When you’re trying to grow embryos, every moment counts. In an IVF lab without time-lapse incubators, embryos are periodically removed from the incubator to the microscope, at key developmental points – for example, to confirm fertilisation, assess cell division on day 3, or evaluate blastocyst formation on day 5. Each time they’re moved, even for a short inspection, small changes in temperature, humidity, and gas levels will introduce subtle stress.
Time-lapse incubators changed that.
What is a Time-Lapse Incubator?
A time-lapse incubator – like the EmbryoScope+ we use at Thrive Fertility -continuously photographs embryos as they grow, capturing thousands of images over several days.
Instead of removing embryos to observe them, we can watch their entire development inside a perfectly stable environment. The result is a detailed time-lapse video that shows every cell division and developmental milestone.
- Video: The time-lapse incubator in action
Time-lapse incubators tell us more about the story of embryo development without ever disturbing it.”
Why continuous monitoring matters
Each embryo follows its own unique developmental rhythm. By observing every stage in detail, we can identify patterns – known as morphokinetics – that are associated with stronger implantation potential and healthier development.
This means our embryologists have more data, more context, and more confidence when selecting embryos for transfer, all while keeping them in their ideal environment.
At Thrive Fertility, time-lapse incubators are standard of care for every patient, and we don’t charge extra for it.”
Inside the EmbryoScope+: Stable, precise, intelligent
Within each EmbryoScope+, embryos are kept in individual chambers that maintain constant temperature, humidity, and gas balance – conditions that closely replicate the human body.
An integrated camera captures images every few minutes, creating a continuous record of development. Our embryologists then review these images, analysing timing, cell division patterns, and morphology. At Thrive Fertility, our embryologists also use the latest Artificial Intelligence technology to support them in identifying the most viable embryos.
Technology should enhance, not replace, expert judgement. Time-lapse imaging gives our embryologists more information to make better decisions.
What this means for patients
For patients, time-lapse technology offers reassurance. Knowing that your embryos remain undisturbed in their optimal environment brings peace of mind that every possible measure has been taken to protect them.
For our team, it means deeper insight, greater precision, and the ability to review every stage of development – from a single cell to a blastocyst, without missing a moment. Time-lapse technology also offers invaluable information about embryo developmental patterns, which can also be used to guide future IVF cycles, if needed.
Our commitment: Advanced science for every patient
At Thrive Fertility, our mission is to make advanced, premium fertility care more accessible.
That’s why every embryo we culture grows in a time-lapse incubator as part of our standard of care. Because we’re committed to giving every embryo the best possible conditions to develop.
“Every embryo deserves the best possible environment to thrive in the lab.
Faster path to pregnancy
Time-lapse technology doesn’t just protect embryos, it provides valuable information about embryo development. At Thrive Fertility, we want to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy as efficiently as possible. By using time-lapse incubators, we can identify the embryos most likely to succeed earlier, potentially reducing the number of transfers needed and shortening your time to pregnancy.
Better information. Better selection. Better outcomes. All without added cost.
Next steps
If you’d like to learn more about how our advanced laboratory technology supports your treatment success, book a consultation or speak with our friendly team today on (03) 9124 3896.