The biggest problem of IVF is taking care of so many protocols, so many steps.  IVF consists of many, many SOPs, many many steps so here we have to follow each step.  Each step requires a lot of follow-ups so here risk management is like going into a war.  It is always a fight and that is why we have to be prepared so what can be done?  What is the troubleshooting that can be done?

First of all, we require a total quality management system that is called the TQM. That is it should have proper SOPs.  There should have proper documentation, a proper witnessing system, the proper backup system as well as training and the personnel who should be well versed with all the procedures and should be very good.  So, errors can be caught. It’s about human errors.

Equipment is not updated because that the same procedures are being done.  ICSI is being done, screening is done at the same time, and if it doesn’t have a microscope, just a single stereo microscope to the dish so only screening can be done. This is another factor.  Also, the problem can be on the patient front that is the same name, same middle name, and same surname.  Surname and name are the same, wives.  Even the husband’s name is the same and there have been situations where some of the health professionals have experienced that they are having the same couple on the same day so how can this problem be tackled. That is why it has to take care of this issue.  So other crucial variables are lack of knowledge, training, and supervision.  One needs to be a good leader, a good trainer to handle these issues.  Obviously, if there are going too many cases, the embryologist especially can get tired.  Right, that is another factor and it might lead to some stress levels as well as some confusion and some goof-ups  So the most important thing is to have an SOP.  SOP is a standard operating procedure or protocol.  Every lab, every IVF center should have them and it is not just a book that can keep on the shelf.  It is something that should be followed into the room.

A few other questions to be answered include:

• what precautions do you take for freezing during the freezing of embryos?
• how to tackle mix-up?
• any limitations for laser-assisted hatching?
• Any advancement in ICSI?

For detailed answers to these and other questions you might have on Embryology Update enroll for live lectures by Dr. Nishad Chimote (M.Sc Biochem, M.Sc Clinemb University of Leeds UK) & Dr. Ratna Agarwal (Master Degree in Clinical Embryology, Fellowship in specialized Techniques in IVF & ICSI.), here https://docmode.org/embryology-update-dr-nishad-chimote-dr-ratna-agarwal/