title: Incubator management in an assisted reproductive technology laboratory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of incubator management on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Series of retrospective and controlled, randomized studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care infertility practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mammalian gametes/embryos.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evaluation of human and bovine oocytes/embryos cultured in various environmental conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fertilization and embryo development rate as well as clinical pregnancy rate (PR).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Here we review the general topic of incubator management as it pertains to ART. Discussed within the context of this article will be our experiences as they relate to incubator management. Details as they apply to incubator environment also will include gamete/embryo positions within incubator, air quality, and quality control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System University Medical Group, Greenville, SC 29605-5601, USA.
authors.forename: H Lee
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Higdon
authors.forename: Dawn W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Blackhurst
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Boone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D002417:Cattle; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007185:Incubators / Q000592:standards; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D008422:Materials Testing; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011786:Quality Control; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013696:Temperature; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen