Introduction
Embryo cryopreservation is an integral component of assisted reproductive technology, with post-warming survival being a key laboratory indicator that may influence subsequent clinical outcomes. Alpha IVF has adopted the Cryotec method for embryo vitrification and warming since July 2013. This study aimed to evaluate the post-warmed survival rate of embryos vitrified and warmed using this method at Alpha IVF.
Methods
This retrospective laboratory study included all embryos vitrified and warmed using the Cryotec method at Alpha IVF from July 2013 to April 2026. Vitrification and warming were performed according to the manufacturer’s protocols (Cryotech, Japan). All 13,025 embryos from all 9,787 vitrified-warmed embryo cycles were analysed. Cycles were stratified by maternal age: <35 years, 5,335 cycles; 35-37 years, 2,311 cycles; 38-39 years, 1,120 cycles; 40-41 years, 664 cycles; and >=42 years, 357 cycles. The corresponding numbers of embryos vitrified and warmed were 7,255, 2,998, 1,407, 850, and 515, respectively.
Results
All 13,025 warmed embryos survived following warming, achieving a post-warmed embryo survival rate of 100.00% across the study period and all maternal age groups. In addition all blastomeres in cases where cleavage stage embryos were frozen, also survived.
Conclusion
Using the Cryotec method, Alpha IVF achieved a 100.00% post-warmed survival rate in all 13,025 vitrified-warmed embryos over a 13-year period. These findings demonstrate the consistency and reliability of the vitrification-warming protocol and highlight the importance of meticulous laboratory practice, standardised protocols, and quality control in embryo cryopreservation.
By
Fong YS, Lee CSS
Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
