Vitrification is a quick-freeze technique used to store embryos and even eggs used in fertility treatments.
The method overcomes the formation of ice crystals commonly observed in slow-freeze techniques, which can be detrimental to the viability of the embryos.
Embryo vitrification has been used successfully is the U.S. for a few years, but didn’t become a standard in Ireland until three clinics were licensed by the Irish Medicines Board in early 2012.
Now, a number of Irish women are awaiting the birth of their babies, who were conceived using embryo vitrification. Their births are expected in early 2013.
