Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving in the IVF Laboratory

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.

Kay Elder is a Senior Research Scientist at Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge, UK.
Marc Van den Bergh is Chief Executive Officer, Quartec GmbH, Fislisbach, Switzerland.
Bryan Woodward is a freelance Consultant Clinical Embryologist based in Leicestershire, UK.