Workshops

Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

This two-day workshop will provide participants with a complete insight into the ICSI technique that was developed in our fertility centre. The workshop includes in-depth theoretical lectures given by a senior clinician and a senior embryologist as well as hands-on sessions (pipette setting, sperm aspiration and immobilization, microinjection) under supervision of experienced lab technicians.

During the course the participants will learn about the history of ICSI, the technical aspects, clinical applications but above all the participants will have ample opportunity to practice the ICSI technique in various hands-on sessions.

Quality management and quality control in IVF laboratories

You cannot control what you cannot measure.

The importance of implementing a robust system of Total Quality Management (TQM, SOPs, KPI) will be discussed. Participants will learn the skills and tools to measure and control critical process parameters. This course will also focus on theoretical and practical aspects of equipment management, equipment and method validation and how to control critical process parameters in order to achieve good and consistent results in embryo culture.

Laboratory design and start-up

In this workshop participants will learn the basic skills to design a new IVF laboratory or re-build an existing one using the latest know-how, from planning (space design and future needs) to selection of construction materials (building materials, air ventilation system), laboratory furniture, equipment and disposables. Participants will also receive guidance regarding start-up and validation of the laboratory facilities before starting clinical treatments.

IVM: Patient-tailored reproductive medicine for PCO(S) and oncofertility patients

Patient-tailored reproductive medicine for PCO(S) and oncofertility patients: In vitro maturation of oocytes and ovarian tissue cryopreservation: what, why, when and how

The aim of this workshop is to provide state-of-the-art knowledge and tools to assist embryologists and fertility specialists to incorporate the IVM technology and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in the lab and in the clinic in order to establish an elaborate fertility preservation program.

Vitrification

This workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of cryopreservation by vitrification. The workshop includes in-depth theoretical lectures given by senior clinicians as well hands-on sessions under the expert supervision of experienced embryologists and lab technicians. This workshop is limited to 4 participants to guarantee sufficient practice time and one-on-one teaching for each participant.

Embryo biopsy for PGT

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) aims at the transfer of a healthy embryo in couples at risk of transmitting a monogenic disease or a chromosomal rearrangement. PGT is also used for screening the euploidy status of embryos in specific cases of advanced maternal age (AMA), recurrent miscarriage (RM), recurrent implantation failure (RIF) or non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

In this workshop an overview of different biopsy procedures is given. Equipment and different laser systems are discussed. Different genetic testing procedures are presented and the incorporation of a PGT program within a clinical IVF setting is outlined. Within hands-on sessions participants get acquainted with the biopsy procedure and cell tubing.

Clinical workshops

RSCB offers hands-on workshops for clinicians who want to practise oocyte pick-up, embryo transfer, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy etc.