When you’re going through IVF, every step matters. From your first test results to embryo transfer, each decision is carefully considered to give you the best possible chance of success.
Caremaps AI is one of the tools we use to support those decisions - bringing together data, technology, and clinical expertise to help personalise your treatment.
Quick jump:
What is Caremaps AI?
Caremaps AI is an artificial intelligence tool used in the embryology lab during IVF treatment. It supports embryo selection by analysing how embryos develop over time.
Using time-lapse imaging, embryos are continuously monitored inside specialised incubators. Caremaps AI reviews this development data and compares it against a large dataset of embryos with known outcomes.
It then provides a score that indicates the likelihood of an embryo leading to a successful live birth.
This score is used by our embryologists alongside their clinical expertise to support embryo selection.
How Caremaps AI works
During IVF, embryos are cultured in a controlled lab environment. Time-lapse incubators capture images at regular intervals, creating a detailed video record of each embryo’s development journey, over multiple days of culture.
This is an example of the Caremaps Ai time-lapse incubators imagery that has been used to create a detailed video record of a developing embryo.
Caremaps AI analyses thousands of images, instantly, identifying key developmental markers, including:
- The timing of cell divisions
- The way cells divide and organise
- Patterns associated with embryo viability
By assessing all these factors together, the system identifies patterns linked to embryos that have previously resulted in a baby.
This approach allows for a more detailed and objective assessment compared to traditional methods alone.
Developed by experts in embryology and data science
Caremaps AI has been created by Care Fertility’s own embryologists and scientists, combining clinical expertise with advanced data science.
It was developed over more than a decade by our team of scientists, trained on data from 60,000+ embryos and built using nearly half a billion time-lapse images. This depth of data allows the model to recognise key timings in embryo development linked to the likeihood of an embryo becoming a baby.
Because it has been built within a clinical setting, Caremaps AI reflects real-world IVF practice and the same standards used across all our labs every day.
Our embryology and data science teams continue to refine the technology over time, ensuring it evolves alongside the latest research and clinical insights.
Continuous monitoring without disruption
One of the key advantages of using time-lapse technology alongside Caremaps AI is that all the information needed for Caremaps AI is captured on the embryos from the time lapse images without the need to remove your embryos from the incubator.
In traditional IVF, embryos are taken out of the incubator at specific time points so embryologists can assess their development under a microscope. Each time this happens, there is a small change in conditions such as temperature, light exposure, and pH.
With time-lapse incubators, embryos remain in a stable, controlled environment throughout their development. Images are captured automatically at regular intervals, creating a continuous record without the need for handling.
This “do not disturb” approach means:
- Embryos stay in optimal conditions at all times
- There is less environmental fluctuation during development
- Our embryologists can review detailed development data without interrupting the ideal culture conditions
Caremaps AI uses this uninterrupted data to provide a more complete assessment of each embryo, supporting more informed selection while maintaining a consistent lab environment.
Here we can see one of our expert embryologists using the Caremaps Ai incubator to check on the developing embryo's without having to remove them from the incubator.
Supporting more informed embryo selection
Embryo selection is a key stage in IVF. Where more than one embryo is available, choosing which one to transfer can influence the chances of implantation.
Traditionally, embryologists assess embryos based on their appearance at specific stages of development. While this remains an important part of the process, it provides a limited view.
Caremaps AI adds further insight by analysing continuous development data. This helps our embryology team make more informed decisions when selecting an embryo for transfer.
It’s important to note that Caremaps AI does not replace clinical expertise. Final decisions are always made by experienced embryologists, using all available information.
A more personalised approach to IVF
No two patients are the same, and fertility treatment should reflect that.
Caremaps AI supports a more personalised approach by providing additional data that can be considered alongside your individual circumstances, including:
This helps ensure that decisions about your treatment are based on a complete picture.
Where Caremaps AI fits into your journey
Your journey with us always begins with fertility testing. These tests are arranged by our patient enquiry team before your consultation, so your doctor can review your results with you in detail.
If IVF is recommended, you’ll move through a structured pathway:
- You’ll receive a consultation summary, treatment options, and cost estimates via your companion app
- You’ll complete viral screening blood tests and consent forms using Engaged MD
- You’ll attend a treatment planning meeting with a nurse to go through your medication and next steps
- Your medication is ordered through your companion app and supplied by Stork
Once treatment begins, eggs are collected and fertilised in the lab. Embryos are then monitored as they develop, this is where Caremaps AI may be used to support embryo assessment and selection.
What are the potential benefits?
Caremaps AI is designed to support clinical decision-making and may help to:
- Provide additional information when selecting embryos
- Support single embryo transfer decisions
- Enhance consistency in embryo assessment
- Contribute to a more tailored treatment approach
While this technology offers valuable insights, it’s important to remember that no tool can guarantee a successful outcome. Fertility treatment outcomes can vary, and many factors influence success.
Is Caremaps AI right for you?
Caremaps AI may be recommended as part of your treatment plan, depending on your individual circumstances.
Your doctor will talk you through whether it’s suitable for you during your consultation, once your fertility test results have been reviewed.
This ensures that any additional tools or techniques are used in a way that genuinely supports your care.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re here to guide you with clear information, personalised care, and the latest technology behind every decision. If you’re thinking about treatment, our team will help you understand your options and what comes next—at your pace, in your way.
Click here to get in touch with our team today or call us on 0800 564 2270 to get started.