Evaluation of fertilization, usable blastocyst development, and sustained implantation rates according to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) operator experience

Abstract Research Question Is ICSI operator experience associated with fertilization, usable blastocyst development and sustained implantation rates (SIR) when at least two embryologists perform ICSI for a single cohort of oocytes? Design This is a retrospective cohort study of all IVF/ ICSI cycles at a single large infertility center from 2008 to 2018. Cycles were included if a cohort of oocytes was split between two embryologists for ICSI. On the basis of ICSI embryologist experience, laboratory and clinical outcomes were evaluated, both overall and by pairs of inseminating embryologists. Logistic regression, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis testing were used where appropriate. Results A total of 14,362 ICSI were analyzed. The least ICSI experience was associated with lower mean fertilization rates (p Conclusions Increased ICSI operator experience is associated with higher fertilization rates and SIR and a lower likelihood of failed fertilization and usable blastocyst development. Splitting a single oocyte cohort between more than one embryologist for ICSI is a quality control measure that can be implemented.