Basic course of 4 weeks. Trainees should possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Biotechnology or Biological Sciences, and should be familiar with culture techniques and have experience in tissue handling. A minimum requirement of basic working English is required.
It is not recommended for experienced IVF Embryologists looking to refresh or update their knowledge.
Curriculum
Week 1
- Introduction to lab procedures, equipment and apparatus, consumables, handling of pipettes and pumps
- Aliquoting, aseptic technique, drawn-out pipettes
- Sperm preparation: assessment, cryopreservation, preparation for IVF and ICSI
Week 2
- Stimulation protocols
- Forecast and set-up for cases
- Oocyte retrieval, grading of oocytes and insemination
- ICSI: Alignment of injection needles and immobilisation of sperm
- Other micromanipulation techniques
Week 3
- ICSI (Continued)
- Embryo cleavage, blastocysts, and culture medium
- Embryo selection and replacement
- Cryopreservation
Week 4
- Setting up an IVF Lab
- ICSI (Continued)
- Quality control and maintenance, record-keeping
- Troubleshooting
- 1-day attachment to an IVF Lab
