What is an embryologist?

If you or a loved one is having difficulty conceiving, you may have researched in vitro fertilization options. In vitro fertilization, which is commonly referred to as IVF, is a process that begins with ovulation induction to stimulate a woman’s ovaries. Next, the eggs are harvested through an ultrasound-guided technique. Once the eggs have been retrieved, they are fertilized and grown in a laboratory for three to five days before the embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus or frozen for implantation at a later date.

A key member of an IVF patient’s clinical team is their embryologist. An embryologist is a scientist who has a bachelor’s degree in the clinical sciences and who participates in continuing education to ensure that they are aware of any clinical developments in the field of embryology. They specialize in the care of embryos from the time of egg retrieval to the time when the embryo is implanted into the woman’s uterus. The embryologist is responsible for: 

• Maintaining the lab environment for the duration of the embryo's stay in the lab
• Ensuring that the lab environment mimics that of a woman’s uterus
• Inseminating the eggs to create embryos, performed through conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
• Vitrifying sperm, eggs, and embryos
• Grading and observing the embryos
• Performing laser biopsies on certain embryos to screen for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic diseases

The Valley Hospital’s Fertility Center is led by Ali Nasseri, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director and Dehan Chen, M.D., Associate Clinical Director. Also practicing at the center is Keri L. Greenseid, M.D. The center’s staff understands the emotional and psychological concerns of couples and individuals seeking infertility treatment and possesses not only the medical expertise responsible for superior success rates, but the caring and compassionate approach that leads many patients to recommend the program to family members and friends. To learn more about the center or to schedule a consultation, please call 201-634-5400.