What Is Vitrification (Rapid Freezing)?

Vitrification (glassification) is a modern rapid-freezing technique in which eggs and embryos are frozen to -196°C within seconds. Because it does not allow ice crystals to form inside the cell, it causes no damage to the cell.

Unlike the old slow-freezing methods, eggs and embryos frozen by vitrification reach a survival rate of up to 99% after thawing. This means frozen embryo transfers offer success rates similar to fresh transfers.

Vitrification is used in many areas, such as egg freezing (carrying fertility into the future), storing healthy embryos remaining after transfer, and preserving TESE sperm. In the Clavis laboratory all freezing is carried out with this technique.

Key Points

• Freezing to -196°C within seconds
• Up to 99% survival after thawing
• Ice crystal formation is prevented
• Used for eggs, embryos and sperm