ACCREDITATION
Our Advanced Reproductive Laboratory meets the highest standards set by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). These certifying bodies examine all aspects of quality assurance in the laboratory, including methodology, reagents, quality control, medical equipment, specimen handling, procedural manuals, reports and proficiency testing, personnel, safety, and the overall management principles that distinguish a quality laboratory. Successful accreditation indicates that a laboratory belongs to an exclusive group of reproductive laboratories that meet the highest standards of excellence as recognized by its peers.
| EMBRYOLOGY |  | Sperm Egg Interaction- After the eggs are retrieved, they are examined under an isolette that has been modified with a microscope and sensors. The eggs are next mixed with the sperm in a petri dish that is then placed in an incubator. |  | Embryo Culture- Our state of the art incubators provide the an optimized environment for embryos to grow until they are ready for transfer into the uterus. Embryos are usually cultured until they become blastocysts, a stage they normally reach before implantation. | 
| Laser Assisted Hatching- In laser assisted hatching, a laser beam is used to make a small opening on the shell of the embryo before transfer to facilitate implantation. Assisted hatching is routinely performed on day 3 transfers. The same technology can facilitate direct embryo biopsy for PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis). |  | Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection- In cases of severe male factors or previous failure of fertilization, a sperm is injected directly into the egg to promote fertilization. |  | Embryo Cryopreservation- Since only 2 or 3 embryos are transferred, some patients may desire to have their extra embryos frozen for future use. Although the implantation rate of frozen embryos is lower than that of fresh embryos, the cost of a frozen embryo transfer cycle is significantly less than that of a fresh IVF cycle. | | ANDROLOGY |  | Semen Analysis- We perform a wide range of male testing using criteria used by most quality fertility centers. We do not rely on machines to assess sperm parameters. We believe that semen analysis is best performed by a well trained andrologist. |  | Sperm Preparation for Insemination- After the semen is processed for artificial insemination, it is stored in an incubator. Sperm can live for 2 days in this environment. |  | Sperm Cryostorage- Sperm can be stored for patients whose spouses are frequently out of town. We also store cryopreserved donor sperm until they are used. | | ENDOCRINOLOGY |  | Hormone Assays- We have the ability to determine blood levels of estradiol, progesterone, and HCG quickly to enable our physicians to make correct clinical decisions. |
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