Vitrification

This is a method where embryos are frozen quickly to prevent ice crystal formation. When the solution freezes, it solidifies to form a glass like appearance.

The goal of this procedure is to prevent ice crystal formation inside the cell while the temperature is reduced. DMSO (DimethylSulfoxide) and Ethylene Glycol are the most commonly used cryoprotectants.

After the embryos are labeled, they are plunged directly into Liquid Nitrogen.

Currently vitrification has been becoming popular among IVF clinics as the method has shown similar or even better survival rates and pregnancy rates than the slow freezing process besides being less time consuming for the laboratory staff.