Back Module: SLS331

Micromanipulation and Cryopreservation

Module information

Module details

Title
Micromanipulation and Cryopreservation
Type
Specialist
Module code
SLS331
Credits
10
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of micromanipulation and cryopreservation and associated regulatory requirements. They will gain experience of the micromanipulation and cryopreservation of gametes and embryos in a clinical setting.

Work-based content

Competencies

# Learning outcome Competency Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1 Competency

Label and perform witnessing prior to micromanipulation of oocytes.

 Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 1 Competency

Use correctly the micromanipulation equipment.

 Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 1 Competency

Perform ICSI.

 Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Label and perform witnessing prior to cryopreservation and following thawing/warming of semen, oocytes and embryos.

 Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Perform sperm cryopreservation.

 Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Thaw semen samples and compare pre-freeze and post-thaw parameters.

 Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Perform embryo freezing and embryo vitrification.

 Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Thaw cryopreserved samples and warm vitrified samples.

 Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Release and receive cryopreserved gametes and embryos to other centres.

 Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Discuss embryo development with patients and the multidisciplinary team with specific reference to the suitability for cryopreservation and the survival.

 Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

  • 2 case-based discussion(s)
  • 2 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:
Set up micromanipulation equipment DOPS
Perform ICSI DOPS
Perform oocyte cryopreservation DOPS
Perform sperm cryopreservation DOPS
Perform embryo cryopreservation DOPS
Perform thawing of sperm DOPS
Thawing rewarming of cryopreserved oocytes DOPS
Thawing rewarming of cryopreserved embryos DOPS
Discuss with a patient a test thaw from a frozen semen sample and its implications for future treatment options OCE
Inform the patient of the number of embryos that are suitable for cryopreservation OCE
Discuss embryo rewarming thawing results with a patient OCE

Learning outcomes

  1. Perform micromanipulation techniques.
  2. Perform cryopreservation and thawing/warming of gametes and embryos.

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. Describe the principles and practices of micromanipulation.
  2. Explain cryobiology and describe the practices of cryopreservation and thawing.
  3. Discuss and justify the statutory and regulatory requirements of micromanipulation and cryopreservation and professional codes of practice.

Indicative content

  • Micromanipulation equipment and methodology
  • Principles and practices of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
  • Risks and regulation associated with 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

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

  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and discuss when intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) should be used in treatment. Identify one case study relating to this decision-making process, prepare and discuss with the multidisciplinary team. Reflect on the discussion and outcomes and the impact for your future practice.
  • Participate in audits to gain experience of the statutory and regulatory requirements of cryopreservation, including the review of patients with stored material, consent checking and billing process. Reflect on the importance of audits to comply with regulation and to inform patients of their choices with respect to continued storage. The quality of the process and the importance/options/action.
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