Spectrophotometric absorbance of follicular fluid: a predictor of oocyte fertilizing capability

Follicular fluid volume, scoring of the oocyte-cumulus-corona-complex (OCCC), and spectrophotometric absorbance of the follicular fluid were separately compared between a group of fertilized (n=53) and unfertilized oocytes (n=35). Scoring of the OCCC and follicular fluid volumes was not found to be statistically different between the two groups. Spectrophotometric analysis of the follicular fluid in the visible spectrum demonstrated two peaks of maximum absorbance at 415nm and 455nm. The group of oocytes that fertilized was associated with follicular fluids that had significantly higher absorbances at 415nm and 455nm. In conclusion, follicular fluid volume and scoring of the OCCC were poor predictors of fertilizing capability; however, spectrophotometric absorbance, particularly at 455 nm, was positively correlated with oocyte fertilization.