Intra- and inter-observer analysis in the morphological assessment of early-stage embryos

The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-observer variability in the evaluation of embryo quality. Multilevel images of embryos on day 1, day 2 and day 3, were analysed using different morphological parameters. Multilevel images of embryos on day 1, day 2 and day 3, were analysed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reproductive biology and endocrinology 2009-09, Vol.7 (1), p.105-105, Article 105
Main Authors: Paternot, Goedele, Devroe, Johanna, Debrock, Sophie, D'Hooghe, Thomas M, Spiessens, Carl
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Blastocyst - cytology
Cleavage Stage, Ovum - cytology
Diagnostic imaging
Embryo
Embryology - education
Embryonic development
Female
Growth
Humans
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - statistics & numerical data
Observer Variation
Physiological aspects
Professional Competence
Quality Control
Research Design
Single-Blind Method
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Summary:The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-observer variability in the evaluation of embryo quality. Multilevel images of embryos on day 1, day 2 and day 3, were analysed using different morphological parameters. Multilevel images of embryos on day 1, day 2 and day 3, were analysed using a standard scoring system. The kappa coefficient was calculated to measure intra- and inter-observer variability before and after training sessions. Good to excellent intra-observer agreement was present for most parameters exceptions being scoring the position of pronuclei and the presence of a cytoplasmic halo on day 1, multinucleation on day 2 and the size of fragments on day 3. Inter-observer agreement was only good to excellent for the number of blastomeres on day 2 and day 3 and the orientation of the cleavage axes on day 2. Training sessions had a positive impact on inter-observer agreement. In conclusion, assessment of morphological characteristics of early stage embryos using multilevel images was marked by a high intra-observer and a moderate inter-observer agreement. Training sessions were useful to increase inter-observer agreement.
ISSN:1477-7827
1477-7827
DOI:10.1186/1477-7827-7-105