Reimagining IVF Risk Assessment Through Real-World Data: Lessons from 414,500 Procedures

Risk assessment in IVF has traditionally relied on theoretical models and isolated adverse event reviews. However, these approaches often miss the broader, recurring patterns of human and procedural error that occur daily in fertility laboratories. This study uses data from 414,500 assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures across ten clinics to reframe how risk is defined, detected, and addressed. Through barcode-based electronic witnessing, we reveal quantifiable evidence of misidentification, protocol deviations, and staff-related error trends. This article proposes a shift in the IVF safety paradigm from assumption-driven models to measurable, frequency-based frameworks that reflect the real-world complexity of reproductive medicine.