Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
oocyte retrieval
Pronunciation: OH-oh-site ree-TREE-val
Surgical procedure to collect mature eggs from ovarian follicles during IVF treatment.
Full Definition
Oocyte retrieval is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under ultrasound guidance to aspirate mature eggs from ovarian follicles. The procedure typically occurs 34-36 hours after trigger injection and involves inserting a transvaginal ultrasound probe with an attached needle to puncture follicles and collect follicular fluid containing oocytes. This is a critical step in the IVF process that determines the number of eggs available for fertilization.
Usage
Usage note: Also abbreviated as OPU (oocyte pickup) in some clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The oocyte retrieval yielded 12 mature eggs suitable for ICSI." — IVF cycle summary
- "Post-operative instructions following oocyte retrieval included rest and monitoring for signs of OHSS." — Patient discharge notes
Also known as
egg collection
follicular aspiration
oocyte pickup
Don't confuse with
embryo transfer
ovulation induction