Optimizing IVF lab workflows through data-driven insights: associations between lab management, procedural timings,...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine and Embryology
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Laboratory Science

Background:

• Optimizing the mean blastulation rate per cohort (m-BR) is crucial for IVF success.
• Standardized laboratory protocols are essential, but the impact of specific procedural timings and workload on m-BR remains unclear.
• Previous research suggests potential negative effects of prolonged oocyte handling and organizational inefficiencies on embryo development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether IVF laboratory workflows, specifically workload and procedural timing, influence the mean blastulation rate per cohort (m-BR).
• To identify critical time intervals within the IVF process that may impact blastocyst development.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 7986 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles from 2015-2022.
• Data extracted from an Electronic Witnessing System to assess daily procedure volume and operator workload.
• Evaluation of procedural timings, focusing on the interval between ovulation trigger and oocyte denudation, adjusted for confounders like maternal age and culture conditions.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between daily workload (total procedures or per operator) and m-BR.
• Each additional hour in the interval from ovulation trigger to oocyte denudation (36-44 hours) was associated with a significant decline in m-BR, particularly beyond 40 hours.
• A delay between oocyte retrieval and denudation (2-6 hours) was linked to a lower likelihood of obtaining at least one blastocyst.

Conclusions:

• IVF laboratory performance, specifically m-BR, is highly sensitive to the timing of oocyte denudation post-ovulation trigger.
• Lab workload does not appear to be a limiting factor for m-BR in high-volume settings.
• Careful coordination of lab schedules to minimize delays in oocyte processing is critical for optimizing blastocyst development.