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Light exposure of the ovum and preimplantation embryo during ART procedures

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Abstract

Exposure to visible light (400–700 nm wavelengths) is an unnatural stress factor to preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro. This study investigated the spectral composition and intensity of light during IVF procedures, and calculated radiation doses reaching the embryo during handling and manipulation. The study shows that normal IVF procedure may result in stressing radiation doses, unless filters are applied. This is at present not sufficiently recognised. No Danish IVF clinics use filters to protect embryos against visible light. 95% of the radiation was from microscopes. Ambient light, in contrast, was not a significant contributor to light stress and the use of dark laboratories is not justified.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Danish Medical Research Council, The Beckett Foundation, The Foundation of 17/12-1981, The Toyota Foundation, the A.P. Moller Foundation for the advancement of Medical Science and Clinical Institute Aarhus University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital Skejby Sygehus, Brendstrupgaardsvej 8200 Århus N, Århus, Denmark

    Lars D. M. Ottosen, Johnny Hindkjær & Jakob Ingerslev

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  1. Lars D. M. Ottosen
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  2. Johnny Hindkjær
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  3. Jakob Ingerslev
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Correspondence to Lars D. M. Ottosen.

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Ottosen, L.D.M., Hindkjær, J. & Ingerslev, J. Light exposure of the ovum and preimplantation embryo during ART procedures. J Assist Reprod Genet 24, 99–103 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-006-9081-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-006-9081-x

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