Monash IVF have strict proceedures and protocols in place to ensure risks are minimised in our laboratories.
Every IVF unit has their own methods of separating and identifying embryos as they progress through the system. All IVF units have to work to minimum guidelines as laid down by our accrediting body, RTAC (Reproductive Technologies Accreditation Committee). RTAC inspects every IVF unit annuallly and assesses all protocols in place.
RTAC guidelines state the each patient must be uniquely identifiable both in terms of where the embryos are at any one stage and in terms of the accompanying paperwork. At Monash IVF this takes the form of the surname and first name of the patient, birth date, and a unique laboratory number.
For treatment procedures identification starts with patient admission where all details are checked. Identity bracelets are issued with personal details that identify you and your records. This is to ensure that all staff know who you are.
All tissue culture plasticware to be used for each patient must be marked with the three identity checks that form a unique match to that patient undergoing that procedure. This labelling must be indelible and be on both the bottom and the lid of the culture dish. These unique features must be checked against the accompanying paperwork and signed off by the scientist every time the embryos are moved.
In addition these dish markings, our laboratories have strict protocols in place that forbid the handling of more than one cohort of eggs, sperm or embryos at any one given time. Disposable pipettes, dishes and all else that comes into contact with body fluids, eggs/sperm or embryos are always used, strictly on a one-use basis. This is essential and rigorously policed through the Monash IVF Quality Management System.
At the time of embryo transfer, a patient id check is carried out and crosschecked to both the paperwork and the dish containing the embryos, before the embryos are transferred. RTAC guidelines suggest that an independent person conducts a further verification.
As can be seen there a number of identification and verification steps that should eliminate any mistakes, providing correct protocols are in place and adhered to. Even with the best-designed systems in place there is always room for human error and sometimes, unfortunately, this can occur.
It is our responsibility to give you the best available treatment during your time of treatment. You have entrusted us to look after your precious embryos and we must ensure that is what we do.