Back Module: SLS322

Culture of Gametes and Embryos

Module information

Module details

Title
Culture of Gametes and Embryos
Type
Specialist
Module code
SLS322
Credits
10
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of culture systems used in an IVF laboratory. They will gain experience of the culture of gametes and embryos in a clinical setting. They will gain understanding on how quality management integrates with the laboratory processes, and how to identify, troubleshoot and correct problems.

Work-based content

Competencies

# Learning outcome Competency Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1,2 Competency

Assess air quality in the laboratory.

 Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Correctly use incubators, heated stages and tube warmers to maintain temperature conditions.

 Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 1 Competency

Use workstations/safety cabinets correctly to maintain sterility of samples.

 Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 1 Competency

Perform sterilisation and decontamination techniques for equipment and facilities used in tissue culture.

 Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 1,2 Competency

Prepare consumables and media for oocyte collection; fertilisation checks; embryo culture; embryo transfer; embryo cryopreservation and thawing/warming.

 Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 3,4,5 Competency

Analyse data required for specific key performance indicators (KPIs)

 Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 3 Competency

Perform inward receipt of consumables to carry out the necessary quality control checks and traceability requirements.

 Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

  • 2 case-based discussion(s)
  • 2 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:
Carry out QC checks to assess laboratory air quality DOPS
Prepare culture dishes utilising medium suitable for the different stages of development using aseptic technique DOPS
Perform functional equipment checks on workstations to ensure viability can be maintained DOPS
Produce KPIs DOPS
Check consumables in to the system and ensure the correct information is required to maintain traceability DOPS
Perform sterility checks on medium DOPS
An appropriate activity agreed with your Training Officer OCE

Learning outcomes

  1. Use sterile technique to prepare culture dishes appropriate for gametes and embryos.
  2. Culture embryos to maintain viability.
  3. Perform quality control checks within the laboratory.
  4. Analyse key performance indicators with respect to defined outcomes.
  5. Identify, troubleshoot and solve problems.

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

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

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 ART laboratory, the role of buffers and the implications of pH and temperature on cellular processes
  • Regulatory issues
  • Laboratory quality indicators

Clinical experiences

Important information

Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.

Activities

  • Visit at least two reproductive science laboratories other than your own to review the different clinical settings and culture systems used to support embryo development. Reflect on your experience in terms of the differentiation between them and consider how this influences your future practice.
  • Evaluate and discuss the different types of culture systems used, including the implications for selection, processing and outcome. Evaluate the impact on your future practice,
  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to present and review key performance indicators. Identify at least one potential problem and how to troubleshoot with clinical colleagues. Discuss at a multidisciplinary team meeting, review your experience and the impact on both the patient experience, and your own future practice.
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