Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
A Submerged Filter Paper Sandwich for Long-term Ex Ovo Time-lapse Imaging of Early Chick Embryos
Published on: December 28, 2016
Evaluation of the safety of time-lapse observations for human embryos
Tatsuo Nakahara1, Akira Iwase, Maki Goto
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
Purpose:
To assess the effects of light from an integrated optical microscope and evaluate the safety of time-lapse observations using a built-in microscope incubator.
Methods:
We prospectively compared the fertilization rate and embryonic morphology after intracytoplasmic sperm injection between embryos cultured with time-lapse observations every 15 min in an incubator with an integrated optical microscope and embryos with intermittent observations (once a day) in conventional incubators.
Results:
No significant differences were observed in the fertilization rate (57.5% vs. 57.5%) or the rate of excellent-good cleavage embryos (36.0% vs. 36.0%).
Conclusions:
These results suggest that time-lapse observations using an incubator with an integrated optical microscope may therefore be safely utilized in clinical practice.
Insights
Time-lapse observations using integrated microscopes in incubators are safe for embryo development. This study found no significant differences in fertilization or embryo quality compared to traditional methods, supporting clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Background:
- Continuous monitoring of embryo development is crucial in assisted reproductive technologies.
- Traditional methods involve intermittent observation, potentially disrupting the embryonic environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of light exposure from integrated microscopes during time-lapse imaging on embryo development.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of using incubators with built-in microscopes for time-lapse observations in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study comparing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.
- Embryos were cultured either with continuous time-lapse monitoring (15-minute intervals) using an integrated microscope incubator or with daily intermittent observations in conventional incubators.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in fertilization rates between the two groups (57.5% vs. 57.5%).
- The rates of excellent-good cleavage-stage embryos were also comparable (36.0% vs. 36.0%).
Conclusions:
- Time-lapse observations utilizing incubators with integrated optical microscopes do not adversely affect key IVF outcomes.
- The technology appears safe for routine clinical application in fertility treatments.
More Related Videos
10:13Multi-Photon Time Lapse Imaging to Visualize Development in Real-time: Visualization of Migrating Neural Crest Cells in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: August 9, 2017
08:49Use of Time Lapse Microscopy to Visualize Anoxia-induced Suspended Animation in C. elegans Embryos
Published on: December 3, 2012