Module information
Module details
- Title
- Equipment, Culture Systems and Quality Management in the IVF Laboratory
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-RE-S3
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 3
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide the trainee with knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of culture systems and equipment used in an IVF laboratory. They will gain experience of ensuring viability of gametes and embryos cultured in a clinical setting. They will gain an appreciation of how quality management integrates with the laboratory processes, and how to identify, troubleshoot and address problems.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 2,4 |
Training activities
Perform inward receipt of consumables, including:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Training activities
Analyse data required for key performance indicators (KPIs) and make recommendations for action for results out with tolerance limit. |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Training activities
Prepare consumables and media for:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 2,4 |
Training activities
Review results of an air quality assessment to determine adequate air quality and recommend actions where required |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Perform validation and recommend actions where required for a:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 2,4 |
Training activities
Review monitoring data to ensure operating within safe limits and make recommendation for actions where required for:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 4 |
Training activities
Select and set up the correct microscopy for:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Participate in a NEQAS assessment, review results and make recommendations for any actions required |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 2,4,5 |
Training activities
Perform a risk or COSHH assessment |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 2,4 |
Training activities
Complete liquid nitrogen safety training and safely top up liquid nitrogen dewars |
Type ETA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Check consumables into the system and ensure the correct information is logged to maintain traceability
- Perform functional equipment checks on workstations and incubators to ensure viability can be maintained
- Perform a risk assessment or COSHH assessment
- Set up and use a microscope for semen analysis
- Prepare dishes for the different stages of gamete/embryo culture using aseptic technique
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Present KPIs at a quality meeting
- Discuss with the laboratory team validation results for a piece of equipment or process
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply sterile culture techniques to maintain the viability of cultured gametes and embryos. |
| 2 | Practice in accordance with quality management and regulatory standards. |
| 3 | Analyse key performance indicators, and identify, troubleshoot and address problems. |
| 4 | Demonstrate safe and effective practice, minimising risk to all staff and patients. |
| 5 | Perform risk assessments. |
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
- Visit another IVF lab to appreciate a different clinical set up and culture system.
- Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting where KPIs are discussed.
- Spend time with the lead for quality management within their own clinic to gain full appreciation of the quality management system and what it entails.
- Attend a clinical governance meeting to appreciate the requirements to maintain clinical excellence.
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:
- Explain and justify the design requirements of a laboratory used to support reproductive science.
- Critically appraise culture systems used in reproductive science.
- Explain the importance of the culture environment and the implications for gamete and embryo viability.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of quality management in the IVF laboratory.
Indicative content
- Laboratory design and regulatory requirements.
- Preimplantation embryo metabolism, including the energy and nutritional requirements of gametes and embryos.
- Principles of culture systems used in the IVF laboratory, including types of culture systems (e.g. microdrops) and different incubator environments (e.g. low oxygen).
- Types of media and their applications.
- Control of the culture environment for gametes/embryos in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory, the role of buffers and the implications of pH and temperature on cellular processes.
- Regulatory issues.
- Laboratory quality indicators.
- Microscopy set up – Hoffmans, Phase contrast, Kholar illumination – troubleshooting.
- Quality control and assurance in the ART laboratory.
- The role of quality control and assurance in maintaining patient safety.