Osmolarity studies with different containers and volumes in a human in vitro fertilization programme.

In performing in vitro fertilization, a stable osmolarity in the medium surrounding the egg or embryo is of the utmost importance if a good fertilization and pregnancy rate is to be achieved. This study evaluated osmolarity changes in different volumes of fluid in the Falcon 3001 and 3037 Petri dishes and the Falcon 2058 tissue culture tube over a 24-hour period. It was found that the osmolarity was more stable in the Falcon 3037 Petri dish and in the tissue culture tube. The 3037 Petri dish was chosen for culturing human embryos.