Module information
Module details
- Title
- Semen Processing for Treatment and Fertility Preservation
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-RA-S5
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 3
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will consider the techniques for both sperm cryopreservation and sperm preparation for use in therapeutic treatments. Insight will be given into the scientific principles, practice, associated risks and regulatory requirements. Trainees will undertake the required methodologies in sperm preparation and cryopreservation and interpret results for both patients and clinical colleagues. This module will also introduce trainees to the practical, safety and regulatory elements of operating a cryobank, and how to safely store, retrieve and transport cryopreserved samples.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 4,7,8 |
Training activities
Complete liquid nitrogen safety training and safely top up liquid nitrogen dewars |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 3,4,5,6,7 |
Training activities
Take a patient through the sperm banking information pathway from referral to provision of sample including:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 3,4,5,6,7 |
Training activities
Take a patient through the post-sample for sperm banking provision of feedback and support:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,5,7,8 |
Training activities
Perform sperm cryopreservation and thawing; and compare pre-freeze and post-thaw parameters, including antegrade and retrograde samples |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,2,7,8 |
Training activities
Prepare surgically retrieved sperm (SSR) for treatment and cryostorage |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 4,7,8 |
Training activities
Review viral screening results prior to storage to ensure compliance with HFEA regulations and make the appropriate storage decision |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 3,6,7 |
Training activities
Review stored patient samples for compliance with HFEA requirements for extension of consent, including donated gamete samples taking the appropriate actions for:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 3,4,7,8 |
Training activities
Release and receive cryopreserved gametes to/from other centres |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 7,8 |
Training activities
Perform a risk or COSHH assessment |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 7,8 |
Training activities
Report an incident following the appropriate guidelines |
Type DTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform a sperm preparation.
- Perform sperm cryopreservation.
- Thaw/rewarm cryopreserved sperm.
- Check a cryo-room alarm system for correct function.
- Release or receive cryopreserved gametes and embryos to other centres.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Discuss with a patient results for a sample storage.
- Discuss with a patient or donor a test thaw from a frozen semen sample and its implications for future treatment options.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Perform sperm preparation for use in treatment within the regulatory HFEA framework. |
| 2 | Perform sperm cryopreservation, thawing and warming within the regulatory HFEA framework. |
| 3 | Explain licensed procedures to patients and donors, facilitating understanding to enable informed consent to be provided. |
| 4 | Perform cryopreservation, thawing and warming of gametes within the regulatory HFEA framework. |
| 5 | Appraise the impact of cryopreservation on viability of gametes and embryos. |
| 6 | Apply and adapt skills to communicate effectively with patients and the multidisciplinary team. |
| 7 | Practice in accordance with quality management and regulatory standards. |
| 8 | Demonstrate safe and effective practice, minimising risk to all staff and patients. |
Clinical experiences
Clinical experiences help you to develop insight into your practice and a greater understanding of your specialty's impact on patient care. Clinical experiences should be included in your training plan and you may be asked to help organise your experiences. Reflections and observations from your experiences may help you to advance your practice and can be used to develop evidence to demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of your specialty.
Activities
- Follow a patient undergoing surgical sperm retrieval, including observing the consent process, and medical operation and recovery to appreciate the patient pathway and experience.
- Talk to company representatives to appreciate the variety of consumables available for cryopreservation.
- Attend an external learning session on fertility preservation to appreciate the wider context of practice in the field.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the principles and practice of sperm and gamete cryopreservation and associated procedures.
- Discuss and explain the statutory and regulatory requirements of cryostorage.
- Critically appraise emerging options for sperm retrieval.
Indicative content
- Semen and sperm processing for cryopreservation.
- Surgical sperm retrieval procedures (TESE, TESA, PESA, MESA and MicroTESE)
- Preservation of germ cell tissue.
- Cryopreservation equipment and method.
- Cryobiology, including the physical and chemical processes occurring during cryopreservation and thawing.
- Properties of cryoprotectants.
- Handling of liquid nitrogen and the appropriate health and safety regulations.
- Choice of liquid nitrogen/vapour, risks and reasons.
- Thermodynamics of slow freezing and vitrification.
- Understanding of equipment options associated with cryogenics, their validation and use.
- Physiological changes that occur in gametes during cryopreservation.
- Regulatory issues with regard to cryostorage.
- Audits, document management and troubleshooting.