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.

Provides practical tips throughout to avoid or minimise the incidence of problems in the IVF lab
Acts as a step-by-step guide for maintaining stability in IVF laboratory systems and a basis for recognising potential risk situations that will influence results
Includes essential theoretical background to clarify the basic scientific principles that underpin successful culture of gametes and embryos

Table of Contents

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.