IVF > Product Reviews > Media > Embryo Culturing and Transfer Media

Intended use
ISM1TM can be used both for the IVF insemination procedure and for culture of embryos until Day 3.
ISM2TM is for culture of embryos from Day 3 and through to the blastocyst stage.
UTMTM is especially designed for transfer of embryos cultured in ISM1TM or ISM2TM.

Background
Sequential culturing of human embryos from fertilisation to the blastocyst stage has been demonstrated to improve selection of embryos with higher implantation rates.

The Innovative Sequential Media ISM series is supplied as ready-to-use solutions offering the flexibility of Day 2/3 or blastocyst transfer. It cleverly replicates more of the natural processes by dividing the in vitro period into three unique sequences, each with its own medium.

After fertilisation in ISM1 or Universal IVF Medium (Cat.No. 1030/1031/1095), ISM1 and ISM2 provide the ideal environment for development to either cleavage or blastocyst stage. Uterine Transfer Medium (UTM) is the last medium in the sequence. It is formulated to increase the possibility that the embryo will attach to the endometrial wall.

A French study including IVF and ICSI has resulted in pregnancy rates per transfer up to 44% after embryo transfer Day 2/3 and up to 60% in case of blastocyst transfer. (M?n?zo, 2003, Private Communication).