title: How do laboratory embryo transfer techniques affect IVF outcomes? A review of current literature.
abstract: Over the last few years, many studies have focused on embryo selection methods, whereas little attention has been given to the standardization of the procedure of embryo transfer. In this review, several parameters of the embryo transfer procedure are examined, such as the: (i) culture medium volume and loading technique; (ii) syringe and catheters used for embryo transfer; (iii) viscosity and composition of the embryo transfer medium; (iv) environment of embryo culture; (v) timing of embryo transfer; (vi) and standardization of the embryo transfer techniques. The aim of this manuscript is to review these factors and compare the existing embryo transfer techniques and highlight the need for better embryo transfer standardization.
authors.affiliation: a 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Aretaieion Hospital University of Athens , Athens, Greece.|b Reproductive Medicine Unit , "Lito" Maternity Hospital , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sigalos
authors.affiliation: b Reproductive Medicine Unit , "Lito" Maternity Hospital , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Triantafyllidou
authors.affiliation: a 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Aretaieion Hospital University of Athens , Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vlahos
mesh_terms: D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: Embryo transfer techniques; In vitro fertilization (IVF); implantation