title: A cost-effectiveness comparison of embryo donation with oocyte donation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the cost-effectiveness of embryo donation (ED) to that of oocyte donation (OD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Calculation of cost-effectiveness ratios (costs per outcome achieved) using data derived from clinical practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro fertilization centers and embryo donation programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Infertile couples undergoing oocyte donation or embryo donation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Oocyte donation or embryo donation cycles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cost-effectiveness ratios.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For a single cycle, ED is approximately twice as cost-effective as OD, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $21,990 per live delivery compared to 40,600 dollars. When strategies of up to three cycles (to achieve one live delivery) are used, ED costs 13,505 dollars per live delivery compared to 31,349 dollars for OD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cost-effectiveness is a compelling reason for infertile couples to consider embryo donation.
authors.affiliation: National Embryo Donation Center, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934, USA. reg.finger@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Reginald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Finger
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sommerfelt
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Carrie K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Daly
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000191:economics; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000191:economics; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000191:economics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000191:economics; D014481:United States