How long is the storage life of IVF?
Test tube baby technology is an important achievement of modern medicine, which provides a hope for infertile patients. In the process of IVF, embryo storage is an essential link. So, how long is the storage life of IVF? The following four aspects will be described in detail, including the storage time of frozen embryos, freezing equipment and facilities, laboratory storage conditions and hospital policies.
Storage time of frozen embryos
Frozen embryos have a certain storage period while maintaining their vitality. At present, it is generally recognized internationally that frozen embryos can be stored in liquid nitrogen for more than ten years, but it is better to use them within five years while maintaining high vitality and maternal fetal connection. This is because long-term freezing may lead to the decline of embryo quality, thus reducing the implantation rate and pregnancy success rate. Therefore, IVF patients and doctors usually consider the patient's personal conditions and hospital policies when deciding the storage period.
Refrigeration equipment and facilities
The equipment and facilities used in the freezing process also have a certain impact on the storage life of embryos. Advanced freezing equipment can better protect the quality and vitality of embryos and extend their storage life. For example, the use of liquid nitrogen tanks that precisely control temperature and humidity during the freezing process can minimize the damage to embryos during the freezing process and improve the storage quality. In addition, the hospital also needs to have special refrigeration facilities to conduct regular inspection and maintenance of liquid nitrogen tanks to ensure the stability of the storage environment.
Laboratory storage conditions
The storage conditions in the laboratory also have an important impact on the storage life of frozen embryos. The laboratory must have good environmental control measures, including temperature, humidity, air flow, etc. Constant temperature and humidity can avoid the damage to embryos caused by rapid temperature changes and humidity fluctuations. In addition, the laboratory should also be regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent bacterial and viral contamination, and the quality and preservation of frozen embryos should be regularly tested.
Hospital policy
Different hospitals have different policies and regulations on the storage period of frozen embryos. Some hospitals will make policies according to the internationally recognized storage period, while some hospitals may have their own unique regulations. When deciding the hospital for IVF storage, patients should understand the hospital's policies and regulations so as to make reasonable decisions. When determining the storage period, doctors will discuss and make decisions according to the actual situation of patients and hospital policies.
To sum up, the storage life of IVF affects the storage time of frozen embryos, freezing equipment and facilities, laboratory storage conditions, hospital policies and other aspects. At present, the internationally recognized storage life can exceed ten years, but it is better to use it within five years. It is very important for IVF patients to understand the storage period. Therefore, when selecting storage facilities and hospitals, patients should carefully consider various factors to ensure the best protection and use of embryos.
