Essential Data to Record During Embryo Transfer for Research Studies

Patient Characteristics

Record complete demographic information including age, BMI, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors 1
Document detailed infertility history including duration, primary vs. secondary infertility, and previous treatment outcomes 2, 3
Record ovarian reserve markers as these correlate with response and outcomes, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 4
Document previous pregnancy outcomes, particularly any history of recurrent pregnancy loss, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 4

Record complete stimulation protocol information including medication types, dosages, and duration, as suggested by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 5
Note trigger type and timing in relation to oocyte retrieval, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 5
Record number of oocytes retrieved, maturity rates, and fertilization method (conventional IVF vs. ICSI), as recommended by the Human Reproduction Update 1, 5

Document number of embryos transferred, which is critical for analyzing outcomes and multiple pregnancy rates, as stated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 5, 3, 6
Record whether transfer was elective single embryo transfer (eSET) or multiple embryo transfer, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 6

Document biochemical pregnancy rates (positive hCG), clinical pregnancy rates (presence of gestational sac), and ongoing pregnancy rates at various gestational ages, as recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 1, 7
Record live birth rates as the ultimate outcome measure, according to the Human Reproduction Update 1, 7
Document multiple pregnancy rates and complications, as stated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 5, 6
Record pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 5, 8

Ensure proper denominator selection for outcome reporting (per started cycle, per oocyte retrieval, per embryo transfer), as recommended by the American Statistical Association 1, 9, 7
Record cumulative outcomes across multiple transfers from a single stimulation cycle, according to the Human Reproduction Update 1

Avoid using inconsistent embryo grading systems that prevent comparison between studies, as stated by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 1
Do not report outcomes only for subgroups of patients who reached certain treatment stages, as this disrupts the randomization balance, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 1, 9
Avoid reporting live birth per embryo transferred, as embryos are not statistically independent, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1
Do not use multiple outcome measures without specifying primary outcomes, as this increases risk of false discoveries, according to the Human Reproduction Update 1, 7

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) recommends evaluating and recording ovarian response category (normal, low, or high responder) 10

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) recommends determining the appropriate number of embryos to transfer based on patient factors, with elective single embryo transfer (eSET) recommended for normal responders 10
For patients with low or high ovarian response, eSET is also recommended by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 10
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) suggests providing clear information about increased risks of multiple pregnancy if considering transfer of more than one embryo 11
Obtaining an additional consent form is recommended by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) if more than one embryo is to be transferred 11