Assisted Hatching
Assisted hatching (AH) is a microscopic procedure performed by the embryologist. The outer “shell” of the embryo is made of a thick protein and is called the zona pellucida. In order for implantation to take place, the zona pellucida begins to “hatch” or break down so that the embryo can furrow itself into the lining of the uterus and establish a physical connection with the mother. Assisted hatching facilitates this process. The embryologist microscopically “thins” the outer protein shell in order to assist the embryo’s hatching and implantation process. The decision to perform Assisted Hatching is based on the thickness of the zona pellucida, the number of cells present in the embryo, the degree of fragmentation within the embryo and the age of the woman.
