Abstract
Culturing of human embryos in optimal conditions is crucial for a successful in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme. In addition, the capacity to assess and rank embryos correctly for quality will allow for transfer of the potentially ‘best’ embryo first, thereby shortening the time to pregnancy, although not improving cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates. It will also encourage and facilitate the implementation of single embryo transfers, thereby increasing safety for mother and offspring. Time-lapse technology introduces the concept of stable culture conditions, in connection with the possibility of continuous viewing and documenting of the embryo throughout development. However, so far, even when embryo quality scoring is based on large datasets, or when using the time-lapse technology, the morphokinetic scores are still mainly based on subjective and intermittent annotations of morphology and timings. Also, the construction of powerful algorithms for widespread use is hampered by large variations in culture conditions between individual IVF laboratories. New methodology, involving machine learning, where every image from the time-lapse documentation is analysed by a computer programme, looking for patterns that link to outcome, may in the future provide a more accurate and non-biased embryo selection.
Disclosure statement
There are no conflicts of interest regarding this submission.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kersti Lundin
Kersti Lundin, PhD, Associate Professor at Sahlgrenska Academy, Laboratory Director of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg.
Hannah Park
Hannah Park, MSc, Clinical Embryologist, Laboratory Manager of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg.