Comparison of synthetic serum substitute and fetal cord serum as media supplements for in vitro fertilization: A prospective, randomized study

Objective: To compare the value of synthetic serum substitute and fetal cord serum (FCS) as protein supplements in the media used for IVF. Design: Prospective, randomized study of 45 patients undergoing IVF. Setting: Private infertility practice. Intervention(s): The protein supplement for use in IVF medium was randomized prospectively to synthetic serum substitute or FCS. Main Outcome Measure(s): Oocyte fertilization rate, incidence of embryo arrest, number of embryos transferred, ongoing pregnancy rate, and implantation rate were assessed. Result(s): There was no significant difference in the fertilization rate, incidence of embryo arrest, number of embryos transferred, ongoing pregnancy rate, and implantation rate. Conclusion(s): Synthetic serum substitute is a better alternative to FCS as a protein supplement for IVF because of its availability and cost effectiveness. Synthetic serum substitute can be used in culture medium for sperm washing, insemination, culture, and transfer translating to decreased technician time without a significant difference in fertilization, pregnancy, or implantation rate.