Automation of Oocyte and Embryo Vitrification
This study tests a new automated way to freeze human eggs and embryos, comparing it with the current manual method done by fertility clinic staff. Freezing eggs and embryos is an important part of fertility treatments like IVF. Currently, this is a skilled, manual process which can take a lot of time. This study wants to find out if an automated machine can freeze eggs and embryos just as effectively. If successful, this new method could help make the freezing process more consistent, possibly reduce costs, and make fertility treatments more widely available. The study uses eggs and embryos that patients no longer need for their own treatment, so it won't affect their fertility journey.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking at how we freeze human eggs and embryos for fertility treatments. Currently, expert lab staff carefully perform this process by hand. This takes a lot of time and training, and the results can sometimes vary between different staff members.
The main aim of this study is to see if a new automated (machine-led) system can freeze eggs and embryos as successfully as the skilled lab staff do by hand. If this new automated method works well, it could make the freezing process more standard and consistent across different fertility clinics. This could also potentially reduce the workload on staff, lower costs, and ultimately make fertility treatments more accessible to more people who need them.
To test this, patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment at CARE Fertility Manchester who agree to be part of the study will have any extra eggs and embryos (those not suitable for their own treatment) split into two groups. One group will be frozen using the traditional hand method, and the other with the new automated system. Later, both groups will be thawed to see how well they survived. It's important to know that this study will only use eggs and embryos that would otherwise be discarded, so it will not impact your own fertility treatment or outcomes.
Key takeaways
- The study compares machine-led vs. hand-freezing of eggs/embryos.
- It aims to make fertility treatments more consistent and accessible.
- Participation uses only surplus eggs and embryos, not affecting your treatment.
- There are no direct risks or benefits to individuals taking part.
- Your contribution could improve future fertility care for many.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, women need to be between 18 and 38 years old. Your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a measure of your weight in relation to your height, should be between 20 and 35.
We also look at your 'ovarian reserve', which is an indicator of the number of eggs you have left. This is usually checked with a blood test measuring something called Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). For this study, your AMH level needs to be 1.5 ng/mL or higher.
You wouldn't be able to join the study if you have a low ovarian reserve, or if your partner needs a special procedure called 'surgical sperm retrieval' because of certain sperm issues.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman between 18 and 38 years old?
- Is your BMI (Body Mass Index) between 20 and 35?
- Do you have a healthy ovarian reserve (AMH level of 1.5 ng/mL or higher)?
- Are you not expected to need surgical sperm retrieval?
- Would you be comfortable with your surplus eggs/embryos being used for research?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to do anything extra beyond your standard fertility treatment. The study will only use any extra eggs and embryos you might have that are not going to be used for your own fertility treatment. These are eggs or embryos that would otherwise be discarded. There are no additional visits, assessments, or medications involved for you. The study will simply divide these surplus eggs and embryos into two groups – one for the standard freezing method and one for the new automated method. They will then be thawed later to check their survival rates.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CARE FertilityVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
Will this study affect my own fertility treatment or chances of getting pregnant?
No, absolutely not. The study only uses extra eggs and embryos that won't be used for your treatment and would normally be discarded. Your personal fertility treatment will not be impacted.
What is 'automated vitrification'?
It's a new method where a machine helps to freeze eggs and embryos, instead of it being done entirely by hand by a person. 'Vitrification' is the scientific term for this rapid freezing process.
Do I need to do anything extra if I join the study?
No, you don't need to do anything differently. Your participation simply allows any surplus eggs and embryos to be used for this important research.
Why is it important to automate the freezing process?
Automating it could make the process more consistent, potentially reduce costs, and make fertility treatments more widely available to more people who need them.
Who is eligible to take part?
Women aged 18-38 with a BMI between 20-35 and a healthy ovarian reserve (AMH of 1.5 ng/mL or higher) may be eligible. You cannot join if you have low ovarian reserve or if specific sperm retrieval surgery is needed.
How to find out more
Giuseppe Silvestri, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.