Reprod Biomed Online. 2025 Jun 7:105081. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105081. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
RESEARCH QUESTION: How can waste be reduced during medically assisted reproduction (MAR) procedures, including oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer, through sustainable interventions without compromising safety?
DESIGN: A quality management initiative was conducted over 12 months (October 2023 to October 2024). Through a multidisciplinary approach, sustainability initiatives were developed aimed at reducing material and medication waste generated during oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer procedures. Sustainability interventions were implemented during a 3-month pilot phase. Waste generation was measured before and after implementation of these interventions. Infection rates were evaluated at baseline and after completing the pilot.
RESULTS: During the study, 234 oocyte retrievals and 291 embryo transfers were carried out. The proposed interventions resulted in a material waste reduction of about 60% for oocyte retrieval and 8% for embryo transfer, with no clinical or laboratory infections recorded.
CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the possibility for significant waste reduction in MAR procedures through targeted sustainability interventions. These findings underscore the feasibility of integrating sustainability practices in MAR procedures.
PMID:41058410 | DOI:10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105081