Assessment of bisphenol accumulation from disposable devices used sequentially in IVF routine procedures.

Research Question: Are bisphenols released from disposable devices used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, and do they accumulate when several disposable devices are used sequentially under routine conditions?

Design: A comprehensive assessment of 19 individual disposable devices (31 assessments) and nine combinations of disposable devices replicating the main steps in an ART procedure was undertaken. The extraction of bisphenols followed routine-use conditions (temperature and duration). The concentrations of 10 bisphenols were determined using online solid-phase extraction/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry methodology.

Disposables used cumulatively in routine IVF procedures could display toxicity.

Study Question: Is there a cumulative toxicity of disposables used in IVF procedures?

Summary Answer: A toxicity may be detected when consumables are used cumulatively, while no toxicity is detected when the same consumables are used and tested individually.

What Is Known Already: Many components of items used in IVF laboratories may impair human embryonic development. Consequently, it is necessary to screen all reagents and materials which could be in contact with gametes and embryos.