Revised minimum standards for practices offering assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract

Treatment of the infertile couple is evolving rapidly. Perhaps no area in this specialty better exemplifies the advances of technology than assisted reproductive technology (ART). Periodically, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reviews and publishes updated guidelines in the form of minimum standards for ART programs and guidelines for human embryology and andrology laboratories. This latest document represents a document that is designed to assist ART programs in establishing and maintaining a successful clinical practice. It also includes criteria that meet or exceed the requirements recently suggested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for certification of ART laboratories (1). This document replaces “Revised Minimum Standards for In Vitro Fertilization, Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer, and Related Procedures” (October 1998). It is not designed to cover all clinical situations or practices, but rather it should be reviewed by ART program and laboratory directors to ensure that their programs' practice reflects current recommendations. More specific guidance on laboratory procedures is presented in the Practice Committee report titled “Guidelines for Human Embryology and Andrology Laboratories.”