Awareness of antimullerian hormone assay and its relevance in in-vitro fertilization among laboratory scientists

Abstract

Background: infertility is a challenging medical disorder affecting 1 in every 6 couples. In-Vitro fertilization(IVF) offers hope for couples to actualize their dreams of procreation. Success with IVF is determined by several factors including ovarian reserve which can be determined by measuring serum levels of Antimullerian hormone (AMH).We evaluated the level of awareness of laboratory personnel on AMH and IVF in our environment.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was administered to laboratory scientists at an annual conference of laboratory scientists.
Result: A total of 174 questionnaires to 87 males and 87 females. Most of the participants were classified as senior staff (44.8%) while 8.6% were administrators/ directors. Our study revealed that 80.5% of the respondents had never heard of AMH although 70.1% had knowledge of IVF. The least commonly requested laboratory test for infertility evaluation was AMH (9.1%) while semen analysis was the commonest test (28.7%). Most respondents were of the opinion (98%) that both male and females should be evaluated when managing infertile couples.
Conclusion: The awareness of AMH and its use in evaluating infertile patients is low among scientists in our environment. The educational system should be involved in revising curriculums especially in areas of current methods for successful IVF treatment.

Key words: Antimullerian hormone, In Vitro Fertilization, Infertility, Laboratory scientist