We know how important your fertility is and we are privileged to care for you, your eggs, sperm, and/or embryos. To comfort you regarding their proper identification and handling, we would like to share our protocol with you.
All laboratory personnel are always required to follow our eggs/sperm/embryos (considered biologic tissue by the FDA) handling policy – from the moment you provide your tissue and throughout your treatment cycle including the freezing process, if needed. All eggs/sperm/embryos must meet labeling standards before they are accepted for any testing or procedures – all biologic tissue received by our laboratory for testing or for a procedure must be labeled with you and, if applicable, your partner’s names and date of birth. Any biologic tissue that does not meet the labeling requirements will automatically be rejected for the use of treatment in our laboratory. Dual verification prior to processing any biologic tissue must be achieved and documented. This includes prior to sperm processing for IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilization), egg retrieval, insemination of the eggs with sperm, embryo placement and transfer into petri dishes, as well as egg/sperm/embryo freezing, thawing, and embryo transfer.
Prior to an egg retrieval or an embryo transfer procedure, a formal process called a “time-out” procedure is to be followed with all clinical and laboratory personnel who are participating in your procedure (patient, Nurse, Scrub Tech, Physician, Anesthesiologist, and Embryologist) and are in the operating room. All activity must stop during the” time-out” so all members of the team can verify you, the patient, and your planned procedure. The operating room nurse and physician will call for the team’s attention and begin the “time-out” that includes a verbal confirmation and written documentation of – your full name, date of birth, type of procedure and allergies (and number of embryos transferred, if applicable). After each party agrees with the “time-out” information stated, your procedure may begin.
Thank you for your trust of The IVF CenterSM and The IVF Laboratory of Central Florida. As always, we are committed to providing you the highest quality of care.
By Mark P. Trolice, M.D.
Medical Director
The IVF CenterSM
