Blastocyst Culture

Extended culture or blastocyst culture (BC) is the culture of human embryos to Day 5 or Day 6 after fertilisation. Culture is carried out in specifically formulated media that supports embryo growth to the blastocyst stage.

What is a blastocyst?

A blastocyst is an embryo that has developed to the stage where it has two different cell types and a central fluid-filled cavity. The surface cells, called the trophectoderm (T), will become the placenta.  The inner cells, called the inner cell mass (ICM) will become the foetus itself. The blastocoel cavity (C) is in the centre. In humans, blastocyst formation usually occurs on the 5th day after fertilisation.