Ultrasonographer experience does not impact outcomes following ultrasound-guided embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of sonographer experience during ultrasound guided embryo transfer on pregnancy outcomes.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
A university-based academic practice.


METHODS
A total of 319 women who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) from the site-specific clinic. A total of 118 women (37%) underwent embryo transfers with a medical assistant (inexperienced ultrasonographer) performing ultrasound guidance, and 201 women (63%) underwent embryo transfers by an REI fellow (experienced ultrasonagrapher) performing the US guidance.


METHODS
Real-time transabdominal ultrasound guidance during IVF-ET.


METHODS
Respective biochemical, clinical, and live birth rates following ultrasound-guided IVF-ET performed by either experienced or nonexperienced sonographers.


RESULTS
The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics or treatment response. Pregnancy outcomes were similar in both groups, with the MA cohort demonstrating clinical pregnancy rate of 43.2% and a live birth rate of 35.6%, and the REI fellow group yielding a clinical pregnancy rate of 44.8% and a live birth rate 35.8%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical experience of the person performing ultrasound guidance during IVF-ET does not have an effect on clinical outcome. Thus, the use of an assistant without formal ultrasound training during IVF-ET is a reasonable option.
Harris
Isiah D
ID
Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address: idharris@partners.org.
Styer
Aaron K
AK
Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Petrozza
John C
JC
Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D050498:Live Birth; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*