Assisted Hatching (AH) is a procedure performed prior to transfer in selected cases.

An embryo needs to escape or “hatch” from its protein shell, called the Zona Pellucida, before it can implant in the uterus.

In AH, a chemical or a laser can be used to dissolve part of the zona, to facilitate the hatching process later.

This technique is often used with prior failed IVF cycles, females aged over 38, and with abnormally thick zonae.