An expert commentary on essential equipment, supplies and culture media in the assisted reproductive technology laboratory

Abstract

The assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory is a complex system designed to sustain the fertilization, survival, and culture of the preimplantation embryo to the blastocyst stage. ART outcomes depend on numerous factors, among which are the equipment, supplies and culture media used. The number and type of incubators also may affect ART results. While large incubators may be more suitable for media equilibration, bench-top incubators may provide better embryo culture conditions in separate or smaller chambers and may be coupled with time-lapse systems that allow continuous embryo monitoring. Microscopes are essential for observation, assessment, and micromanipulation. Workstations provide a controlled environment for gamete and embryo handling and their quantity should be adjusted according to the number of ART cycles treated in order to provide a steady and efficient workflow. Continuous maintenance, quality control and monitoring of equipment are essential and quality control devices such as the thermometer, and pH-meter are necessary to maintain optimal culture conditions. Tracking, appropriate delivery and storage conditions, and quality control of all consumables are recommended so that adequate quantity and quality are available for use. Embryo culture media have evolved: preimplantation embryos are cultured either by sequential media or single-step media that can be used for interrupted or uninterrupted culture. There is currently no sufficient evidence that any individual commercially-available culture system is better than others in terms of embryo viability. In this review, we aim to analyze the various parameters that should be taken into account when choosing the essential equipment, consumables and culture media systems that will create optimal culture conditions and provide the most effective patient treatment.