Quality Assurance and Quality Control in the In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory pdf

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Quality Assurance and Quality Control in

the In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory

Karen L. Martin

Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of

Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, U.K.

INTRODUCTION

The main objective of any in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit is to provide good

service for their patients. Although this can be interpreted in several ways, it

is usually perceived as achieving a live birth (1). One of the most important

factors contributing to this outcome is the performance of the IVF labora￾tory responsible for the creation of embryos from patients’ gametes. The

viability of the embryos created and transferred into the woman’s uterus

is a major determinant in establishing a successful pregnancy. As the devel￾opment and viability of gametes and embryos in vitro is compromised by

contaminants and relatively small fluctuations in the environment, such as

temperature and pH (2,3), it is imperative that optimal culture conditions

for gametes and embryos are attained and maintained in the IVF laboratory

to ensure the best care for patients. The purpose of employing quality assur￾ance (QA) and quality control (QC) schemes is to ensure reproducibility

in all methods and performance within the IVF laboratory (4), and thus

provide consistent, optimal conditions for gamete and embryo culture. More￾over, the diagnostic as well as the therapeutic role of the IVF laboratory can

benefit from employing QA and QC programs (5).

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