title: Time-lapse in the IVF-lab: how should we assess potential benefit?
abstract: Time-lapse imaging of embryos has been widely introduced to fertility laboratories worldwide with the aim of identifying the best quality embryos to transfer that will ultimately improve IVF success rates. In this opinion paper, we explore the lack of evidence of benefit of this novel intervention, analyse the methodological flaws of current studies, offer ideal study designs that assess the various features of time-lapse imaging, and discuss forthcoming studies. In particular, we emphasize the ethical aspects of hastily adopting a costly technology without current high level evidence of improved live birth rates, safety and cost effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand s.armstrong@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.affiliation: Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, Centre for Biostatistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vail
authors.affiliation: Center for Reproductive Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mastenbroek
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Farquhar
mesh_terms: D001723:Birth Rate; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D059008:Time-Lapse Imaging / Q000191:economics
keywords: IVF; IVF outcome; embryo incubation; live birth; time-lapse