The laboratory is part of the care team—not a hidden back room.

Since July 2022, VCRM has migrated to using the new ZyMōt™ sperm separation device for all IVF cases. The ZyMōt device simulates the natural micro-barriers of the cervical and uterine pathways that sperm must overcome in natural conception, allowing separation of optimally functional sperm without the use of damaging chemicals or density gradient centrifugation.

ZyMōt ICSI sperm separation devices isolate sperm with near-zero DNA fragmentation and significantly lower oxidative stress compared to traditional centrifugation. Recent studies demonstrate a higher fertilization rate and a higher number of euploid (genetically normal) embryos.

In a landmark clinical study of over 3,600 oocytes (The Fertility & IVF Center of Miami), researchers observed a significant increase in fertilization rates—rising from 75% using traditional sperm preparation methods to 83% using ZyMōt devices (an 11% increase, p < 0.05).

Our state-of-the-art embryology laboratory performs all advanced IVF procedures in-house under strict quality control led by Lab Director Dr. Chad A. Johnson, PhD, HCLD and Dr. Fady Sharara:

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Single sperm microinjection into eggs for male-factor infertility or fertilization optimization.
• Day 5 Blastocyst Culture: Extended embryo culture to Day 5, achieving maximum implantation potential before transfer.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Biopsy of blastocysts for PGT-A (chromosome screening) and PGT-M (single-gene disorder screening).
• Assisted Hatching: Micromanipulation to assist embryo hatching prior to transfer.
• Vitrification & Cryopreservation: Ultra-rapid freezing of eggs and blastocysts for future use.

Comprehensive male fertility diagnostic and therapeutic services:

• Standard Semen Analysis: Volume, sperm concentration, motility, and strict morphology evaluation.
• Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing (Halo/DFI): Assesses genetic integrity and strand breaks to identify hidden male factor causes in unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Sperm Washing & Preparation: Customized preparation for IUI and IVF procedures.

Rapid, same-day blood analysis for reproductive hormones (Estradiol, Progesterone, LH, FSH, AMH, hCG). In-house endocrine testing allows Dr. Sharara to adjust stimulation medication doses immediately during cycle monitoring.