What is the primary responsibility of the IVF laboratory?
To ensure a stable, nontoxic, pathogen-free environment with optimum parameters for oocyte fertilization and embryo development.
What wavelengths of light are potentially harmful in ART procedures?
Near UV wavelengths of 300-400 nm are associated with increased apoptosis in mouse blastocysts.
What percentage of radiation exposure in embryology laboratories comes from microscopes?
95% of radiation exposure is from microscopes.
What is the maximum number of cases that should be housed in a single large incubator at one time?
A single large incubator should not be used to house more than 12 cases at a time.
What is the physiological oxygen concentration within the female reproductive tract?
Approximately 5%
Which Grade classification represents the most stringent air quality requirements for IVF laboratories?
Grade A (equivalent to Class 100, ISO 5) is the most stringent, used for high-risk operations requiring complete asepsis.
What is the recommended air change rate per hour for clean rooms classified as Grade B, C, and D?
At least 20 changes of air per hour are required.
Which type of biological safety cabinet is recommended for IVF laboratory manipulations?
Class II biological safety cabinets provide product, personnel, and environment protection and are recommended for IVF manipulations.
What is the optimal pH range for culture media in IVF procedures?
pH 7.35-7.45 (with physiological pH range of body fluids being 7.2-7.5)
What is the osmolarity range of tubal/uterine secretions?
275-305 mOsm/L
What are the four separate work areas that should be equipped in an IVF laboratory?
Andrology (semen assessment, sperm preparation)
Embryology (oocyte retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture)
Cryopreservation (sperm, oocytes, embryos, tissues)
Micromanipulation (ICSI, assisted hatching, biopsy)
What is the recommended CO2 concentration for most IVF incubators?
5-6% CO2
What size particles do HEPA filters remove?
HEPA filters remove particles smaller than 0.3 μm in diameter.
What does RFID stand for in electronic witnessing systems?
Radio Frequency Identification
What are the major advantages of oil overlays in tissue culture systems?
- Acts as physical barrier from atmosphere/airborne particles
- Prevents evaporation and delays gas diffusion
- Keeps pH, temperature, and osmolality stable during manipulations
- Allows use of non-humidified incubators
What is the molecular weight and amino acid count of serum albumin?
Serum albumin contains 650 amino acids with a molecular weight of 65,000 kDa.
What are the four most common air pollutants in IVF laboratories?
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
2.Small inorganic molecules (N2O, SO2, CO)
3.Substances from building materials (aldehydes, benzenes)
4.Pesticides/aerosols containing butane/iso-butane
What is the recommended equilibration time for oil overlays in CO2 incubators?
A minimum of 8 hours equilibration (ideally overnight) is required for even small volumes (50 μL) of medium.
What chemicals are used to generate CO2 in the simplified IVF system?
Citric acid and sodium bicarbonate
What percentage of HSA (Human Serum Albumin) does human serum contain?
Human serum contains approximately 4.5% albumin (45 mg/mL).
Which buffering system maintains stable pH in room atmosphere?
HEPES buffer maintains relatively stable pH even in ambient air and is used for sperm preparation, oocyte harvesting/washing, and ICSI procedures.
What is the recommended pressure differential between adjacent rooms with different clean area classifications?
10-15 pascals, with the highest pressure in the most critical areas.
What was the conclusion of the Cochrane evaluation regarding low oxygen culture?
Culturing embryos under low oxygen concentrations (around 5%) improves success rates of IVF/ICSI, resulting in an increase in live birth rate.
What is the recommended air velocity for laminar flow in clean rooms?
0.3-0.45 meters per second at uniform velocity
