Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving in the IVF Laboratory

Helping IVF laboratories and clinics to maintain the highest success rates possible, this is essential reading for every IVF laboratory.

Kay Elder (Author), Marc Van den Bergh (Author), Bryan Woodward (Author)

9781107673175, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 June 2015

218 pages, 120 b/w illus. 19 tables
23.4 x 15.7 x 1.2 cm, 0.41 kg

'This book is an essential read for embryologists at all stages of their careers … This book will prompt reflection on current laboratory practice and has sparked lively and thought-provoking discussions with my colleagues. No embryologist should be without it!' Lucy Richardson, The Bulletin

Maintaining consistent and reliably high success rates is a daily challenge for every IVF laboratory. This step-by-step guide is an essential aid in navigating the complex maze of physical, chemical, biological, and logistic parameters that underpin successful gamete and embryo culture: temperature, pH, osmolality, gas supplies, air quality, light exposure, infections, managing supplies, personnel, as well as overall quality control. Numerous real-life troubleshooting case reports are presented, identifying all aspects necessary for troubleshooting. Process maps and flow charts accompanying each chapter offer a logical and systematic approach to problem solving in the laboratory. This is an essential resource for scientists in assisted reproductive technology and specialists in reproductive biology and medicine, helping IVF clinics to achieve the dream of every infertile couple: the birth of a healthy child.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Quality control, certification and accreditation
3. The IVF culture system
4. Osmometry
5. pH regulation in gamete and embryo culture systems
6. Temperature control in the IVF laboratory
7. The effect of light on embryos and embryo culture
8. Gases, air quality and volatile organic carbons (VOCs)
9. Infections in IVF culture
10. Troubleshooting a cryopreservation system
11. Troubleshooting ICSI procedures
12. Managing risk in an IVF lab
Index.

Subject Areas: Gynaecology & obstetrics [MJT], Infertility & fertilization [MFKC1]