Safety Protocols at Boston IVF

At Boston IVF, patient safety and security are our top priorities, and we have implemented some of the strictest protocols in the world to ensure the highest level of care throughout every aspect of the fertility journey. From laboratory processes to patient interactions, our commitment to rigorous safety standards and security protocols ensures that every sample and patient is treated with the utmost attention to detail, accuracy, and respect.

World-Class Chain-of-Custody and Identification Protocols
Our lab adheres to one of the most vigorous chain-of-custody protocols and identification systems worldwide, ensuring every step of the sperm, egg, and embryo handling process is meticulously verified and documented. From the moment a partner produces a sperm sample, our thorough chain-of-custody protocol begins. Whenever fresh samples enter or leave the laboratory, including sperm samples arriving, egg retrievals, and embryo transfers, the patient or partner is positively identified using a government-issued ID or a labeled wristband, with a witness verifying this identification. This process is essential for guaranteeing accuracy and eliminating any potential for misidentification. If a sample is not labeled correctly by the patient with a lab witness present, it will not be accepted by our lab.

For frozen samples being stored, arriving, or leaving the lab, identification is conducted using storage records, documents, and labels on the vials or straws, with a witness verifying the identification. Throughout all laboratory procedures, we require multiple identification checks, ensuring that samples are consistently matched with the correct patient. Our witnessing system, which includes two trained laboratory staff members, observes and re-verifies each step, ensuring accuracy and security at every point in the process.

Lab Security and Expertise
Boston IVF maintains strict access control to sensitive lab areas, allowing only authorized personnel to handle patient samples. Our highly trained and certified laboratory team, which includes embryologists and laboratory technicians, plays a crucial role in maintaining our high standards. Each team member undergoes extensive training, participates in ongoing education, and is regularly assessed to ensure they uphold Boston IVF’s safety and quality protocols.

To further ensure security, before working with a specimen in the lab, it is the responsibility of the embryologist or andrologist to identify, examine, and verify that all associated paperwork matches the tubes, dishes, and patient labels. Each embryologist and andrologist works with only one patient’s sample at a time, ensuring that no other samples, dishes, or paperwork are present before beginning work. All work with gametes and embryos is performed using sterile techniques, and no pipets, needles, dishes, or other disposables are ever used for more than one patient. In the event of any issues, a supervisor or physician must be notified immediately.

Patient Safety Protocols
At Boston IVF, patient safety is reinforced through numerous checks and balances throughout the process. We require patients to provide legal identification when dropping off samples, and we utilize a double-witness system to verify the identity of any egg, sperm, or embryo before and during all stages of treatment. Our protocols ensure that each patient’s genetic material is handled with the utmost precision, safeguarding against any potential errors.

We also take care to partner only with donor agencies that meet our strict standards. These agencies must provide quality-assured samples, further reinforcing our commitment to patient safety and ethical practices.

Accreditation and Industry-Leading Standards
Our commitment to maintaining the highest level of care is reflected in our adherence to industry-leading standards and accreditations. Boston IVF is accredited by key organizations, including the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). These accreditations ensure that our laboratory protocols meet and exceed the highest standards of quality, safety, and ethical care in the field of reproductive medicine.

Dedication to Excellence in Care
At Boston IVF, we are unwavering in our dedication to providing the highest standards of safety, security, and care for our patients. From the moment you begin your fertility journey with us, you can rest assured that your treatment, samples, and personal information are handled with the greatest level of care and security. Our comprehensive protocols and industry-leading practices ensure that every patient receives the safest and most effective fertility treatment possible.