An embryologist is usually a specialist who has completed extensive training in human embryology, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Embryology is the study of how an individual develops from fertilization to birth. It involves the study of cells in living organisms and tissues and organs that develop during the development stage, and it is performed in an embryology lab Fort Worth.
Here are the responsibilities of an embryologist.
Semen analysis
Embryologists perform a semen analysis. The purpose of the semen analysis is to determine if there are any sperm in the ejaculate and to evaluate the quantity and quality of the sperm. This can be done by looking at the amount of sperm, their shape, and how many live in each sample. There are two main reasons for this:
To determine if there is enough healthy sperm in the ejaculate to fertilize an egg. The test is not meant to detect genetic abnormalities or other problems with your body that might cause you to have a low number of healthy sperm, but it does help identify if your sperm count is normal or not so good.
To see if there are any abnormalities with your sperm, such as low motility (ability to move), a high percentage of dead sperm (sperm that cannot move), or low concentration of sperm (smaller amount).
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
An embryologist specializes in the development and growth of human embryos. They are responsible for understanding and treating infertility in women and helping them achieve pregnancy using assisted reproductive technology (ART). Embryologists are often called upon to perform in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this procedure, eggs from a woman’s ovaries are fertilized outside her body by sperm from a man’s testicles. The resulting embryos are then cultured in a laboratory until they can be transferred into the womb, where they develop into full-term babies. Embryologists help couples unable to conceive through their methods or those who wish to avoid pregnancy altogether.
ICSI
Embryologists can perform ICSI. ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. This procedure involves injecting sperm directly into an egg through a tube placed through the vagina into the fallopian tube. The egg then begins to divide and grow into an embryo (fertilized egg).
Assessment of embryo quality
Embryologists are responsible for assessing the quality of an embryo and making decisions about its transfer to the uterus. Embryologists are also involved in the process of embryo selection, which includes determining the best embryos for transfer, when to transfer them, and how many to transfer.
The first step in this process is an embryologist’s detailed assessment of the embryo. The embryologist will look at several factors, including:
- The number and size of cells that make up the embryo.
- The percentage of polar body cells present.
- Whether there is any contamination (foreign material) present in the embryo.
- The viability or quality of each cell type present in the embryo.
Embryologists are scientists who study human development, beginning with the earliest stages of fetal growth and ending at birth. They study how cells divide and form tissues, how organs develop, and how the body develops from a single cell in the fertilized egg. Embryologists perform many studies related to stem cells, which are immature cells that can develop into any type of tissue in the body. Embryologists also perform research on infertility and birth defects by studying embryos or fetuses affected by disease or genetic disorders. If you have fertility or pregnancy issues, contact CARE Fertility experts.