Roger G. Sturmey 5. Culture Media and Embryo Culture Arne Sunde and Roger G. Sturmey 6. Optimal Handling Techniques for Embryo Culture Michael Reed and Thomas Pool 7. From Identification to Witnessing – Traceability to Ensure the Safety of the Embryo During Culture Kelly Tilleman and Annelies Tolpe 8. Timing of Embryo Culture Ioannis Sfontouris 9. Time-lapse Microscopy for Embryo Culture Kirstine Kirkegaard and Thomas Freour 10. Laboratory Monitoring for Embryo Culture Carlotta Zaca, Andrea Borini, and Giovanni Coticchio 11. Embryo Culture and IVF Offspring Outcome John C. Dumoulin and Aafke van Montfoort 12. The Changing Culture of Embryo Culture – Advances in the IVF Culture System Carole Curchoe and Jason E. Swain. Providing practical guidance for the optimal organization and management of embryo culture in the IVF laboratory, this essential volume covers how to run the facilities effectively, the equipment and consumables needed and different types of culture systems used. Handling techniques, methods of microscopy and safety issues are discussed in detail.