Glossary
All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Assisted Hatching |
Weakening the outside shell of an embryo to allow the dividing embryo a greater ability to hatch (escape). |
| Blastocyst Transfer |
Transfer of a day five embryo to the uterus. |
| CARTR |
Canadian Assisted Reproductive Technologies Registry - This is a registry where IVF clinics in Canada send their yearly results for compilation into a national average. |
| Controlled Ovarian Stimulation |
Controlled stimulation of follicles to produce multiple eggs. |
| Cryo-preservation of Embryos |
Freezing of embryos for use in future cycles. |
| Diagnostic Cycle Monitoring |
Non-medicated monitoring of a patient’s cycle through a combination of hormonal blood tests and ultrasounds, which are used to give a biological profile of a patient’s ovulation status. |
| Diagnostic Laparoscopy |
Diagnostic assessment of a patient’s internal abdominal organs. This test involves the insertion of a thin diagnostic scope through the umbilicus (belly button). |
| Egg Donation Program |
The utilization of donor eggs from an IVF cycle, from a known donor. |
| Endometrial Biopsy |
A sampling of the inside lining of the uterus. This is then analyzed for implantation defects, hormonal status or infection. |
| Epididymal Aspiration |
Fine needle extraction of sperm cells from the epididymal sac surrounding the testicles. |
| FISH (Flourescence Insitu Hybridization) |
Screening of the embryo for familial genetic disorders, a tool for counting the number of chromosomes in the embryo. |
| Genetic (inherited) Counselling |
Appointment with a trained geneticist, to discuss a potential genetic abnormality or prospects for a genetic abnormality. |
| HSG (Hystersalpingogram) |
X-ray evaluation of uterine shape and fallopian tubes’ status. This test involves injecting x-ray dye into the uterus. |
| Hysteroscopy |
Diagnostic vaginal procedure to examine the inside of the uterus, most often used to treat pathology in the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy is usually performed under general anesthetic using an endoscope. |
| ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) |
The microscopic injection of a single sperm into an egg for fertilization. |