Assessment of bisphenol accumulation from disposable devices used sequentially in IVF routine procedures

Abstract

Research question: To investigate the release of bisphenols (BPs) from disposable devices (DDs) used in ART procedures and to determine whether they accumulate when several DDs are used sequentially under routine conditions.Design: A comprehensive assessment of 19 individual DDs (31 measurements) and 9 combinations of DDs replicating the main steps in an ART procedure was undertaken. The extraction of BPs followed routine use conditions (temperature and duration). The concentration of 10 BPs was determined using on-line solid phase extraction/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry methodology.Results: Bisphenol S (BPS) was quantified consistently from 100 mm culture dishes (32 ± 20 pg) and from high security sperm straws (3 ± 1 pg). Also, BPS and Bisphenol A (BPA) were quantified consistently from spermicide-free condoms (95 ± 78 and 83 ± 49 pg, respectively). No other BPs were detected in individually tested DD.When DDs were used together, BPA and BPS were both detected consistently in the association of 13 DDs mimickin;g the sperm collection in condom and its preparation (46 ± 16 and 43 ± 32 pg, respectively). BPS was quantified consistently in the association of 14 DDs mimicking the sperm collection, its preparation and freezing (10 ± 4 pg), and in the association of 17 DDs mimicking the oocyte pick-up (37 ± 22 pg).Conclusions: BPA and BPS are released in small quantities from some DDs used in routine conditions during ART procedures, but do not clearly accumulate when these consumables are used together.