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Fertility Glossary

Vitrification

Ultra-rapid freezing that turns cells to a glass-like state without ice crystals.

Eggs, sperm & embryos

Vitrification cools eggs, embryos or ovarian tissue so quickly, using cryoprotectants, that water does not form damaging ice crystals. It has largely replaced older slow-freezing methods and gives high survival rates on warming. It is the standard method in South African embryology laboratories.

Also known as: flash freezing, vitrified

Sources

  • ESHRE/ICMART glossary and ESHRE laboratory guidance

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

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