day 3 transfer
Embryo transfer performed three days after egg retrieval when embryos are at the cleavage stage (6-8 cells).
Full Definition
Day 3 transfer refers to the placement of embryos into the uterus exactly three days after egg retrieval, when the embryos have typically developed to the 6-8 cell cleavage stage. This timing was historically standard practice before improvements in laboratory culture conditions allowed for extended culture to blastocyst stage. Day 3 transfers may still be preferred in cases with few embryos available, concerns about embryo survival in extended culture, or specific patient factors. Multiple embryos are more commonly transferred at day 3 compared to blastocyst transfers due to lower implantation rates per embryo.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the developmental stage and number of cells when documenting day 3 embryos.
In Context
- "Day 3 transfer was recommended due to the limited number of available embryos." — IVF treatment decision
- "The patient underwent day 3 transfer of two grade 1 eight-cell embryos." — Transfer procedure note