Time-lapse imaging
An incubator with a camera that films embryos developing, to help select which to transfer.
The verdict
No effect on your chance of a baby.
| Body | Position |
|---|---|
| HFEA |
|
| ESHRE | Not recommended (research only) Not recommended — low/very-low quality evidence, no improvement over conventional grading. Source |
| NICE | Assessed; no recommendation to offer NG257 assessed time-lapse (evidence review O) under embryo selection but issues no recommendation to offer it (the only embryo-selection recommendation is 'do not offer PGT-A'). Source |
| ISAR | No robust benefit; safe as a tool No robust evidence of improved clinical pregnancy or live birth; regarded as safe and useful as a lab/counselling tool, but not recommended as a marker for ploidy. Source |
Cochrane evidence base
Low-certainty evidence, no clear benefit to live birth.
In India
Often bundled as a lab charge; when itemised ~₹40,000–60,000 per cycle (EmbryoScope monitoring + advanced grading).
- The evidence says it makes no difference to your chance of a baby — HFEA rates it black (no effect) and ESHRE does not recommend it. It is safe and can help the lab, but it isn't shown to improve outcomes.
Is time-lapse imaging worth paying extra for?
Sources
Take this further
Last reviewed .