Errors in IVF laboratories: risks assessments and mitigations

Abstract

Background Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has positively impacted the field of human reproduction. Over the years, ART procedures have evolved to include several complex techniques, associated with various risks of errors and failure opportunities, especially in laboratories. IVF-associated errors, although rare, have significant implications. Patients may be psychologically affected, given the emotional attachment associated with IVF treatments. Most of these errors are associated with humans and/or systemic failure. Methods In this article, we used the Google Scholar database to search for related peer-reviewed original and review articles. Search keywords were “IVF laboratory”, “the embryologist”, “laboratory error”, “IVF laboratory errors”, “IVF error prevalence”, “risks of IVF error”, “consequences/ repercussion, IVF errors”, “risk assessment”, and “risk mitigation”. All studies were extensively evaluated. Findings There is a need for an effective approach toward improving existing risk management systems and, possibly, developing better risk management models that can eliminate these errors. Because laboratory resources (equipment and human expertise) are finite and are dependent on systemic policies, error mitigation must involve a multidimensional approach. This review includes several of these error-mitigating strategies as well as innovative technologies that may provide practical approaches to improve error surveillance, reporting, management, and potentially, eradication. Furthermore, errors in IVF laboratories threaten the integrity of the IVF processes and pose significant implications, which are often negative. Conclusion This review highlights those errors and the stages they occur during the IVF process. Recommendations Understanding the risks of errors in IVF laboratories can help embryologists develop better approaches to identify, evaluate the causes, and prevent errors in the laboratory. Essentially, the practice of effective risks assessment and management can help reinforce patients’ trust in the clinics and prevent repercussions such as litigations and many more. More laboratories can also begin reporting even minor errors to curb the scarce data in this subject.