Time line in IVF laboratory

Abstract

The time line in IVF is critical, as the procedures are associated with the time of the ovulation trigger for follicular maturation, followed by sequential procedures in relation to it. Starting from oocyte recovery scheduled 36 hours post-trigger, the laboratory procedures are followed up sequentially. Oocyte cumulus complex (OCC) may be incubated until insemination or ICSI until 40 hours post-trigger. Conventional insemination may be done either short (4–6 hours) or long insemination (overnight). However, short insemination is associated with an increase in the 3-PN rate. OCC for ICSI may be denuded at least after 38 hours post-trigger, and ICSI may be performed within 2 to 4 hours post-denuding. ICSI done within 2 hours post-denuding appears to be yielding better-quality embryos. Time-lapse studies have indicated that it is possible to obtain higher clinical and live birth rates with embryos reaching the blastocyst stage faster than other embryos. Embryo transfers done with Day 3 embryos result in a higher pregnancy rate than Day 2 while blastocyst transfers perform better than day 3 transfers. Mobilization of patients after ET may not affect the outcome.