INFORMATION
Patient Identity and safety
Identity of patients and embryos is a critical matter in a reproductive clinic. We take this responsibility very seriously. There are multiple layers of cross checking to avoid mistakes when dealing with gametes and embryos.
All materials which come in contact with gametes or embryos will be labeled with patient names as well as a color coding system which assigns unique codes to each patient.
Working with only one persons gametes or embryos at one time is another safety measure. A witness process complements the identity verification.
The final verification process involves confirmation of identity with patients just prior to the transfer of embryos or gametes.
While this multi-step process is complex and redundant, we view it as absolutely essential.
Procedures
During any procedure involving gametes or embryos there are written identifiers as well as a witnessing process. Examples of procedures that involve witnesses would include inseminations, donor inseminations, egg manipulation, ICSI, and embryo transfers. Procedure forms, patient identifiers, and isolation of materials are examples of the things the witness is responsible for watching.
Staff
Assembling the right team is the most important and fundamental part of running a good laboratory We are fortunate in having one of the most highly trained teams in the country and we pride ourselves on our honesty, diligence and thoroughness.
Lab Safety
Each patient is given a unique color code which is included along with the patient name on everything that comes into contact with the gametes or embryos. All material is maintained in containment trays that are unique to each patient. Embryos are housed in incubators that have chambers that can be dedicated to each patient. Access to the lab is strictly limited.
Building Safety
The building is also equiped with a monitored security and fire alarm system. Locked doors on the embryology laboratory further limit access to the lab. In the event of a power failure we have a generator on an automatic transfer switch which is capable of maintaining the lab for an extended period of time without intervention which means uninterrupted power can be supplied until the regular electrical service can be restored.
Which Centre To Choose?
The choice of which IVF Unit to receive treatment is a personal decision, of course, after advise from your Doctor.
To start with… the ideal IVF Unit will consist of the following personnel:
Gynaecologist: Specialists in Assisted Reproduction.
Clinical Embryologists: Personnel with experience in all procedures related to IVF. In 1998, embryologists founded The Greek Association Of Clinical Embryologist (PEKE) with the aim to set a standard in Laboratory Practices and to advance clinical embryology in Greece.
Midwives and other health care workers with a closer insight into the human approach in infertility treatment.
Also a very important role is played by the secretaries / coordinators who form an important link between you and your doctor. Anxiety can be avoided by the smooth running of the IVF unit.
The location and surroundings of the unit
The unit must be designed to be spacious with pleasant internal design to make the couple welcome and comfortable. Privacy, and discecretion is at all times needed; sufficient consultation rooms are a necessity in large IVF units.
The "men's room" where the semen sample is produced should be in a quieter area of the unit with direct access to the laboratory to avoid anxiety and awkwardness.
The center you choose should have:
The laboratory is situated in the same grounds.
Providing all the laboratory services.
E.g. ICSI, TESE, embryo and sperm cryopreservation? Donor sperm?
Situated in Hospital or Clinic?
Many services that are available regardless of weekends and holidays.
The history of the Center?
Where have the personnel trained? What experience have they? Links to IVF units/ hospitals/universities abroad.
Learn the success rate of the unit (beware of exaggerated numbers)
The Price of treatment?
Although in a perfect world it should not be a primary concern, however, it is in reality an important factor.
Look for what is included in the price and what is not!
It is very important the chemistry between the couple and the IVF team, resulting in a more stress free and optimistic approach.
Finally, the center deals with every woman as a unique case?
Treatment with care and close monitoring of every ultrasound scan and blood test in the IVF work-up, aiming to achieve the optimum stimulation cycle.
The aim of this article is not to support any one unit but to highlight the various requirements that make for a pleasant, successful IVF unit.
The couple must feel that through the work of the Fertility Specialist and staff that there treatment is unique.
A pleasant atmosphere diminishes fears and eliminates stress.
Talk to others who have experienced IVF treatment and trust your instincts to choose an IVF unit suited for you!
