Chapter 4 - Oocyte Pick-Up for IVF

Summary

Oocyte pick-up is the process whereby oocytes are microscopically identified and pipetted from follicular fluid aspirates and placed into a culture environment prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF). This chapter sets out the laboratory operating procedure for oocyte pick-up and considers practical training methods and competency assessment. From the outset, it is important for embryologists or technicians to be aware that changes in the wider environment of a gamete or embryo can affect its immediate culture environment. The external environment includes not only the space in which the pick-up is performed – the flow hood, which much provide stable temperature and pH maintenance for the oocytes – but also the consumables and culture media used. Task-based training leading to competency should follow a robust pathway. Oocyte pick-up is a critical process and, as such, should be performed effectively and reproducibly by the embryologists within the team.