What are the methods used for assisted hatching?

Various methods can be used for assisted hatching, these include –

• Mechanical hatching wherein the embryologist will puncture the hard shell physically. An advanced version of mechanical hatching is where the embryologist uses hydrostatic pressure to expand the shell.
• Chemical hatching is another method used for achieving assisted hatching, wherein a solution known as Tyrode’s solution, which is acidic, is applied to the outer shell until it breaches.
• Drilling where vibratory movements are used to achieve a conical opening
• Laser assisted hatching which uses specialized lasers to breach the outer shell. This is the most advanced and offers the greatest control over the size of the hole in the outer shell of the embryo.

Of all the methods, laser-assisted hatching may be the safest and most effective.