Polarization microscopy

In our clinic, under the direction of Dr. Zuzana Holubcova, a study was conducted to verify the association between the presence of the spindle and the success of development after fertilization by ICSI. In this study it was confirmed that the chance of successful embryonic development is more than three times higher in fully mature eggs compared to those that are fertilized prematurely. Evidence of the benefits of this approach includes healthy babies born even from eggs that were delayed in development and at risk of premature fertilisation.

Methodology

In order for an egg to be successfully fertilized, it must be mature. The maturity of the egg is routinely evaluated by an embryologist in a light microscope during ectopic fertilization. The embryologist checks whether the egg has already expelled the so-called zona pellucida (a small formation in the perivitelline space). However, the mere presence of the zona pellucida does not necessarily mean that the egg has completed its development. Only the presence of the so-called dividing spindle, which is responsible for the even distribution of genetic material after fertilisation, is a sign of true maturity. Thus, an egg may sometimes appear mature to the embryologist at first sight, but after the sperm has been injected into the egg, the egg does not develop successfully because the fertilisation was carried out prematurely.

Vajíčko v procházejícím světle, šipka ukazuje pólové tělísko.

Stejné vajíčko, ve kterém byly zviditelněny chromozomy (modrá) a meiotické dělicí vřeténko (růžová).

Who is the polarizing microscopy method for?

Polarizing microscopy examination is performed when indicated by a physician or embryologist for patients who have an unexpectedly low number of mature eggs in response to treatment or whose eggs have not fertilized during previous treatment for unknown reasons.

And how does the examination work?

If the embryologist finds that the egg is not yet mature, he or she will allow the egg to be cultured for several hours. This increases the chances that the egg will complete its development before fertilisation.

Other treatment options

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