| Table 1. Standardization of ET protocols. | ||
| Checklist | Phase I | Phase II |
| Patient understanding | Yes | Improved |
| Double check of patient´s name | Yes | Yes |
|
Full bladder and waiting time for the procedure |
Variable | Reduced |
| Cervix cleaning |
With a moist gauze, tuberculin syringe and catheter, with ET medium, without antiseptics |
With a moist gauze, 10 cc syringe and saline medium, without antiseptics |
| US guidance | Yes | Yes |
| Mock transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Gentle manipulation | Yes | Yes |
| Tenaculum | Yes, when needed. | No |
| Catheter loading technique | Three drop |
Fluid column or three drop technique |
| Load volume | 50-60 µl | 20-30 µl |
|
Catheter types N° |
A wide variety of catheters (n=18) |
Echogenic catheters exclusively (n=3) |
| Embryo loading time | Minimum | Minimum |
| Ejection speed | Minimum | Minimum |
| ET procedure time | Variable | Reduced |
| Distance from fundus | 1-1.5 cm | 1.5-2 cm |
| Withdraw of ET catheter | Slow | Slow |
| Checking | Yes | Yes |
| Bed rest | 30 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Emotional support | No | Yes |