Assisted Embryo Hatching (AH)

In order for embryo implantation to occur, the cells of the embryo have to escape their shell (zona pellucida). This process is know as embryo hatching and it occurs in normal circumstances within the uterus. Assisted embryo hatching is a technique whereby the embryology staff dissolves a small hole in the shell using a weak acidic solution. This hole assists the hatching process by weakening the shell of the embryo. Assisted hatching is indicated when the zona pellucida is noted to be excessively thick (> 15 microns) when measured on a day 3 embryo; with poor embryo quality; in women with an elevated Day 3 FSH; when a Flare protocol has been used; when the female partner age is 39 or greater at the time of stimulation, or with previous IVF implantation failures.