Oocyte retrieval
The following preparation is required before oocyte aspiration can be carried out. The patient is kept in fasting for 5 hours. Different forms of anesthesia can be used. Short-acting intravenous sedatives and narcotics are popularly used. The vaginal area is cleaned with antiseptics and rinsed with saline to remove potential sources of contamination. Trans vaginal ultrasound scan is carried out.
Under ultrasound guidance, oocytes are aspirated from both ovaries. The ultrasound probe is fitted with a needle to pierce the vaginal wall and puncture the follicle. The aspirated follicular fluid is examined under microscope to identify the oocyte/oocytes. The retrieved oocytes are then washed with appropriate solution and placed in a culture dish containing nutrient fluids. The dish is now kept in the incubator.
