Embryology Post COVID

When was the last time the world came to a stunning halt for such a long time? Many people are attributing the ongoing Corona pandemic as the biggest crisis of our times since the Second World War. Similarly, a pandemic devastating the globe last time was a hundred years back. Owing to this gap and complacency, the world is not attenuated to handle such situations. As the countries raced to shut down for months, the challenge now will be to reopen economies and businesses. Other sectors at least harbor some experience in dealing with such catastrophes. However, IVF is nascent and till now had never seen disasters like wars or pandemics. Again, IVF clinics running regularly are supposedly functioning for 24 hours and seven days a week. And a complete shutdown was the least expected.

As the world slowly limps back to normalcy over time, fertility clinics too will be in the bandwagon to be back into the business. Nevertheless, the process will be gradual and will happen with newer measures and in relevant phases. In the midst of the same, how will embryologists prepare to restart their work and embryology?

I remember reading an article about the BCCI making mandatory for cricketers to undergo rigorous practice for a couple of months before embarking for international cricket. This has no connection about the embryology discussion barring the essence here. After many months of hiatus and being out of touch, embryologists too will need to acclimatize them shelves for cases and work. Primarily, the most serious aspect of getting back would be to work with Corona. The virus is here to stay and although maintaining cleaning protocols and sterility is a norm anyway, more care will have to be taken to live with it. Moving over cleaning or otherwise, what embryologists can personally do to make things better after a prolonged gap?

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In a generalized manner, there has never been so much time without people doing ICSI or vitrification. It will not be a problem if they do a bit of homework or revisit practical aspects to adapt themselves to cases. Whenever there was a sufficient gap between cases, I have seen a little bit of effect on my reflexes. Although it’s not a major issue, there would be no harm in just spending time on an ICSI machine or doing sperm immobilization. This may be more pertinent to those who have just started their foray in the field. They were about to develop those necessary habits to handle large batches and cases and the pandemic interjected. Even for important procedures such as Vitrification and embryo transfer, the same policy can be applied. These measures are more necessary for junior embryologists waiting in the wings for growth and stability. Trainee level personnel and newer entrants will also need to revisit basics namely andrology and semen analysis. As IVF clinics will reopen, the cases will lingeringly climb up and so the work will take time to increase exponentially for juniors or trainees to catch up. Cleaning of the IVF lab, calibration of instruments, and setting the incubators will be required. It is always better to keep some time off before the cases begin to ensure the lab conditions are brought back on track along with the cross-checking of stocks. Expired media and consumables should be done away with and new material ordered from vendors should be received with alertness due to the Corona mayhem. Embryo development in initial cases will need more monitoring and not too many cases at a time will be useful. All the pending paperwork and documentation in the backlog mode can be completed. Alertness and social distancing whilst communicating with colleagues or patients will be the key to be internalized or normalized with work. Care also must be taken to check the replenishment of liquid nitrogen in cryo tanks along with other crucial miscellaneous activities.

The most important opportunity here would also be for the embryologists to acquaint themselves with all the theory aspects of embryology. The progress made in the subject can be updated which previously was difficult since cases were continuously on schedule. Especially, considering embryologists traveling heavily for batch systems could use this time during and post lockdown for self-reflection and advancement of knowledge. Newer goals can be made, good courses can be completed which will add value to your overall perspective. Courses based online will not give any practical experience but will be the impetus in gaining traction to kick start your interest in theory and scientific side of the IVF process.

These above-mentioned points are just an opinioned summary of overall steps and surely needs more detailing and emphasis. There is no doubt IVF work is already insulated against pathogenic elements considerably and more efforts are needed at the moment to make it better. Transitions are always tough as it requires an efficient cross over to bridge the gap. Once done, normalcy will rule the roost again!

 

Read More On Corona Pandemic and its effect on IVF

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