Ultrasonographer experience does not impact outcomes following ultrasound-guided embryo transfer

Objective

To determine the effect of sonographer experience during ultrasound guided embryo transfer on pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

A university-based academic practice.

Patient(s)

A total of 319 women who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) from the site-specific clinic. A total of 118 women (37%) underwent embryo transfers with a medical assistant (inexperienced ultrasonographer) performing ultrasound guidance, and 201 women (63%) underwent embryo transfers by an REI fellow (experienced ultrasonagrapher) performing the US guidance.

Intervention(s)

Real-time transabdominal ultrasound guidance during IVF-ET.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Respective biochemical, clinical, and live birth rates following ultrasound-guided IVF-ET performed by either experienced or nonexperienced sonographers.

Result(s)

The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics or treatment response. Pregnancy outcomes were similar in both groups, with the MA cohort demonstrating clinical pregnancy rate of 43.2% and a live birth rate of 35.6%, and the REI fellow group yielding a clinical pregnancy rate of 44.8% and a live birth rate 35.8%, respectively.

Conclusion(s)

The clinical experience of the person performing ultrasound guidance during IVF-ET does not have an effect on clinical outcome. Thus, the use of an assistant without formal ultrasound training during IVF-ET is a reasonable option.

Key Words: IVF-ET, embryo transfer, pregnancy, ultrasound