The efficacy of test tube warming devices used during oocyte retrieval for IVF.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether commonly used test tube warming devices maintain a constant temperature in follicular fluid aspirates.


METHODS
By using a digital thermocouple, temperature was measured and comparisons were made between an analog dry block heater, a digital dry block heater, and a thermostatic test tube heater.


RESULTS
For small fluid volumes, temperature in the block heaters increased above 37 degrees C after being in the block for over 2 min. The thermostatic heater maintained a constant temperature, but this was below the factory setting of 36.9 degrees C. Temperature maintenance was influenced by fluid volume in each tube.


CONCLUSIONS
One of the key factors in the handling of gametes and embryos is the maintenance of constant temperature. Test tube warming devices require verification of their ability to maintain fluid at the desired temperature. Temperature may vary with fluid volume and the type of test tube warming device used.
Yeung
Queenie Sum Yee
QS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. queeniey@cuhk.edu.hk
Briton-Jones
Christine May
CM
Tjer
Grace Ching Ching
GC
Chiu
Tony Tak Yu
TT
Haines
Christopher
C
D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013696:Temperature