What is the Role of an Embryologist in IVF clinic?

We will answer this question together with the embryologist of the IGR Medical Center - Sergey Viktorovich Lavrinenko.

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Let's start with education. Tell us, where did you study? ⠀

• I have a higher education. Studied at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv at the Biology faculty. Department of Genetics. But it was not the end of my studies. I still attend specialized seminars, conferences, and congresses.

How did you become an embryologist? ⠀

• I became an embryologist by chance. I didn't have a specific goal to be an embryologist, but this was one of the fields that attracted me.

What is the first thing that you do when you arrive at work?

• First, I check the embryos, evaluate them by days of cultivation, and follow their development. I also monitor incubators - the so-called "houses" of embryos, where it is necessary to maintain optimal temperature and humidity, control the content of gases in the atmosphere.

Please tell us what the main tasks of an embryologist are?

• assessment of the quality of the obtained material : oocytes and spermatozoa
• in vitro fertilization 
• evaluation of the results of IVF, not all cells are capable of giving life
• cultivation of embryos in special environments and control their development
• embryo biopsy (collection of several cells of the trophectoderm) for genetic testing
• cryopreservation (freezing) of embryos / oocytes / spermatozoa

What do you think is the most challenging part of an embryologist's job?

• It's hard to say...this is not an easy job in itself. Moreover, the responsibility is very high for us. Usually, difficulties arise when you need to select the best sperm cell among hundreds of others or find a high-quality egg. Since the quality of the embryo directly affects the success of the pregnancy.

Thanks!