Vitrification: Implementation and Training

Vitrification represented a game changer in IVF as it became essential for the application of many reproductive technologies and clinical strategies. It has been demonstrated to be fast, safe, and efficient to cryopreserve oocytes and embryos. To efficiently implement this technique, appropriate laboratory setting, equipment, and consumables are necessary so as to ensure good laboratory practice, while providing an appropriate environment for reproductive cells, and a safe working atmosphere for the operators, thereby reducing the risk of errors or accidents. Vitrification is a 100% manual technique, and its effectiveness is highly operator dependent, which makes laboratory protocols, training programs, and technician proficiency key for its performance. In this context, KPIs become a useful and necessary tool to monitor the overall efficiency of the technique as well as the individual performance of each operator. Finally, as for all IVF laboratory procedures, to guarantee traceability is essential for the success of a cryopreservation program. All the mentioned key topics are addressed one by one to provide a general guide for the implementation and training on this revolutionary technique.