COVID-19 infection control protocol and acceptance in an ART in vitro fertilization hospital

PURPOSE: In Tokyo, where the highest coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection rates have been reported nationally, we introduced and performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on the patients prior to them coming for oocyte retrieval (OR) or embryo transfer (ET) procedures. In addition, we recommended that patients self-inject ovarian stimulation drugs to reduce the number of hospital visits required. We aimed to assess the patient acceptance of these measures and the change of treatment number. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study examining the patients coming for OR or ET, from the first time a state of emergency was declared in Japan, May 2020, until September 2021. RESULTS: A total of 79 out of 94 (94%) patients complied with the measures. This may reflect that PCR universal screening was accepted by most patients as necessary for reducing infection spread. In addition, the number of patients receiving OR and ET increased. The widespread adoption of work-from-home practices during the pandemic has made outpatient visits more acceptable to the general public. CONCLUSIONS: Universal screening and self-injection are accepted and effective infection measures in patients presenting for OR and ET.