Chapter 41 - Quality Management in the IVF Laboratory

Summary

Concurrently, IVF has become more complex due to the adoption of highly technological laboratory procedures, including cryopreservation of eggs and embryos, micromanipulation and pre-implantation genetic screening. In addition, the patient population being treated has broadened and often includes not only the intended parents but also gamete donors or gestational surrogates. It is critical therefore for IVF laboratories to implement and maintain the highest standards of quality. Quality can be an elusive concept and is often in the eye of the beholder. In an IVF laboratory it is frequently defined by a clinic’s success rates or the results of inspections by regulatory agencies such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) or a laboratory’s ability to offer the latest technology. While these attributes are very important and a vital part of a high-quality laboratory, quality comprises many other elements that are often overlooked. This chapter has been written to guide laboratory directors and embryologists in this endeavour.