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Volume 26
Issue 19
10.3390/ijms26199609
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Review

Time-Lapse Imaging in IVF: Bridging the Gap Between Promises and Clinical Realities

by
Grzegorz Mrugacz
1,
Igor Bołkun
1,
Tomasz Magoń
2,*,
Izabela Korowaj
2,
Beata Golka
3,
Tomasz Pluta
2,
Olena Fedak
2,
Paulina Cieśla
3,
Joanna Zowczak
3 and
Ewelina Skórka
3
1
Center for Reproductive Medicine Bocian, 26 Akademicka St., 15-267 Białystok, Poland
2
Center for Reproductive Medicine Bocian, 31 Podwisłocze St., 35-309 Rzeszów, Poland
3
Center for Reproductive Medicine Bocian, 13 Dąbrówki St., 40-081 Katowice, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9609; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199609
Submission received: 23 August 2025 / Revised: 24 September 2025 / Accepted: 30 September 2025 / Published: 1 October 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology)
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

Time-lapse imaging (TLI) has emerged as a transformative technology in in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is because it offers continuous, non-invasive embryo assessment through morphokinetic profiling. It demonstrates key advantages such as reduced embryologist subjectivity, detection of dynamic anomalies, and improved implantation rates in niche populations. However, its clinical utility remains debated. Large trials and meta-analyses reveal no universal improvement in live birth rates compared to conventional methods. Key challenges underlying the outcome include algorithm generalizability, lab-specific protocol variability, and high costs. Nevertheless, TLI shows promise in specific contexts. For instance, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) cycles where it reduces unnecessary biopsies by predicting euploidy. However, even in this, its benefits are marginal in unselected populations. This review synthesizes evidence to highlight that TLI’s value is context-dependent, not universal. As such, adoption must be cautious to avoid resource misallocation without significant IVF outcome improvements. In future, personalized protocols, integration with non-invasive biomarkers, and multicenter collaboration are crucial to optimize TLI’s potential in assisted reproduction.
Keywords: time-lapse imaging; IVF; morphokinetics; algorithm validation; assisted reproduction time-lapse imaging; IVF; morphokinetics; algorithm validation; assisted reproduction

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Mrugacz, G.; Bołkun, I.; Magoń, T.; Korowaj, I.; Golka, B.; Pluta, T.; Fedak, O.; Cieśla, P.; Zowczak, J.; Skórka, E. Time-Lapse Imaging in IVF: Bridging the Gap Between Promises and Clinical Realities. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 9609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199609

AMA Style

Mrugacz G, Bołkun I, Magoń T, Korowaj I, Golka B, Pluta T, Fedak O, Cieśla P, Zowczak J, Skórka E. Time-Lapse Imaging in IVF: Bridging the Gap Between Promises and Clinical Realities. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(19):9609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199609

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mrugacz, Grzegorz, Igor Bołkun, Tomasz Magoń, Izabela Korowaj, Beata Golka, Tomasz Pluta, Olena Fedak, Paulina Cieśla, Joanna Zowczak, and Ewelina Skórka. 2025. "Time-Lapse Imaging in IVF: Bridging the Gap Between Promises and Clinical Realities" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 19: 9609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199609

APA Style

Mrugacz, G., Bołkun, I., Magoń, T., Korowaj, I., Golka, B., Pluta, T., Fedak, O., Cieśla, P., Zowczak, J., & Skórka, E. (2025). Time-Lapse Imaging in IVF: Bridging the Gap Between Promises and Clinical Realities. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(19), 9609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199609

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