title: The antral follicle count: practical recommendations for better standardization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide recommendations for the standardized use of the Antral follicle count (AFC) which is used to predict ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation during assisted reproductive technology treatment. However, the nature of the follicles that are visualized by ultrasound and the competence of the oocytes held within are largely unknown. In addition, there is considerable variability in the clinical definitions and technical methods used to count and measure antral follicles in both published studies and clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  In December 2007, specialist reproductive medicine clinicians and scientists attended a workshop in an effort to address these issues. Literature concerning the physiology and measurement of ovarian antral follicles was reviewed, clinical and technical considerations regarding antral follicle measurement were discussed, and an operational definition of AFC was developed.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Simple recommendations were established for the standardization of AFC assessment in routine clinical practice. The basic clinical and technical requirements required for AFC evaluation were agreed upon, and a systematic method of measuring and counting antral follicles in routine practice was proposed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a standardized approach according to the practical recommendations for antral follicle counting as presented is encouraged in future clinical trials and routine practice. The authors also advocate a systematic evaluation of these recommendations as standardized study data become available.
authors: Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors: Frank J M
authors: FJ
authors: Broekmans
authors: Dominique
authors: D
authors: de Ziegler
authors: Colin M
authors: CM
authors: Howles
authors: Alain
authors: A
authors: Gougeon
authors: Geoffrey
authors: G
authors: Trew
authors: Francois
authors: F
authors: Olivennes
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D002452:Cell Count / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards