A survey of scientists’ awareness of and attitudes to the use of human blood products and alternatives in human assisted reproductive technology

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Human Fertility

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Ltd

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences / Centre for Learning and Teaching

RAS ID

24862

Comments

Peirce, K., Roberts, P., Ali, J., Coombes, J., & Matson, P. (2017). A survey of scientists’ awareness of and attitudes to the use of human blood products and alternatives in human assisted reproductive technology. Human Fertility, 21(3), 174-182. https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2017.1334131

Abstract

Scientists working in assisted reproduction [members of Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) Australia, and subscribers of the online forums EmbryoMail and Quartec] were invited to complete an online questionnaire on the use of human blood products in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A total of 260 started the questionnaire, with 208 (80%) completing it. A total of 62% of respondents had worked in human ART ≥8 years and 68% had post-graduate qualifications. The majority (82%) reported using products of animal or human origin, with 75% knowing why protein was added to culture media and 41% not worried by this. Almost half (49%) of respondents were unaware of regulations surrounding the use of human blood products in health care and 70% were unaware of adverse events involving human blood products in human ART. Most respondents (70%) indicated that they were not concerned about infections such as hepatitis, but agents such as prions were a cause for concern (57%). A total of 57% of respondents were unaware of alternatives, but 77% would use a suitable alternative. Using blood products in human ART is surrounded by a lack of awareness, often independent of respondents’ qualifications or experience. A better understanding of these products and possible alternatives is required if informed decisions about their suitability are to be made.

DOI

10.1080/14647273.2017.1334131

Access Rights

subscription content

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS