Safety and laboratories in Spanish fertility clinics

Assisted reproduction has emerged as a hopeful solution for many couples or individuals facing the challenge of infertility. Throughout this multi-stage process, the safe handling and storage of biological samples is paramount. Therefore, laboratory safety becomes an essential pillar to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of these procedures that seek to fulfil the dream of parenthood.

1. Risks and consequences

Improper handling of biological samples in assisted reproduction laboratories can have significant and irreversible risks and consequences. Errors in sample identification, contamination or exposure to inappropriate conditions can affect the viability of gametes and embryos, compromising the success of the treatment and generating emotional and financial repercussions for the individuals involved.

This is an extremely sensitive issue as confusion in the identification of samples could result in an unwanted pregnancy or the loss of potentially viable embryos.

Also, exposure of biological samples to harmful conditions or substances can cause damage to genetic material, reducing fertilisation rates and increasing the likelihood of miscarriages, among others.

Therefore, in a space where there is no room for error, it is strictly necessary to establish control, safety and quality protocols to minimise risks and guarantee the efficacy of treatments.

2. Implementing effective security measures

The implementation of stringent security measures is essential to ensure the accuracy and integrity of assisted reproduction processes. From rigorous identification protocols to advanced surveillance systems, every step must be carefully monitored.

Technological advances, such as those implemented in incubators, have revolutionised the continuous monitoring of embryos, allowing detailed tracking without the need for frequent manipulation.

Witness System

Another relevant technology in this field is the Witness System. This system is used to track all biological material from patients' treatments. However, as it is not mandatory in Spain, many clinics do not have a similar control system. Susana Cortés, Embryologist and the director of the laboratory director had this to say: “At Tambre we were pioneers in the implementation of the Witness System in 2008, a surveillance and security method which is used in the IVF and Andrology laboratories, that allows for the traceability of patients’ biological material (eggs, sperm and embryos) to be followed”. This type of traceability system is not mandatory in Spain, which is why not all clinics offer it or similar control systems. “At Tambre however, patients are our priority, and this why we use systems like this to offer them security and peace of mind”.

On the other hand, identification processes are significant both before and during the course of treatment. In other words, identifying people before starting treatment is of paramount importance. In addition, it is very important to double check, especially during the transfer, to avoid any kind of inconvenience, confirming the data of the patient and the sample person.

3. Security challenges and technological advances 

Laboratory security, due to the sensitive nature of the procedures and the duty to protect the integrity of biological samples and hence their traceability, is a continuous challenge. As technologies advance, they bring significant advantages to processes, but it should not be forgotten that with them also come new challenges and vulnerabilities that must be addressed to ensure security.

Meeting the challenges in this area in assisted reproduction laboratories involves constant updates, i.e. adapting to this dynamic environment. Technological advances, such as more sophisticated surveillance systems and procedural improvements, are transforming the security landscape in these highly specialised environments. It is therefore very important to have an assisted reproduction clinic that is constantly innovating and evolving.

Other control systems in the Tambre laboratory

In addition to the Witness Embryo Traceability System, we, at Tambre carry out other security processes and protocols in the IVF laboratory that are essential for the correct handling and preservation of gametes and embryos:

Temperature control

To ensure the viability of oocytes, sperm and embryos in the Tambre laboratory we carry out daily temperature and gas controls. In the incubators, which are the most sensitive part of the system, we have a double point of temperature control.

PH control

The optimal pH of the media is controlled by the CO2 concentration of the incubators. Thus, increases or decreases in this gas can cause our pH to rise or fall. In addition, pH is also influenced by temperature, which is why it is so important to control both temperature and CO2 levels.

Microbiological and volatile organic compound controls

Every month, microbiological controls are carried out throughout the surgical area, which includes the embryology and cryobiology laboratories and the operating theatre In addition, the control of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the laboratories is added to ensure that we do not have any toxic element in the environment which would negatively affect the cultivation of our embryos. We must be vigilant to identify any such toxic compounds.

Positive air flow

Positive air flow prevents the entry of air and particles from other rooms. In this way, air is able to leave the laboratory, but no gas or volatile organic compounds can enter that might harm the embryos.

Strict cleaning protocols

To guarantee maximum biological safety and eliminate any risk of infection, the entire team working in the laboratory follow strict hygiene protocols, which is why items such as perfumes, makeup, nail varnish, etc are prohibited. In addition, the laboratory material is single-use and all biological waste is disposed of in special containers.

Controls in the cryogenic bench

In the liquid nitrogen tanks in which the embryos and gametes are cryopreserved, there is a temperature sensor to ensure there are no nitrogen leaks or a loss of temperature, which would endanger all the biological material. At Tambre, these cryogenic banks are connected to an alarm that, in the event of any problem, alerts laboratory staff. If it occurs at night when there is no one in the laboratory, staff are alerted by mobile phone in order that they can return to make a physical check.

Time-Lapse Incubators

In order to improve embryonic development in the Tambre laboratory we have state-of-the-art time-lapse incubators, which allow us to view the embryos individually, 24 hours a day. This prevents embryologists from having to remove the plates from the incubator to check the status and evolution of the embryos under the microscope.

In this way, we manage to keep the condition of the embryos as stable as possible, avoiding manipulation, exposure to light and temperature changes. In addition, the incubators also have their own alarm systems, which warn of any change in temperature or other problems in order that laboratory staff can address these quickly.

In conclusion, the value of assisted reproduction clinics incorporating the latest technologies reinforces the confidence of couples seeking solutions to infertility. The combination of safety, advanced technology and the ability to adapt to current trends places these clinics in an outstanding position to offer hope and positive results to those seeking to start a family.