Course description

The goal of this program is to provide embryologists and or IVF laboratory managers working in Reproductive Medicine with the most advanced aspects of assisted reproductive techniques (ART’s). The focus of this scope will be the laboratory procedures starting from the basic tools necessary for quality management and maintenance of an IVF facility and will also focus gametes selection, assessment and handling embryo selection.

This is followed by details on practical management of IVF patients, embryo culture, embryo selection, cryopreservation, vitrification and transfer. The course will also address the topic of pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the most important deciding factors and the impact of different etiologies of infertility to select a protocol for ART
• Discuss the methods to monitor the technical aspects and the assessment of oocyte/embryo quality
• Discuss the methods for sperm selection in severe male infertility
• Recognize the field of application of PGS or PGD and when to recommend third party reproduction (oocyte donation)
• Understand critical culture parameters and quality management in ART
• Cryopreservation of sperm / oocytes / embryos

Target audience

This course is intended for embryologists, biologists, pharmacists and  clinicians who plan to get started in IVF. It is also ideal for the general gynecologists who want to have a basic knowledge of embryology.

CME accreditation

This module has been submitted for CME Accreditation from the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME). This course may include data on investigational uses of drugs and other treatments not approved by EMEA, FDA and other National or International Health Authorities in the indications mentioned.