Human serum albumin versus serum: a comparative study on embryo transfer medium

Abstract

Objective: This study has examined the efficacy of human albumin as a replacement for serum in embryo transfer (ET) medium.

Design: In a prospective, randomized study, 224 cycles were analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: in group A, embryos were transferred in 75% serum; in group B, in 8% serum; and in group C, 2.25% human serum albumin (HSA).

Setting: All the ETs were performed in patients from the in vitro fertilization program of the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.

Patients, participants: In 194 patients, 224 ETs were performed. The patients were selected when they had at least one good-quality embryo.

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measure(s): Use of albumin in culture medium resulted in higher pregnancy rates (PRs). To further simplify the procedure, albumin was also used in ET medium.

Results: An overall PR of 43% in group A, 27% in group B, and 36% in group C was achieved. No significant difference was observed in PRs between three different transfer media.

Conclusions: We conclude that HSA is a safe and suitable replacement for serum, both in embryo culture and in the transfer medium.