Objective: Is self-detection of the endogenous LH surge using a urine testing a reliable method to confirm a successful gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger in IVF cycles?
Methods: Prospective observational study including a total of 103 oocyte donation cycles between November 2019 and January 2020. Urine LH testing (Akralab SL, Spain, cut-of value 30 mIU/mL) was performed at home in samples from the first micturition in the morning after the GnRHa trigger and a picture of the result was sent to the nurse coordinator; this information was concealed and only disclosed after oocyte aspiration.
Results: From the total group, two cycles were excluded. A total of 101 oocyte donors performed the LH urine testing, all proceeded to oocyte aspiration and were included in final analysis. A total of 85 (84.2%) had a positive LH test and an uneventful oocyte retrieval with good retrieval rates (false positive rate: 0%). A total of 16 had a negative LH test (15.8%) and had a good oocyte retrieval rates (false negative rate: 15.8%). There were no cases of empty follicle syndrome.
Conclusions: Due to a high false negative rate, self-testing of endogenous LH release using a LH urine test when performed approximately 12-hours after triggering does not seem to be a reliable method to predict a suboptimal response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Keywords: GnRH agonist trigger; empty follicle syndrome; oocyte donation; trigger failure; urine LH test.