First births using a closed, simplified IVF culture system in a mobile IVF laboratory: a proof-of-concept study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Biotechnology
• Public Health

Background:

• Access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) is limited in many regions due to high costs and geographical concentration of fertility centers.
• Simplified, low-cost embryo culture systems are needed to make ART more accessible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of achieving pregnancy using a simplified embryo culture system within a mobile in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory.
• To assess the efficacy of a prototype mobile IVF unit in a real-world setting.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study using a case series design was conducted.
• A mild ovarian stimulation protocol was employed.
• Oocyte retrieval occurred in a clinical setting, with subsequent fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer performed in a mobile unit utilizing a simplified, closed, low-cost embryo culture system.

Main Results:

• Out of 12 initiated cycles, 10 proceeded to embryo culture after initial challenges.
• Five cycles resulted in embryo transfer (single or double embryo).
• A 50% clinical pregnancy rate was observed, with four live births from five pregnancies.

Conclusions:

• The study presents proof of concept for utilizing mild stimulation and a low-cost embryo culture system in a mobile laboratory.
• These findings suggest that mobile IVF laboratories can improve ART accessibility in underserved areas.
• The mobile IVF approach shows promise for overcoming barriers to fertility treatment in resource-limited settings.