Dropped Embryo

[Franke]

We just put in some embryos the other day and when the technition was removing the embryo from the tank to put into the bath it fell onto the ground. It laid on the ground for 5 minutes while we were trying to find where it fell to before he picked it up and put it into the bath. Has anyone had any experience with this happening, if so what were your conception rates like? Thanks in advance.

 

[Bulldaddy]

You may be surprised.  If the room temp was warm you could still get it to stick.  I have done the same thing with semen straws and got good results.  Good luck!

 

[Cowboy]

The problem you will encounter when this happens is subtle -- and some times deadly for the embryo.

Unlike sperm cells to a certain degree -- an embryo is made of multiple cells, and these cells are hydrated with primarily water. During the freezing process, we introduce a cryo-protectant. This does 2 things, it will first DEHYDRATE the cells, removing the water and replacing with the cryo product.

The process is quite effective, but does not remove ALL the water. The freeze it self will basicly freeze the cells in a smoother and less harmfull way. When you thaw that embryo, it is important to do that  fairly quickly in order to get rid of any crystalization the iceing will cause. If not done correctly, the egg will either burst open from too fast of a thaw and destroy the shell, OR it will thaw slowly and the ice crystals from the remaining water will cut the cell membranes and destroy the egg that way.

It is possible that a slow thaw on the floor will still yield a viable egg, however that chance is GREATLY reduced, if not thrown out the door!

3-5 seconds air thaw -- and about 10 seconds or so in water bath from 75-90 degrees (Varies greatly from center to center).

The fact that it hit the floor did not hurt it at all, the fact that it took 5 minutes to find it may kill it in the above manner!

Wish I could be more hopefull -- but your chances are at least greatly reduced!

Good luck -- we all need it at times!

Terry

 

[herefordfootball]

The problem you will encounter when this happens is subtle -- and some times deadly for the embryo.

Unlike sperm cells to a certain degree -- an embryo is made of multiple cells, and these cells are hydrated with primarily water. During the freezing process, we introduce a cryo-protectant. This does 2 things, it will first DEHYDRATE the cells, removing the water and replacing with the cryo product.

The process is quite effective, but does not remove ALL the water. The freeze it self will basicly freeze the cells in a smoother and less harmfull way. When you thaw that embryo, it is important to do that  fairly quickly in order to get rid of any crystalization the iceing will cause. If not done correctly, the egg will either burst open from too fast of a thaw and destroy the shell, OR it will thaw slowly and the ice crystals from the remaining water will cut the cell membranes and destroy the egg that way.

It is possible that a slow thaw on the floor will still yield a viable egg, however that chance is GREATLY reduced, if not thrown out the door!

3-5 seconds air thaw -- and about 10 seconds or so in water bath from 75-90 degrees (Varies greatly from center to center).

The fact that it hit the floor did not hurt it at all, the fact that it took 5 minutes to find it may kill it in the above manner!

Wish I could be more hopefull -- but your chances are at least greatly reduced!

Good luck -- we all need it at times!

Terry

Great post. Really informative!!!