Tubal Embryo Transfer (TET)

Tubal Embryo Transfer involves taking eggs from the woman (same way as IVF), fertilising them in the laboratory with her partner's sperm. Since ferterlisation takes place in the lab, it allows the assessment of embryo quality. Transfer takes place 2 days after fertilisation, when the embryos are at the 2-cell to 4-cell stage. Good quality embryos are transfered back into female patients fallopian tube.

Like GIFT, transfer involves laparoscopy to place embryos back into the fallopian tube. TET allows embryos to make their way to the uterus for implantation according to a normal timetable. In contrast, IVF places embryos directly into the uterus.

Laparoscopy involves a small incision in the abdomen, through which a thin instrument, called a laparoscope, is inserted to ensure the mixture is deposited in the right place. The procedure takes place under a local anesthetic and the patient should be able to go home the same day.