A Visual Guide to IVF Micropipettes: Specifications and Applications

Monash Biotech

September 6th, 2025

In the intricate world of assisted reproduction, the distance between a successful procedure and a compromised embryo is measured in microns. At Monash Biotech, we have dedicated our craft to engineering the micropipettes that act as a seamless extension of the embryologist's hand.

This guide provides a clear overview of the IVF micropipettes we manufacture. We will not only detail their specific designs and applications but also offer practical, expert advice on selecting the ideal angle and diameter for your specific laboratory procedures.

From the Expert's Bench: Choosing Your Pipette Specifications

While our data sheets list the full range of available options, the crucial question remains: which one should you choose? The selection of angle and inner diameter is a blend of procedural requirements, equipment setup, and personal technique. Here are our recommendations.

Selecting the Right Angle (15° to 45°)

The angle of your pipette is crucial for ergonomics and ensuring a clean, non-traumatic entry into the oocyte or embryo.

• Standard Procedures (ICSI & Biopsy): 30°-35° Angle This is the most common and widely recommended range for a reason. A 30-35° angle aligns perfectly with the ergonomics of most micromanipulator systems and the natural resting position of the embryologist's hand. It allows for a tangential, slicing entry rather than a blunt, forward puncture. For ICSI, this angle facilitates the controlled piercing of the oolemma. For biopsy, it helps to gently sever the cellular junctions when using the "flicking" technique.

• Steeper Approaches: 15°-25° Angle A lower angle provides a more direct, perpendicular approach. This can be advantageous in certain microscope setups where the working distance is limited or if the embryologist prefers a more straightforward "stabbing" motion over a "slicing" one.

• Specialized Biopsy Procedures: 40°-45° Angle These higher angles are less common but can be useful for blastomere or polar body biopsy. They allow the pipette to approach almost parallel to the target cell, which can be useful for gently aspirating the polar body or a blastomere with minimal disturbance to the rest of the embryo.

Selecting the Right Inner Diameter (ID)

The inner diameter dictates the precision of your procedure, from holding an oocyte to aspirating a single sperm.

• For ICSI (5 µm ID): Our 5 µm ID injection pipette is the standard for a reason. It is perfectly sized to immobilize and aspirate a single sperm head without aspirating excess PVP, which can be toxic to the oocyte. Using a larger diameter risks injecting too much fluid and causing cytoplasmic stress.

• For Holding (15-20 µm ID):

  • Oocytes & Cleavage-Stage Embryos: A 15 µm ID holding pipette is ideal. It provides a secure grip with minimal negative pressure, reducing the risk of distorting the oocyte's shape.

  • Blastocysts: For holding blastocysts during biopsy, a 20 µm ID is often preferred. It accommodates the larger size of the embryo without causing compression.

• For Trophectoderm Biopsy (20-25 µm ID): The choice here depends on your lab's protocol for the number of cells required.

  • A 20 µm ID pipette is excellent for taking a smaller, more compact sample of 3-5 cells.

  • A 25 µm ID pipette allows for a slightly larger sample of 5-8 cells to be aspirated efficiently.

• For Blastomere & Polar Body Biopsy (30-35 µm & 15 µm ID):

  • Blastomere: A 30-35 µm ID is necessary to safely aspirate an entire blastomere without causing it to lyse.

  • Polar Body: A 15 µm ID is required for the precise and delicate removal of the small polar bodies.

Our Product Range: At a Glance

1. Monash Biotech Holding Micropipettes

Designed to gently secure the oocyte or embryo with a blunt and polished opening to prevent trauma.

• Available Inner Diameters (ID): 15 µm, 20 µm

• Available Outer Diameters (OD): 80 µm, 100 µm, 120 µm

• Available Angles: Straight (0°), 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°

2. Monash Biotech Injection (ICSI) Micropipettes

Engineered to aspirate and inject a sperm cell with utmost precision, available with or without a spike.

• Available Inner Diameters (ID): 05 µm, 07 µm, 08 µm

• Available Angles: Straight, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°

3. Monash Biotech Trophectoderm Biopsy Micropipettes

The instrument of choice for PGD, manufactured with both flat and bevelled tip designs.

• Available Inner Diameters (ID): 15 µm, 20 µm, 25 µm

• Available Angles: Straight, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°

4. Monash Biotech Blastomere Biopsy Micropipettes

Precision pipettes for cleavage-stage biopsy, available in flat or bevelled tip designs.

• Available Inner Diameters (ID): 30 µm, 35 µm

• Available Angles: Straight, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°

5. Monash Biotech Polar Body Biopsy Micropipettes

Offered with an extensive range of tip designs to meet the unique challenges of this PGD procedure.

• Tip Designs: Flat and polished, bevelled and polished, or bevelled with a spike

• Available Inner Diameters (ID): 15 µm

• Available Angles: Straight, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°

Our Commitment to Quality

Every Monash Biotech micropipette is individually packed and sterile , with a strict measurement tolerance of ±5%.

For customized requirements, please contact your local representative or email us at info@monashbiotech.com.