Handling and storage conditions are critical in determining the success rates of fertility treatments. From the moment gametes are collected, their journey to potential life outside the human body depends on a delicate balance of several factors such as temperature, pH, air quality, and light conditions. Each of these parameters must be carefully controlled to ensure the viability and integrity of these precious cells. The stakes are high, and the margins for error are minimal, highlighting the importance of fertility clinics enforcing and adhering to high standards to provide the best quality of services to patients.
Essential Factors in Fertility Specimen Care
One of the most crucial parameters here is temperature as it impacts the enzymatic activity within the specimens, which affects growth and functionality. The optimal temperature for gametes before freezing right after extraction is 37°C at body temperature, while long-term storage requires temperatures as low as -200°C. Temperature fluctuations can significantly impact gamete survivability by affecting enzyme functionality and overall cellular health. These fluctuations can happen in the freezing process when intracellular ice forms within the cell. That said, the most recent advancement in freezing technologies enables us to rapidly freeze almost instantly, allowing the gametes to solidify before the formation of intracellular ice crystals.
Alongside precise temperature control, maintaining a stable pH of 7.2-7.3 is equally vital. Just as temperature fluctuations can impact cellular health, variations in pH can lead to protein denaturation, adversely affecting the functionality of gametes. Ensuring proper Ph control is essential to preserving the integrity and viability of these specimens.
There are also strict protocols that should be followed in the lab such as having specific paint materials used, not wearing perfume, and ensuring that everyone has the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Samer Reda Mohammad Hammoudeh
In addition to precise pH control, ensuring optimal air quality within the lab is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) must be carefully regulated to prevent contamination, as the chemical properties of VOCs make them toxic which impacts the earlier development of embryos. There are two types of VOCs: total VOCs which are less than 500 µg per m 3; and formaldehyde which is less than 5 µg per m 3. To address this, carbon filters are employed to reduce VOC levels, while UV lights and air filters are used to maintain stringent microbial counts. There are also strict protocols that should be followed in the lab such as having specific paint materials used, not wearing perfume, and ensuring that everyone has the appropriate personal protective equipment. These measures are indispensable in safeguarding the lab environment and ensuring that gametes are stored under the most pristine conditions possible.
Maximize Patient Success
Finding the right clinic is not a slow or easy process for patients: which is why clinics in the UAE need to equip themselves with the best tools and staff to provide them with the best options. They need to prioritize and carefully manage each of these parameters to maintain optimal conditions for gamete preservation and fertility success. Ensuring these conditions is not only about meeting basic requirements but involves a comprehensive approach to maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficacy in fertility treatments. Clinics must adhere to these high standards through strict compliance with Dubai Health Authorities (DHA) guidelines, which are derived from international standards. These guidelines govern everything from lab design to daily operations, ensuring that quality and safety are consistently upheld.
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Commitment to quality also extends beyond regulatory compliance. A clear indication of a clinic’s dedication to best practices includes making sure that all staff members are licensed and undergo rigorous training, including comprehensive orientation and ongoing medical education. Regular competency evaluations and key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to monitor and ensure optimal staff performance.
To maintain quality control, clinics should employ advanced real-time monitoring systems for both temperature and air quality. At our clinic, we use RFID tagging and witnessing systems to prevent sample mix-ups, while advanced freezing technologies are employed to ensure the highest survival rates. Notably, the use of vitrification, a rapid cooling technique, allows us to optimize gamete survivability for our patients. Rigorous maintenance and preventive measures are important to minimizing contamination. A critical protocol for all clinics should include the use of scrub suits, hair nets, and a no-perfume policy, all designed to maintain a sterile environment and protect the integrity of stored gametes.
Proper handling and storage remain integral to the success of fertility treatments. Our adherence to international standards and advanced technologies emphasizes our dedication to achieving the highest quality and success rates for our patients. This very commitment to precision and innovation ensures that we consistently deliver exceptional outcomes in fertility care.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect MedEdge MEA’s editorial stance.
