The continuous education of embryologists is the basis of all successes in assisted reproduction. Without training, it would be impossible to fulfil the dreams of so many families who place their hopes and life projects in the hands of experts in the field. As every 24th of January, the International Day of Education is celebrated. This time, from Ovoclinic we want to highlight the figure of the qualified embryologist and the importance of complex techniques in the laboratory.
Vitrification and devitrification, rapid freezing techniques, represent key technological advances in cell preservation, ensuring optimal results when properly implemented. However, their application requires a high level of specialisation and rigorous training of the professionals in charge of carrying out these procedures. The crucial role of the embryologist in the execution of these techniques, as well as the need to adhere precisely to established protocols, will be discussed below.
A recent study on the viability of vitrified oocytes and the impact of the embryologist on the process has highlighted the critical importance of technical training of the operators. The results of the study suggest that the performance of the embryologist, supported by specialised training and constant practice, is determinant in minimising variability in the results and guaranteeing the success rate of the treatments.
Presented at the I Argentine Congress of the Argentine Society of Clinical Embryology (SAEC) in 2019, the conclusions of this retrospective observational study were clear and enlightening. Although the scientific literature suggests that the embryologist has a direct impact on the survival of vitrified oocytes, the results obtained by Dr De Martino’s research team were completely contrary.
In 90.4% of the cases analysed (1,439 oocytes vitrified and subsequently devitrified), the oocyte survival rate was found to be independent of the embryologist. When oocyte devitrification is performed by properly trained embryologists and following strict protocols, operator-to-operator variations in oocyte survival rates for oocytes from the same donor cycle were minimal, suggesting that the ‘operator’ variable could be excluded from the determinants.
This conclusion highlights that education and continuous training are the cornerstones for achieving excellence in these procedures. Without constant and up-to-date training in the latest scientific advances, the excellent results observed in this study would not have been possible, placing embryologists in a prominent position in the scientific context.
Vitrification protocols: accuracy as a critical factor in vulnerable patients
More studies highlight the role of the highly qualified embryologist. It is in the article ‘Oocyte vitrification and cancer patients’ that the importance of a structured quality programme including specialised training and the use of validated protocols is highlighted (Practice Committees of ASRM & SRBT, 2021).
This article states that vitrification protocols vary widely and that vitrification practice has been ‘dependent on the skills of the operator, with a wide difference in success rates between embryologists’.
It is at this stage that excellent training is required. It is the small details and the hands of experts that are indispensable in order not to compromise protocol compliance. Therefore, this treatment in untrained hands can lead to errors in these exhaustive protocols that must be taken care of to the utmost, especially if we are dealing with oocytes in vulnerable patients.
Train as an excellent embryologist with Ovolearning
At Ovolearning we understand that excellence in assisted reproduction depends not only on the most advanced technology, but also on the preparation of the professionals who operate each technique. For this reason, we offer training programmes specifically designed for embryologists.
This training, which can be found in our Training Programme ‘Assisted Reproduction Training’, ensures in-depth knowledge in clinical embryology techniques, such as vitrification and devitrification, which we practice in our laboratories.
As has been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies, the specialised training of the embryologist is a determining factor in the difference between an average result and outstanding success in laboratory procedures such as vitrification. In this context, and on the occasion of the International Day of Education, we invite you to explore our platform, where you can learn in detail about the theoretical and practical courses we offer. These programmes are designed to provide comprehensive training that will allow you to achieve excellence in the practice of embryology, becoming highly qualified professionals.
