title: Laboratory procedures for human in vitro fertilization.
abstract: Successful and consistent outcomes in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be readily achieved by all IVF clinics through consideration and optimization of each procedure associated with the collection and processing of gametes, culminating in the resultant culture and transfer of healthy embryos. Furthermore, understanding the interactions between the individual components of the IVF cycle will assist when trouble-shooting possible problems in a laboratory which could have an adverse effect on cycle outcome. This article will review handling of oocytes and embryo culture, preparation of gametes for insemination and microinjection, selection of the most viable gametes and embryos, cryopreservation, and successful embryo transfer from the laboratory perspective.
authors.affiliation: Assisted Reproduction Unit, VKF American Hospital of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Basak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Balaban
authors.affiliation: Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Denny
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sakkas
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Australia.
authors.forename: David K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Gardner
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000592:standards; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques / Q000592:standards; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval / Q000592:standards; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000592:standards; D018456:Reproductive Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000592:standards; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome