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Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) is a specialised IVF lab technique in which a precise laser is used to thin or create a tiny opening in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of the embryo. This can help the embryo “hatch” more easily and may improve the chances of implantation in selected patients.
Usually recommended selectively based on age, embryo quality, previous outcomes and lab assessment.
In natural conception, an embryo must “hatch” out of its outer shell (zona pellucida) before it can implant into the uterine lining. In some situations, this shell can be thicker or harder, especially in older women or frozen–thawed embryos, making hatching more difficult.
In LAH, a highly focused laser is used under the microscope to gently thin or create a tiny opening in the zona pellucida at a specific point. This controlled modification supports the embryo’s natural hatching process without entering or damaging the inner cells.
LAH is carried out in the IVF laboratory by trained embryologists just before embryo transfer or, in some protocols, at an earlier stage during embryo culture.
The decision to use LAH is taken by the fertility specialist and embryology team after assessing age, previous outcomes, embryo appearance and overall treatment goals. It is not routinely required for every IVF cycle.
LAH is seamlessly integrated into an IVF/ICSI cycle and performed in the embryology lab as part of the embryo preparation process.
Your medical history, previous IVF outcomes, age and embryo reports are reviewed. If indicated, LAH is planned as part of the upcoming IVF/ICSI cycle and discussed with you in detail.
Eggs are retrieved and fertilised using IVF or ICSI. Embryos are cultured in the lab for several days until they reach an appropriate stage (usually Day 3 or Day 5) for transfer and/or assisted hatching.
Suitable embryos are selected for transfer. Under a specialised microscope, the embryologist uses a focused laser to gently thin or create a small opening in the zona pellucida at a specific site, carefully avoiding the inner cell mass and important structures.
The prepared embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus in a gentle procedure using a thin catheter. This step is similar to a standard IVF embryo transfer and usually does not require anaesthesia.
Supportive medications are continued as advised. A blood pregnancy test is typically done 12–14 days after transfer to check for implantation and pregnancy.
While LAH can support implantation in selected groups, it does not guarantee pregnancy. Outcomes depend on embryo quality, uterine factors, age and overall health. Your doctor will offer realistic expectations based on your complete clinical picture.
When performed by experienced embryologists with modern laser systems, LAH is considered safe. However, as with any embryo micromanipulation, there is a small theoretical risk of embryo damage if not done correctly.
LAH is not routinely required for all patients. In many younger women with good-quality embryos, standard IVF/ICSI without assisted hatching is sufficient.
Your fertility specialist will weigh potential benefits against additional cost and complexity, and advise whether LAH is genuinely helpful in your specific situation.
Common questions couples ask about LAH in IVF cycles.
No. LAH is usually reserved for selected cases such as advanced maternal age, previous failed cycles, thick zona pellucida or frozen embryos. It is not routinely applied to every embryo or patient.
Modern laser systems allow very precise control, and the laser is applied to the outer shell, not the inner embryo cells. Current evidence suggests that when done correctly, LAH is safe. Your clinic will follow strict protocols to maintain safety.
No procedure can guarantee pregnancy. LAH may improve implantation chances in some situations but results still depend on embryo quality, uterine receptivity and various medical factors. It is one helpful tool among many in advanced IVF care.
No. ICSI is a technique to fertilise the egg by injecting a single sperm. PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) involves testing embryo cells for genetic conditions. LAH specifically focuses on modifying the outer shell of the embryo to assist hatching and implantation.
LAH is typically performed in the lab shortly before embryo transfer (Day 3 or Day 5 in most protocols) or at a specified stage during embryo culture, depending on clinic protocols and embryo status.
Share your previous IVF reports and treatment history with our team to understand whether LAH could support implantation in your case and how it fits into your personalised treatment plan.