Back Module: S-RE-S3

Equipment, Culture Systems and Quality Management in the IVF Laboratory

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:

  • Quality control checks
  • Toxicity testing
  • Traceability checks
 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:

  • Oocyte collection
  • IVF/ICSI
  • Fertilisation checks
  • Embryo culture
  • Embryo transfer
  • Cryopreservation
  • Thawing/warming
  • Sperm preparation
 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:

  • Process
  • Piece of equipment
 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:

  • Heated stages
  • Incubators
  • Liquid nitrogen dewars
  • Tube warmers
 Type ETA Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 4 Training activities

Select and set up the correct microscopy for:

  • Semen analysis
  • Oocyte collection
  • Fertilisation check
  • ICSI
  • Embryo observation
  • Embryo transfer
  • Embryo cryopreservation and thawing/warming
 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

  1. Visit another IVF lab to appreciate a different clinical set up and culture system.
  2. Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting where KPIs are discussed.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Explain and justify the design requirements of a laboratory used to support reproductive science.
  2. Critically appraise culture systems used in reproductive science.
  3. Explain the importance of the culture environment and the implications for gamete and embryo viability.
  4. 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.

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title Action
Specialty code SLS3-1-22 Specialty title Embryology [2022] Action View
Specialty code SLS3-1-23 Specialty title Embryology [2023] Action View
Specialty code SLS3-1-24 Specialty title Embryology [2024] Action View
Specialty code SLS3-1-25 Specialty title Embryology [2025] Action View
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