title: Essential pre-conceptual measures for the female partner before commencing an in vitro fertilisation programme.
abstract: Two hundred and eighty-one women were checked for the presence of specific pre-conceptual data and their medico-legal implications prior to commencing an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme. In only 9.6 per cent were the results of a recent rubella test available in the patients referral notes. Fifty-four per cent were then tested in the unit. Two per cent were found to be not immune. Thirty-six per cent of women needed a cervical smear prior to commencing therapy. No such test had been undertaken previously in 6.7 per cent and 12.7 per cent had abnormal test results. Pre-conceptual intake of folic acid is considered an important preventative measure. The patient uptake rose from 15 per cent to 97 per cent following specific advice.
authors.affiliation: Human Assisted Reproduction Unit, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fawzy
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012409:Rubella / Q000276:immunology; D014626:Vaginal Smears
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid