Incubator management in an assisted reproductive technology laboratory.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of incubator management on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes.

DESIGN: Series of retrospective and controlled, randomized studies.

SETTING: Tertiary care infertility practice.

PATIENT(S): Mammalian gametes/embryos.

INTERVENTION(S): Evaluation of human and bovine oocytes/embryos cultured in various environmental conditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fertilization and embryo development rate as well as clinical pregnancy rate (PR).

CONCLUSION(S): Here we review the general topic of incubator management as it pertains to ART. Discussed within the context of this article will be our experiences as they relate to incubator management. Details as they apply to incubator environment also will include gamete/embryo positions within incubator, air quality, and quality control.