Human reproduction
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Review
Transmission risk of hepatitis C virus via semen during assisted reproduction: how real is it?
The risk of viral transmissibility in assisted reproduction is still a much-debated issue, especially for hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is a common causative agent for parenterally transmitted viral hepatitis. In addition, it has been incriminated in other routes of transmission, including sexual transmission and nosocomial infections. ⋯ Today, it is evident that there is a potential risk of spread of HCV through biological fluids, including semen, to other individuals. This risk can only be marginalized by the use of well-established criteria for safety in infertility centres, and by the use of proper initial detection and segregation of potentially hazardous materials. Techniques and protocols have been established to help the andrologist and embryologist to safeguard patients against such dangers, and should be imposed in all centres, allowing HCV-positive males to enter their assisted reproduction programmes.
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The objective of the survey was to evaluate sedation and anaesthetic practice employed for oocyte collection in the different assisted conception units in the UK and whether the guidelines of safe sedation were adhered to. ⋯ Though most units complied with the guidelines of safe sedation and anaesthesia, gaps have been observed in the safe provision of sedation services for women undergoing oocyte retrieval in some units.