FertilityPractice.com, how we can help you develop a successful IVF lab

The IVF Laboratory

Designing an IVF laboratory is a very complicated task

The equipment you choose is as important as the laboratory space itself. The success of an IVF lab is very dependent on the conditions in the lab Here are a few items to consider:

1. What is the goal for particle counts in the lab

2. How can VOC's be reduced?

3. What kind of power back up will be used?

4. Will a low oxygen enivonment be used?

5. How will the lab be tested prior to going live?

Successful labs generally are at least a Class 10,000 clean-room..

Achieving this level on a consistent basis requires proper filtration, as well as training of laboratory personnel. There are numerous resrouces to help facilitate this process.

VOC Testing in an IVF Laboratory

The gold standard for testing an IVF laboratory has traditionally been the mouse test or the sperm assay. Both of these tests will measure the efficacy of your culture system and can possible show gross defects in the system.

Unfortunately, neither of these tests are extremely sensitive, nor will they show you where your problem is, nor how to solve it.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are frequently blamed for poor mouse test results or low pregnancy rates. Testing for VOCs is much more complicated than just renting a VOC meter and turning it on.

We utilize the latest techonolgy and a systematic approach set up your culture system properly or to troubleshoot new problems.

IVF Laboratory Equipment

There are many manufacturers of IVF equipment that will all tell you their products are the best. On the following pages, I will review equipment with which I am familiar and give you a primer on how this equipment works and how to find good deals on used equipment,

IVF equipment is not unique to human IVF. Numerous other fields use this same equipment and technology.

Relationships with distributors and sales people are extremely important, as they can make or break your practice. If your equipment does not show up on time, or is installed improperly, your lab may not be ready on time, or at all.

Having the right relationships and contacts is critical to getting your practice off the ground. Setting up a Fertility Practice is much different than any other medical practice, as the success of the practice is as dependent on the lab as it is on the physician.

Embryology for Fertility Specialists

Even though most RE's spend time in the lab doing research as part of their fellowship, I do not think many understand the nuts and bolts of culture media and systems. An IVF laborotory is basically an exercise in acid-base physiology and clean-room technology. The goal of culture system is to re-create the environment of the fallopian tube and utuerus.