Before an embryo can implant, it has to 'hatch' out of its protective shell. Assisted Hatching gives embryos with a thickened shell a helping hand — and is included as standard at Human First.
Every embryo is surrounded by a protective shell: the zona pellucida. Around day 5 or 6, the embryo needs to break out of this shell ('hatch') to implant in the uterine lining. In some embryos, the shell is thickened or hardened — for example due to a higher maternal age, after freezing and thawing, or without any clear reason.
With Assisted Hatching, the embryologist uses a precision laser to make a tiny opening in the zona pellucida just before transfer. The embryo itself is not touched. The opening makes it easier for the embryo to hatch and implant.
Where many clinics offer Assisted Hatching as a paid extra, the technique is included as standard at Human First in the €2,800 IVF/ICSI treatment. The laboratory applies the technique wherever medically worthwhile.
Yes. The laser works with extreme precision on the shell and does not touch the embryo itself. The technique has been used worldwide for decades.
We believe a technique that increases the chance of implantation shouldn't be a revenue stream. That's why Assisted Hatching is included as standard in the treatment price.
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