Effect of IVF laboratory air quality on pregnancy success

OBJECTIVE: To determine if embryo quality and pregnancy success was increased following construction of an IVF laboratory incorporating features designed to improve ambient air quality compared to a previous laboratory. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of IVF database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fertilization rates, number of transferable embryos, and initial pregnancy rates for all first IVF and ICSI patient cycles ages <35 were compared for the 36 months before and 15 months after occupation of a new IVF laboratory incorporating features designed by a consultant (Alpha Environmental Inc.) to improve ambient air quality. These features included isolation of the IVF lab, retrieval room and transfer room, increased number of fresh air exchanges and positive pressure throughout, avoiding use of building materials that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and both chemical and particulate filtration of outside air. The old laboratory had fewer fresh air exchanges, relied on standard hospital fresh air, and after 3/18/2007 had a free standing air filtration unit with HEPA and activated carbon filter designed for use in IVF laboratories (zIVF-AIRe 100C). RESULTS: Outcomes were compared over three time periods: I Old lab 1-1-06 to 1-18-07 n=102, II Old lab 3-19-07 to 12-31-08 n=120, III New lab 1-1-09 to 3-15-10 n=102. There were no significant differences in diagnosis, age, or ratio ICSI/IVF cycles. The total number of oocytes and number of embryos were greater in I and II. The percent of retrievals without embryo transfer was less and the implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were significantly higher in III.Tabled 1ParameterIIIIIII+II vs III p.Fertilization rate.74.73.81.09Total embryos/zygote.95.96.96.09No transfer %8.85.81.0.02Clinical pregnancies %44.146.463.4.02Implantation rate.34.40.47.00 Open table in a new tab CONCLUSION: Ambient air quality may affect gamete and embryo quality at critical times when either are outside the controlled environment of the incubator.