Back Module: S-RE-S4

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Cryopreservation

Module information

Module details

Title
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Cryopreservation
Type
Specialist
Module code
S-RE-S4
Credits
10
Phase
3
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with the knowledge of the principles and practice of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), cryopreservation, warming and associated regulatory requirements. They will gain experience of the micromanipulation equipment, ICSI, cryopreservation, warming of gametes and embryos in a clinical setting.

Work-based content

Training activities

# Learning outcome Training activity Type Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1,3 Training activities

Set up the micromanipulation equipment for ICSI

 Type DTA Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 1,3 Training activities

Perform sperm catching on samples of varying quality

 Type DTA Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 1,3 Training activities

Perform ICSI

 Type DTA Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 3, 5, 6 Training activities

Communicate bad news and next steps to patients for one of the following events:

  • No mature eggs
  • Unexpected azoospermia
  • Failure to thaw
 Type DTA Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 2,3,5 Training activities

Perform sperm cryopreservation and thawing. Compare pre-freeze and post-thaw parameters

 Type ETA Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 2, 3, 4 Training activities

Perform oocyte and embryo vitrification

 Type ETA Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 2, 3, 4 Training activities

Warm vitrified oocyte and embryos, and assess and record suitability for treatment

 Type ETA Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 4, 6 Training activities

Discuss with patient’s, oocyte/embryo survival and next steps following thawing/warming

 Type ETA Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 3, 4, 5 Training activities

Review, update or design a SOP for slow freezing/thawing

 Type DTA Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 3 Training activities

Release and receive cryopreserved gametes and embryos to other centres within the UK

 Type DTA Action View
# 11 Learning outcome 3 Training activities

Participate in a storage tank audit and draft the audit report

 Type DTA Action View

Assessments

Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions

Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs

Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles

  • Set up and perform ICSI.
  • Perform oocyte or embryo cryopreservation.
  • Perform sperm cryopreservation.
  • Thawing rewarming of cryopreserved oocytes or embryos.

Observed Clinical Event Titles

  • Discuss with a patient a test thaw from a frozen semen sample and its implications for future treatment options.
  • Discuss embryo rewarming thawing results with a patient.

Learning outcomes

# Learning outcome
1

Perform micromanipulation techniques.
2

Perform cryopreservation, thawing and warming of gametes and embryos.
3

Practice safely in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements of micromanipulation and cryopreservation.
4

Appraise the impact of cryopreservation on viability of gametes and embryos.
5

Outline the appropriate treatment pathways for patients based on the clinical parameters.
6

Apply and adapt skills to communicate effectively with patients and the multidisciplinary team.

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. Talk to company representatives to appreciate the variety of consumables available for ICSI or cryopreservation.
  2. Observe ICSI using surgical retrieved sperm.

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. Apply integrative knowledge of the principles and practice of ICSI and associated micromanipulation procedures.
  2. Explain cryobiology and describe the practices of cryopreservation and thawing of gametes and embryos.
  3. Discuss and explain the statutory and regulatory requirements of ICSI and cryopreservation.

Indicative content

  • Micromanipulation equipment and method.
  • Principles and practices of ICSI.
  • Risks and regulation associated with ICSI.
  • Sperm processing and capture for ICSI.
  • Alternative sperm selection procedures for ICSI.
  • 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.
  • Thermodynamics of slow freezing and vitrification.
  • Physiological changes that occur in gametes and embryos during cryopreservation.
  • Regulatory issues with regard to cryostorage.
  • Audits, document management and troubleshooting.

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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