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Fertility Glossary

Incubator

The controlled chamber where embryos are cultured.

Clinics, laboratory & costs

Incubators hold embryos at body temperature in a controlled gas mixture that maintains the correct pH of the culture medium. Modern bench-top and time-lapse incubators reduce disturbance by limiting how often embryos are moved. They are alarmed and monitored continuously, including during power interruptions.

Also known as: embryo incubator, time-lapse incubator

Sources

  • SASREG professional guidance

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only β€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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