Home / Learn / Add-ons / Artificial oocyte activation (calcium ionophore) The verdict
Only for specific fertilisation-failure cases, not routine.
Evidence positions on Artificial oocyte activation (calcium ionophore) from HFEA, ESHRE, NICE and ISAR Body Position HFEA for chance of a baby ESHRE Recommended for the relevant patient group (fertilisation failure, <30% fertilisation, or some severe male infertility).
Source NICE Not addressed in NG257.
ISAR For oocyte-activation deficiency / previous fertilisation failure only; explicitly not beneficial for all; safety (cytotoxic/teratogenic/epigenetic) not fully established.
Source
In India
Charged as a lab add-on; varies.
ℹ Worth knowing
Genuinely indicated after previous cycles with very low or failed fertilisation — not a general upgrade. HFEA removed it from the rated list (Oct 2023) as it should only be offered in selected cases.
ℹ Note
HFEA, ESHRE and NICE are UK/European bodies; ISAR is the Indian society. Indian clinics aren't bound by any of them — but their evidence reviews are the best independent guide to whether an add-on works.
ℹ Not medical advice
This is general information about the evidence, not medical advice. It is not a recommendation for or against any add-on — decisions should be made with your clinic, weighing the evidence for your specific situation.
Last reviewed 13 July 2026 .