Quality and Education Tools for Reproductive Scientists
"As far as practicable, all staff involved in testing patient's samples must participate in the QAP with records kept." [NATA Supplementary requirements for accreditation]
A Free Scheme to allow individuals to complete the assessment of 200+ sperm and calculate their estimate of % normal sperm morphology. Completion may be considered a competency for morphology assessment.
A New EQA scheme for scientists using HALOSPERM slides for estimation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation.In conjunction with Dr Marc Van den Bergh, Kantonsspital Baden AG, Switzerland, this introductory scheme, has 4 installments each with 200+ sperm.
A new EQA scheme for the CASA SCA from Microptic. Contains ZIPPED video files to run on local units and the results uploaded to the scheme for quality assurance purposes.
An EQA For the CASA SCA from MicrOptic
- FertAid
FertAid is a web site written for professionals working in the Reproductive Sciences and in particular to those working in Assisted Reproductive Technologies [ART]. Its primary function is the provision of an online Quality Assurance Program [QAPonline] but in recent years has extended its functionality to include a variety of education orientated features and other tools to assist in your laboratories
- QAPonline
The primary function of FertAid is the operation of an External Quality Assurance program in Andrology, Embryology and Ultrasound based on individual participation.
- FertAid Mail
FertAid has for some time been providing a weekly mail of links to recent new articles or scientific publications in the reproductive sciences. Now located in its own pages, IVFDaily is designed to be read daily. The latest news and publications are listed and linked to the original article. Visit www.IVFDaily.com daily
- Education
FertAid has been working on a series of education facilities. In addition to the EQA schemes, FertAid has developed several avenues for professional development. Some are designed for scientists while others are designed for nursing and counseling staff. There is now a growing list of CPD modules designed for all IVF practitioners esp nurses and scientific. Visit IVFCPD.com
- Reviews
Many practitioners in ART are busy or occupied elsewhere such that new information or developments is not appreciated. This includes laboratory scientists, nurse coordinators, counsellors and IVF Fertility specialists. FertAid has developed the tools to provide on a regular basis, summaries or reviews of recent publications.
- IVFLabOnline
One issue for clinics to know about new products or suppliers. IVFLabonline is a new function to allow manufacturers or suppliers to list this contact details and products. Most details have been added by FertAid from information freely available on the Internet. Companies are free to add their products .
- IVF Benchmarking
FertAid has developed an impressive capability to allow clinics to plot key performance indicators over time. Access is Free but to compare your performance to others requires a small payment (just to discourage spurious data).
- Accreditation tools
FertAid has developed some features that clinics may wish to use. Access to free. The primary tools currently available is a product - suppliers management functions. A second feature is a routine to create and analyse patient surveys.
- Forum/Chat Room
FertAid is developing a series of functions to allow for chats between scientists. Current forums on EmbryoMail or IVF.net are extremely valuable but FertAid believes a less formal environment should exist for communication between both new and experienced scientists, nurses, counsellors and medical practitioners.
