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Intermediate Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

Oocyte Retrieval

Also written as: OPU — Ovum Pick-Up

A minimally invasive surgical procedure to collect eggs from the ovaries for IVF treatment.

Full Definition

Oocyte retrieval, also known as ovum pick-up, is a transvaginal ultrasound-guided procedure where mature eggs are aspirated from ovarian follicles using a fine needle. The procedure is typically performed under conscious sedation or light anesthesia approximately 34-36 hours after the trigger injection (hCG or GnRH agonist). The retrieved oocytes are immediately transported to the embryology laboratory for assessment and either conventional IVF or ICSI. The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on the number of follicles and their accessibility.

Usage

Usage note: OPU is commonly used as abbreviation; specify the number and maturity of retrieved oocytes.

In Context

  • "The oocyte retrieval procedure yielded 14 mature eggs suitable for ICSI." — operative report
  • "OPU was performed 36 hours after the hCG trigger injection." — procedure notes

Also known as

egg retrieval follicular aspiration ovum pick-up

Don't confuse with

embryo transfer egg collection

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