FELLOWSHIP IN EMBRYOLOGY: AIR QUALITY, STERILITY AND LAB EQUIPMENT MONITORING

Fellowship in Embryology: Air Quality, Sterility and Lab Equipment Monitoring

Fellowship in Embryology: Air Quality, Sterility and Lab Equipment Monitoring

Blog Article

In the first part of the article, we’ve learnt in depth about the Air Quality and Sterility. We will now learn about the sterility and lab equipment. Talking about the methods of sterilization. Sterilization in IVF labs is a critical process to ensure a contaminant free environment for handling gametes and embryos. Various techniques are employed each with this unique method of eliminating potential contaminants.

Some of the common sterilization techniques are auto clothing:


  • It is highly operative in killing microorganisms and spores.

  • It is normally used for castrating glassware clinical tools and other heat-resistant items.


UV sterilization

  • It employs ultraviolet light to destroy microbial DNA rendering microorganisms unable to reproduce and infect.

  • It is often used for air and surface sterilization in lab environments and for sterilizing non-heat-resistant items. Then comes chemical sterilization.

  • It involves the use of chemical agents like ethylene oxide hydrogen peroxide and glutaraldehyde to sterilize equipment.

  • It is effective against all microorganisms including spores and it is used for heat sensitive medical devices and lab equipment. Dry heat sterilization.

  • It uses hot air that is free from dampness to castrate items. This is effective at high temperatures and longer exposure times compared to moist heat which we can achieve through autoclaving.

  • It is suitable for disinfecting powders, oils and other moisture sensitive materials.


Filtration

Next is filtration which means the physical removal of microbes using membrane filters.

  • It is used for sterilizing heat sensitive liquids and gases.


Glass Plasma Sterilization

Then comes glass plasma sterilization.

  • It uses hydrogen peroxide plasma at low temperatures to sterilize equipment.

  • effective against a wide range of microorganisms. Gentle on delicate instruments.

  • Ideal for sterilizing complex instruments and electronic devices.


Radiation Sterilization

Then comes radiation sterilization.

  • It employs gamma rays or electron beams to sterilize products.

  • It is effective at penetrating resources and killing bacteria.

  • It is used for single use disposable items like syringes gloves and petri dishes.


Alcohol Disinfection

Then comes alcohol disinfection.

  • It involves wiping surfaces with alcohol-based solutions.

  • It is commonly used for quick disinfection of surfaces and small equipment.

  • It is not advisable to use alcohol in an IVF lab when you immediately have an ART procedure following that because alcohol releases VOCs and unless the smell goes away you should not use alcohol immediately before a procedure.


Lab equipment monitoring

  • First is the incubator. The purpose of an incubator is to provide a controlled environment for embryo culture maintaining optimal temperature humidity and gas composition.

  • Then is microscope which is used for egg retrieval insemination and embryo assessment and an inverted microscope which is utilized in an ICSI machine.

  • Then lamina hood flows that provide a sterile environment for handling gametes and embryos protecting them from airborne contaminants.

  • Cryopreservation

  • The carbon dioxide incubators that are specifically designed to control carbon dioxide levels which is critical in maintaining the pH of the culture medium.

  • Pipetting devices that are used for transferring microscopic amounts of liquid crucial for handling gametes and embryos.

  • Heating blocks and warm stages that maintain constant temperature during procedures like egg retrieval and embryo transfer.

  • Centrifuge used for semen processing including concentration and purification of sperm.

  • ART workstations that are specialized workstations designed for performing intricate ART procedures like ICSI.

  • Air quality and environmental monitoring systems that monitor and control the lab environment ensuring optimal air quality and conditions for embryo development.

  • Anti-vibration tables that provide a stable platform for equipment like microscopes to prevent vibrations that could disrupt delicate procedures. Then autoclasion sterilizers that sterilize equipment and tools to maintain aseptic conditions in the lab.


 

Embryo assessment tools that are devices and software for assessing embryo quality and development. Then hormone analyzers that analyze hormone levels in blood samples which are important for monitoring patient responses during treatment.

How to monitor these Equipments?

Monitoring and maintaining equipment in an IVF lab is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, accuracy and the overall success of IVF procedures. There are key strategies for effective equipment monitoring and maintenance.

  • Regular calibration and servicing


This ensures that Equipments like incubators, microscopes and hormone analyzers function within their specified parameters. One must schedule regular calibration and servicing by qualified technicians and adhere to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules. Daily quality checks they help in early identification of potential issues with an equipment. We should implement a routine to check key parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels in incubators, liquid nitrogen levels in the nitrogen dewars and the functionality of microscopes and other critical devices.

  • Environmental monitoring


It consists of lab environment which is critical for embryo culture. Regular monitoring and recording environmental conditions like air quality, temperature and humidity. We can use automated monitoring systems when possible. Commercially available devices are easily available for monitoring the air quality on a daily basis.

  • Sterilization and cleaning


It prevents contamination which is vital. We have to follow strict cleaning and sterilization protocol for all equipment and surfaces. We have to employ appropriate methods like autoclaving, UV sterilization or chemical disinfection based on the equipment type.

  • Software updates and IT maintenance

  • Software updates and IT maintenance ensures that computer systems and software used for embryo assessment and data management are up to date and secure.

  • We should regularly update software and maintain IT hardware.

  • We should implement data backup and security measures.

  • Validation and performance verification confirms that equipment is functioning correctly and producing accurate results.

  • Periodically perform validation tests like checking incubator conditions using independent sensors or verify microscopic accuracy.

  • Training and SOPs ensure that staff are competent in using and maintaining equipment properly.

  • We should provide ongoing training to staff.

  • We should develop and enforce SOPs for equipment use and maintenance.

  • Record keeping maintains a history of equipment performance and maintenance.

  • We have to keep detailed logs of maintenance, calibration and daily checks.

  • We should also document any issues and the steps taken to resolve them.

  • Emergency protocols should be in place to prepare for equipment failures or power outages.

  • We should have contingency plans in place such as backup power supplies, spare parts and alternate equipment.

  • Vendor support and warranties ensure support for replace and repairs and replacements.

  • We have to maintain good relationship with equipment vendors and stay informed about warranty terms and support services.

  • Annual maintenance contracts are also available with the maintainers that we should take use of.


So, this was all about the Air Quality, Sterility and Lab Equipment Monitoring in an IVF lab. We have covered this topic in two detailed blogs. It is important to note here that to get an in-depth understanding of maintaining a lab where life is created, where miracles are created every day. If you are interested to learn more about then proceed with the following steps:

  1. Enquire about the institutions offering the Fellowship in Embryology Program in India

  2. Check for the embryology course eligibility

  3. Next, check for the embryology course fees

  4. Check for the duration of the course and the mode of training. Always, prefer institutions offering hybrid mode of education as this will help you balance your career alongside giving you the option to continue your education.

  5. Enrol for the Program


The embryology course fees are not fixed, but changes as per the curriculum covered and the duration of the course in addition to the reputation of the institution. So, always choose the best.

Medline Academics 

Medline Academics is followed from the educational background and healthcare business advancement that Dr. Kamini Rao has created. It serves comprehensive e-learning solutions or certification in relative course of study in different specialized division of medical science such as reproductive medicine, embryology and healthcare management etc. Specifically, Medline Academics leverages technology while offering students professional evidenced-based education from the best educators across the world this aims at ensuring healthcare practitioners are informed of latest developments in their fields. Two of the most demanded course of Medline Academics is the Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine in India and the Fellowship in Embryology.

IIRRH

The International Institute for Training and Research in Reproductive Health (IIRRH) was started by Dr Kamini Rao to encourage research and develop competence for top Notch learning on Reproductive Health and Infertility treatment. IIRRH also delivers various certificate courses in embryology, fertility medicine and other medical training programs for doctors and other related practitioners with an aim of improving and updating techniques to provide improved healthcare to patients with assisted reproductive services. It is characterised by practical, clinical experience, modern equipment and technology and encouraging the developments of ART.

Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals 

Looking for an IVF specialist in Bangalore? Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals are specialized in reproductive care, especially infertility treatments and women’s health. These hospitals are provided with modern technological facilities related to reproductive health and the best procedure like IVF, IUI, and advanced gynecological services. Standing out for the patient-tailored approach and the physician-centered team of professionals, headed by Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals offer high success rates of fertility treatments and a human touch in women’s health problems.

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