In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Donors are stimulated with FSH to create a uniform population of follicles. Timing of FSH administration and ovum pick-up (OPU) collection are optimized to allow oocytes to be ready for fertilization when they reach the lab.

An OPU probe contains an ultrasound and needle guide, so that the ovary can be visualized then stabilized for aspiration. 

An aspiration pump provides constant flow to retrieve oocytes from the follicle. Pump pressure is optimized to maximize oocyte recovery rate while maintaining oocyte quality. 

A needle is guided through the OPU probe and follicles on the ovary are individually penetrated. The follicle contains both follicular fluid and an oocyte. Similar to embryos, the oocyte is too small to see with a naked eye. 

Oocytes are graded based on the layers of cumulus cells, or supportive cells, around the oocyte. Cumulus cells are important to oocyte health and embryo development! 

Oocytes are packaged in maturation tubes within an incubator and sent to the Bovineq lab in Madison, WI for fertilization and development. 

Embryos can be shipped fresh for transfer or frozen at the lab and shipped to your destination of choice.