Embryos at a South Australian fertility clinic have been destroyed in the devastating black out that briefly affected the entire state.

The Adelaide Advertiser reports that "more than a handful" of embryos at Flinders Fertility became "unviable" when power was lost on Wednesday.

While the Adelaide clinic has a back-up power source it did not immediately kick in and the embryos, which were ready to be implanted, are no longer able to be used.

"Despite every effort by our scientists, the embryos are no longer viable," Flinders Fertility said in a statement.

"This is a devastating situation for our patients, and very distressing for our staff.

"Flinders Fertility doctors have contacted patients directly, and individual support and counselling is being provided."

The clinic also said that "cryopreserved material" was not affected and that a review into the incident will be undertaken.