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The Scientific Research Laboratory – A Driver of Innovation
Interview with Dimitar Parvanov, Head of the Scientific Research Laboratory at Nadezhda Hospital.
26.01.2026 | 14:13
The Scientific Research Laboratory at Nadezhda Hospital is the core of the Research Center and the driving force behind innovation in the field of reproductive medicine.
Its primary mission is to develop new methods and tests that quickly find clinical application and transform patient care. The Scientific Research Laboratory at Nadezhda turns scientific discoveries into real clinical practices that provide hope, confidence, and new opportunities for patients.
Dimitar Parvanov is a biologist and Head of the Research Center at Nadezhda Hospital.
He graduated from the Faculty of Biology at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski in 2004.
He defended his doctoral dissertation in 2009.
He has been working in the Scientific Research Laboratory at Nadezhda Hospital since 2013. His main interests are in reproductive medicine and biostatistics.
1. What is the role of the Research Center, and respectively the Research Laboratory, at Nadezhda Hospital?
The role of the Research Center is multifaceted and covers several main areas.
The Center develops, validates, and implements new diagnostic methods and therapies related to reproductive biology and medicine. Some of these are applied in the hospital’s routine practice, while others are performed directly within our laboratory.
Another important part of our work is the analysis of data collected from the hospital’s various departments. Through statistical processing, we evaluate the effectiveness of the applied approaches and support the introduction of personalized treatment.
The Center actively participates in research projects in collaboration with Bulgarian and international institutions and presents the results of its work at international congresses in the form of posters and presentations.
We closely follow the latest trends in reproductive medicine and publish scientific articles in reputable journals.
2. What is the composition of your team, and what competencies and scientific interests do your colleagues have?
Our team consists of 8 members working in 2 laboratories (biological and chemical).
We hold master’s degrees in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, and chemistry. Two of us have doctoral degrees, and two others are currently PhD candidates.
We work in close collaboration with the hospital’s other laboratories, as well as colleagues from other scientific institutions, including Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences – IBIR, and Medical University of Sofia.
Each of us contributes to the general tasks and activities of the unit, while also specializing in a particular field.
Our main areas of work include:
- Endometrial dating – determining the appropriate day for embryo transfer;
- Endometrial receptivity assessment – based on the study of immune, stem, and “zombie” cells;
- Study of the uterine metagenome and its relationship with IVF success and the effect of cellular therapies;
- Miscarriage risk assessment through a complex of biomarkers in peripheral blood;
- Genetic analysis for mutations associated with recurrent miscarriages;
- Development of cellular therapies;
- Innovative methods for functional evaluation and selection of sperm cells;
- Optimization of culture media for sperm, oocytes, and embryos;
- Embryo selection models using morphokinetic data;
- Tests for metabolic age and biomarkers of reproductive system aging;
- Tests for essential, toxic, noble, and rare metals.
3. More than a year ago, a chemical laboratory was established within the Research Center. What prompted this development?
We expanded our activities with a chemical laboratory in order to study innovative biomarkers through specialized equipment and to develop new pharmaceutical formulations—something that significantly broadens our research capabilities and practical applications.
4. Which of your team’s achievements have already been implemented in the practice of Nadezhda Hospital?
A large part of the main areas in which we work have already been integrated into the hospital’s practice and continue to evolve and improve over time.
For example:
- IMPO Test – for determining the exact day for embryo transfer;
- CD Test and IMPO+ – for assessing the uterine immune balance;
- Zona Selection – for selecting sperm cells with higher potential;
- Cellular therapies (PRP, PBMC, and modifications) – applied according to the patient’s individual needs;
- Various tests, such as metabolic age testing and tests for essential, toxic, noble, and rare metals.
5. Two innovations are attracting patients’ attention: Test A1 and the metabolic age test. Could you tell us more about them and how they benefit patients?
Test A1 evaluates the risk of spontaneous miscarriage through analysis of immune cells in peripheral blood.
This is a unique development by our team, created after years of clinical experience and the analysis of thousands of cases. This test is performed only at our hospital.
The results help our physicians determine whether treatment is necessary and monitor its effectiveness in women with high-risk pregnancies.
The metabolic age test aims to assess whether active aging processes are contributing to impairments in the reproductive capacity of women or men.
If specific abnormalities are identified, recommendations may include certain dietary supplements and other measures, followed by re-evaluation after a period of time to determine whether improvement and slowing of aging processes have occurred.
An additional application of this test is the assessment of women entering menopause, helping to optimize strategies for alleviating the negative aspects of this transition.
6. Which hospital units and laboratories do you collaborate with most intensively, and in which areas?
We work in close collaboration with all laboratories and clinical departments in the hospital.
For example:
- In endometrial receptivity assessment, we work actively with the pathology and immunology laboratories;
- In Zona Selection – with the andrology and embryology laboratories;
- In genetic studies – with the genetics laboratory.
Blood samples for Test A1, the metabolic age test, as well as tests for essential elements and heavy metals, are collected in the clinical laboratory, where part of the analysis is also carried out.
7. What was 2025 like in the context of your scientific work?
The year was exceptionally active for us—with 13 accepted abstracts at the most prestigious international congresses in reproductive medicine and immunology, including ASRM, WCRPL, and ESRI.
We have published 10 articles, with several more currently under review.
8. What are you working on now, and what useful innovations can we expect from you in the practice of Nadezhda?
The areas in which we are currently working actively include:
- Introducing an expanded panel of indicators for endometrial receptivity, enabling more precise diagnosis of issues related to uterine immune balance and the application of personalized therapy;
- Implementing improved methods for evaluating sperm morphology and function, including a new type of selection using cumulus matrix;
- Developing an expanded miscarriage risk assessment test with the possibility of earlier intervention, as well as optimization of cellular therapy protocols;
- Further enhancing the metabolic age test with new biomarkers for a more comprehensive evaluation of reproductive and overall health.
