News

8th June 2004

New rules to save IVF samples announced

New rules to ensure the safety of frozen sperm, eggs and embryos for use in IVF, have been announced by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

The regulation has come about after a number of incidents where samples were lost after inadequate monitoring caused irreparable damage.

By June 2005, all fertility clinics storing frozen sperm, eggs and embryos will be expected to ensure: " Effective alarms and monitoring systems are fitted to storage vessels " The alarm system includes a process to alert staff if problems occur outside normal working hours " Formal emergency procedures are in place for dealing with a freezer incident - including adequate spare storage vessels for transferring samples " A staff 'on-call' system is in place so that there is always somebody available to carry out these emergency procedures

As an additional measure the samples of patients whose fertility has been impaired by medical treatments, like those used to treat cancer, should be divided between different storage vessels, also known as dewars.

Angela McNab, HFEA Chief Executive said, "We have to make sure we take every step possible to safeguard stored material in clinics.

"For cancer patients in particular, this material is so precious because it can be their only chance of having children.

"Patient safety is our top priority at the HFEA and we work constantly with infertility clinics to improve it."

These storage guidelines are the latest in a series of HFEA initiatives to improve patient safety at UK fertility clinics by sharing information between clinics.

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