Special laboratory methods

Assisted hatching (AH)

Human embryo is covered with protective layer which bursts several days after fertilization due to embryo growth. Cells of the outer layer can move outside and implant in the uterus. However, the “shell” is not always broken in a natural way, the cells cannot leave the protective layer and pregnancy is therefore impossible. Micromanipulation technique AH enables the protective layer to break and facilitates the way out for the embryo. This increases the chances of implantation of the fertilized egg and of subsequent pregnancy. AH is usually carried out in 3-6 days old embryos, mostly shortly before the insertion of the embryo in the uterus.