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In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification

Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification

Published on: July 26, 2019

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

Federica Innocenti¹, Greta Chiara Cermisoni¹, Marilena Taggi¹

¹IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)

|September 5, 2025

Summary

Optimizing IVF success requires careful timing. Delays between ovulation trigger and oocyte denudation significantly decrease the mean blastulation rate (m-BR), especially beyond 40 hours, while lab workload does not impact outcomes.

Keywords:

blastulation rate key performance indicators lab management lab workload quality control standard operating procedures

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Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Impact of Immediate Partial Removal of Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes on Fertilization Efficiency and Embryo Quality

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Last Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification

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Published on: July 26, 2019

Modified MicroSecure Vitrification: A Safe, Simple and Highly Effective Cryopreservation Procedure for Human Blastocysts

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Published on: March 2, 2017

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Impact of Immediate Partial Removal of Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes on Fertilization Efficiency and Embryo Quality

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Impact of Immediate Partial Removal of Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes on Fertilization Efficiency and Embryo Quality

Published on: October 18, 2024

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.