ACTIVITY NUMBER: EMBM003
ACTIVITY TITLE: Embryology Laboratory Procedures and Techniques
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 7.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
PEER Credits
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine sponsors Professional Enrichment Education Renewal (PEER) credit through the American Board of Bioanalysis. This activity has been pre-approved for 7.50 PEER credits by the American Board of Bioanalysis under course number 66467.
To claim PEER credits:
1. Complete the course
2. Complete post-course evaluation:
a. Fill in all required fields.
b. If you hold a Florida license and plan to claim ABB PEER credits, be sure to include your license information in the required fields at the end of the evaluation.
3. ASRM will submit all learner completions to ABB for issuance of PEER credits. PEER credits are posted within 30 days of completion.
ABB issues PEER credits directly; ASRM certificates or transcripts cannot be used to claim credits with ABB.
Release Date: October 15, 2014
Expiration Date: December 30, 2025
Reviewed and Updated: March 1, 2026
Expiration Date: March 1, 2029
Estimated Time to Complete Activity: 7.5 hours
NEEDS ASSESSMENT and IDENTIFICATION OF PRACTICE GAP
Advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have significantly increased the complexity of clinical and laboratory decision-making across the entire IVF cycle, creating a clear need for integrated, competency-based education in ovarian stimulation, gamete handling, fertilization, embryo assessment, and transfer. Although IVF outcomes depend on tightly coordinated clinical and embryology practices, training is often siloed, leading to variability in protocol selection, laboratory techniques, and patient risk management. Clinicians must be able to individualize controlled ovarian stimulation protocols based on patient characteristics while minimizing complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestation. Inadequate understanding of protocol selection and risk-reduction strategies can adversely affect both patient safety and treatment success.
Similarly, oocyte retrieval, semen collection, and sperm preparation require standardized technical expertise and quality oversight to ensure optimal gamete viability. Variations in equipment performance, operator technique, and laboratory handling protocols may directly influence oocyte yield and quality. A structured understanding of semen physiology, appropriate collection methods, and sperm preparation techniques—including simple wash, swim-up, density gradients, filtration, and emerging microfluidic approaches—is essential for selecting the most appropriate strategy for conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Best practices for handling cryopreserved and virus-positive specimens further underscore the need for rigorous laboratory protocols that prioritize safety and specimen integrity.
Fertilization assessment and early embryo development represent additional areas where inconsistency in training can affect clinical outcomes. Embryologists must be fluent in the terminology, timing, and morphologic criteria associated with normal and abnormal fertilization, as well as the developmental kinetics of embryos from day 1 through day 3. With increasing reliance on blastocyst culture, professionals must competently evaluate inner cell mass and trophectoderm quality, understand the clinical advantages of blastocyst transfer, and interpret morphologic and kinetic markers of embryo viability. Emerging technologies for embryo assessment require critical appraisal to distinguish validated tools from unproven innovations.
Finally, embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro maturation (IVM) demand specialized procedural knowledge and physiologic insight. The technical execution of ET, along with recognition of factors that influence implantation success, remains a pivotal determinant of IVF outcomes. Likewise, IVM requires understanding of oocyte maturation physiology, appropriate media preparation, maturation assessment, fertilization timing, and transfer strategy. Given the expanding use of individualized treatment pathways, this educational initiative addresses a critical need to unify clinical and laboratory competencies across the IVF continuum. By strengthening evidence-based decision-making, technical proficiency, and patient-centered risk management, the program aims to improve safety, standardize practice, and optimize reproductive outcomes in contemporary ART programs.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:
1. Discuss controlled ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, and semen collection principles to optimize gamete quality and reduce ART-related complications.
2. Identify evidence-based sperm and oocyte handling techniques including preparation methods, insemination strategies (conventional and ICSI), and laboratory best practices to support successful fertilization.
3. Describe fertilization outcomes and early embryonic development using morphological assessment, developmental kinetics, and recognized predictors of embryo viability.
4. Identify advanced embryo selection strategies, including blastocyst grading, kinetic markers, and emerging technologies, to inform embryo transfer decisions.
5. Explain embryo transfer and in vitro maturation (IVM) processes, including procedural techniques, timing considerations, and factors influencing clinical success.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of new and experienced clinicians, laboratory scientists and allied health professionals with an interest in ART laboratory technologies for the evaluation and treatment of the infertile couple.
ACGME COMPETENCIES
Medical Knowledge
Patient Care
Professionalism
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion of this educational activity requires the learner to:
· View a course overview page containing all CME and disclosure information, including acknowledgment of any commercial support and disclosure of unlabeled use.
· Complete a 10-question pre-exam prior to each module. Learners should note any pre-exam questions answered incorrectly for clarification during module study.
· Participate in the interactive activity: audio narration is synchronized with lesson materials and can be advanced, stopped, or reversed as desired.
· Complete a post-exam after each lesson with feedback of correct/incorrect answers, scoring a minimum of 70% in two attempts.
· Complete the evaluation survey.
· Print certificate of completion.
DISCLOSURES FOR PLANNERS AND FACULTY
Planners
Stephanie Nichols-Burns, M.S, P.H.D, HCLD: Nothing to Disclose
Sarah Ramaiah, PhD, MSEd: Nothing to Disclose
Chevis N. Shannon, DrPH, MBA, MPH, MERC: Nothing to Disclose
Jeffery Hayes, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
Maina Gvakharia, M.D., PhD: Nothing to Disclose
Content Developers and Reviewers
Rhodel Simbulan, PH.D.: Nothing to Disclose
Olga Chaplia, PH.D.: Nothing to Disclose
Cihan Halicigil, PH.D., H.C.L.D.: Nothing to Disclose
Kristen Ivani, PH.D.: IVF Store - Sci Advisory Board (Self)
Scott Purcell, PH.D.: PS Fertility - Paid Consultant (Self)
Yifei Liu, PH.D.: Nothing to Disclose
Yining Li, PH.D.: Nothing to Disclose
Stephanie Nichols-Burns, M.S, P.H.D, HCLD: Nothing to Disclose
Navid Esfandiari, PH.D., HCLD: Nothing to Disclose
Arthur Chang, PH.D., HCLD, ELD: Nothing to Disclose
Lisa Wagner, PhD, MS, BS: Cooper Surgical - Full-Time Company Employee (Self)
Speaker/Presenter
Kristen Ivani, PH.D.: IVF Store - Sci Advisory Board (Self)
Olga Chaplia, PH.D.: Nothing to Disclose
Stephanie Nichols-Burns, M.S, P.H.D, HCLD: Nothing to Disclose
Navid Esfandiari, PH.D., HCLD: Nothing to Disclose
Arthur Chang, PH.D., HCLD, ELD: Nothing to Disclose
Kimball Pomeroy, PH.D.: Ivy Fertility - Company Officer (Self); Ivy Fertility - Full-Time Company Employee (Self)
(*contributed to the original course only)
Planners
*Susan Gitlin, PhD: Ownership/Stock: Merck; Walgreen Company
*Andrew R. La Barbera, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Richard H. Reindollar, MD: Nothing to Disclose
*Nancy Bowers, BSN, RN, MPH: Nothing to Disclose
*Morgan Amick, BS: Nothing to Disclose
*Anthony Anderson, DSc: Nothing to Disclose
*Marlane Angle, PhD: Consultant: Previvo
*C. Brent Barrett, PhD: Consultant: ReproSource Fertility Diagnostics
*Charles Bormann, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Bruce Carr, MD: Grant/Research: AbbVie, Medicines 360; Speakers Bureau: Shionogi, Noven, Pfizer
*Marcelle Cedars, MD: Grant/Research: Nora Therapeutics; Ferring Pharmaceuticals
*Grace Centola, PhD: Consultant: New England Cryogenic Center; Cryos International-NY, Central Park Fertility
*Carli Chapman, MS: Nothing to Disclose
*Ri-Cheng Chian, PhD: Other: Cooper Surgical/SAGE Company
*Susan Crockin, JD: Consultant: BMS, Merck, Prometheus; Advisory Board: GSK, CoStim, Aveo; Speakers Bureau: Pfizer Canada, BMS
*Judith Daar, JD: Nothing to Disclose
*Erma Drobnis, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Kathryn Go, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Kay Graff, MS: Consultant: Steptoe Therapeutics; Employee: Pelton & Crane
*Elizabeth Grill, PsyD: SouthEastern Fertility: Speakers Bureau
*Shalini Gunawardena, RN, BSN: Walgreen's Nursing Advisory Board
*Lee Higdon, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Kristen Ivani, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Sangita Jindal, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Emily Jungheim, MD: Spouse is paid consultant: Abbvie, Genentech, Spectrum, Celgene; Speakers bureau: Genentech
*Levent Keskintepe, DVM, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Ann Kiessling, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Rebecca Krisher, PhD: Grant/Research: Serono
*Martin Langley, BS: Nothing to Disclose
*Michael Lee, MS: Consultant: Cook Medical
*Bruce Lessey, MD, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Dennis Matt, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*David McCulloh, PhD: Consultant: Infertility and IVF Medical Associates of Western NY; ReproART; Biogenetics Corporation; Employee: NYU Langone Medical Center
*Peter McGovern, MD: Nothing to Disclose
*Yves Menezo, DSc, PhD: Consultant: Nurilia
*Z. Peter Nagy, MD, PhD: Direct stockholder: My Egg Bank; Paid consultant: Origio, Fertilitech; Speakers bureau: Merck MSD
*Mike Neal, MSc: Nothing to Disclose
*Fariba Nehchiri, MSc: Nothing to Disclose
*Sergio Oehninger, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Kimball Pomeroy, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Thomas (Rusty) Pool, PhD: Other: Auxogyn
*Marc Portmann, MHA, MT: Nothing to Disclose
*Catherine Racowsky, PhD: Consultant: Nora Therapeutics
*Michael Reed, PhD: Nothing to Disclose Lisa Rinehart, JD: Nothing to Disclose
*William Roudebush, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Denny Sakkas, PhD: Consultant: Good Start Genetics; Other: Fertilitech, Origio
*Mitchel Schiewe, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Ira Sharlip, MD: Consultant: Pfizer, Lilly, Absorption, Vyrix
*Scott Smith, PhD: Product Review: Biocoat
*Amy Sparks, PhD: Nothing to Disclose Laurel Stadtmauer, MD: Nothing to Disclose
*Jason Swain, PhD: Consultant: Irvine Scientific
*Tyl Taylor, MSc: Consultant; Spouse employed: Biodiseño
*Helen Tempest, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*James Toner, MD, PhD: Speakers bureau: Merck
*Nathan Treff, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Tom Turner, MS: Nothing to Disclose
*Matthew VerMilyea, PhD: Consultant: Auxogyn, Irvine Scientific, Genea Biomedx
*Michael Vernon, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Diane Wright, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
*Hang Yin, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
It is the policy of ASRM to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational activities. All faculty/speakers participating in this activity are required to disclose any relationships they may have with companies whose products or services could be mentioned, allowing participants to determine the objectivity of the presentations. The content and views presented in this activity are those of the faculty/speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of ASRM. Any discussion of the off-label, experimental, or investigational use of drugs or devices is not allowed. The disclosure statements were reviewed by the CME Subcommittee and the Executive Program Committee of ASRM, and any perceived conflicts of interest were resolved in accordance with the ACCME’s policies and Standards of Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
No commercial support has been provided for this activity.