Witnessing Systems in In Vitro Fertilisation Lab: Basics to Advanced

The measures employed by fertility clinics to prevent Assisted Reproductive Technologies mix-ups are labelling of all labware and manual double-witnessing protocols. Advanced cutting-edge technological solutions for electronic witnessing are also being developed. One such recent innovation is the introduction of the Electronic Witnessing System (EWS) in infertility clinical practice. The goal of the EWS is to ensure accurate identification and prevent mix-ups. Critical points during the clinical and laboratory in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures are identified where mismatching of gametes and embryos may occur. These critical points are ovum pick-up, sperm collection, preparation of sperm, insemination[Intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)], transferring gametes and embryos between tubes or dishes, embryo transfer, and embryo or gamete cryopreservation.