Andrology Laboratory Techniques

How to set up Andrology Laboratory and what are the equipment required?

Handling, cleaning, maintenance and calibration of different equipment-Laminar Flow workstation, Microscopes, Centrifuges, etc.

Comprehensive semen analysis-Macroscopic and Microscopic-density, motility, viability, round cell differentiation etc.

Sperm morphology assessment according to WHO and Strict (Kruger) criteria.

Sperm survival test.

Semen cryopreservation-both neat and processed sample.

Semen preparation for IUI-Classical method, Standard method and Density gradient method.

Embryology Laboratory Techniques
How to set up Embryology laboratory-Lab space and layout, equipment, design flooring, HEPA filter etc.

Monitoring, calibration and maintenance of equipment-measuring and adjustment of carbon dioxide (CO2) & temperature of incubators and cleaning of incubators

Embryology lab maintenance-daily, weekly and monthly.

List and selection of disposables and culture media.

Preparation of Embryology Lab for oocyte retrieval the day before-checklist.

Preparation of lab on the day of oocyte retrieval

Identification of granulose cells, cumulus and corona cells and oocytes

Separation of oocytes and further culture

Preparation of semen for insemination of oocytes-processing of ejaculated semen

Method of oocyte insemination-short co-incubation, etc

Dissection of oocytes and fertilization check

Criteria for fertilization check

Day – 1 Fertilization check, classification of zygotes and further culture

Evaluation of different zygote morphology using digital pictures

Day 2 – Assessment of embryo cleavage and identification of good embryos

Day 3 – Assessment of cleavage and selection of best quality embryos for transfer

Day 5/6- Blastocyst culture -technique

Learning Material
Hands-on practical one to one using unfertilized embryos

Embryo Transfer
Preparation for embryo transfer

Selection of embryos for transfer- day 2, day3 or day5

Technique of embryo loading into the catheter (mock transfer)

Micromanipulation (practical hands-on)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Familiarization and operation of equipment (Training in the use of various brands of microscopes, Micromanipulators, micromanipulation tools, media etc).

Setting up and alignment of micromanipulators and tools at different angles – Technique and tips.

Preparation of oocytes for micro-injection-use of appropriate pipettes for dissection of oocytes in hyaluronidase and use of appropriate media.

Preparation of sperm and egg dishes for micromanipulation.

Selection and method of picking sperm-Technique and tips.

Technique of microinjection-Tips.

Ultra-rapid Freezing Method-Vitrification.
Selection of Carriers for vitrification.

Selection of vitrification solutions.

Technique and precautions.

Warming of vitrified embryos.

Post-thaw assessment.