Embryo collection device

Abstract

An improved embryo collection device (10) is provided which minimizes the possibility of embryo damage or loss while facilitating rapid collection, isolation and extraction of embryos from an embryo-containing irrigant fluid. The device (10) includes a vessel (12) including an outlet port (22) for conveying filtered irrigant fluid out of vessel (12), a filter insert (14) positioned within vessel (12) for filtering embryos out of the irrigant fluid, and a lid (16) removably connected to the filter insert (14) including an inlet port (50) for delivering embryo-containing irrigant fluid to the vessel (12). The vessel (12) is formed of light-transmitting translucent or transparent material, and the filter insert (14) preferably includes isolation cells (42) so that the collection device (10) can be directly placed within a microscope for rapid examination and extraction of collected embryos (91). The outlet port (22) is spaced a distance above the base (18) and filter (26) to allow retention of a minimum level of fluid within the device (10) to prevent embryos from drying out during collection and examination. The inlet port (50) is oriented for directing incoming irrigant fluid to the filter insert (14) at a fluid level at least slightly below the minimum fluid level in vessel (12). Thus, incoming irrigant fluid does not cause splashing or foam formation.