Handbook

This course deals solely with the laboratory aspects of Assisted Reproductive Treatment, from oocyte collection, gamete preparation and embryo culture up to and including methods of presenting results. It introduces the use of Quality Systems and risk management in human embryo culture, and the rationales for choosing various laboratory techniques and their potential complications.

This course will provide a better understanding of the complexities of the laboratory and culture technique requirements currently in use. It has five main modules. The first two introduce the basic aspects of setting up an ART laboratory and highlight the importance of quality management systems including Benchmarking and evaluation of Performance Indicators to support meaningful self-assessment of laboratory outcomes. The third covers sperm preparation for ART, and in the fourth, we look at the biological processes that can affect laboratory outcomes, and briefly cover the oocyte retrieval process. The final module covers the practical aspects of an ART laboratory, such as insemination methods, fertilisation, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation.

Assessments in this course are a formative MCQs due on Week 2, two summative essays due on Week 5 and 10 and finished with a summative MCQs.