Curious about what makes Olive Fertility a leader in the field? Jeffrey Caudle, MSc., laboratory manager, has answered some of the most frequently asked questions they receive.
Why is the laboratory crucial for IVF success?
Olive Fertility’s laboratory has won multiple awards over the years and has been recognized as the top clinic in Canada by DEB USA, one of the largest egg banks in the world, and other organizations for our outstanding outcomes, the excellence of our lab and our egg-thawing protocol success rates.
The laboratory is the heart of any. It's where the most delicate and critical processes take place, from fertilizing the eggs to cultivating and selecting the best embryos for transfer. The quality and precision of the lab's work directly influence the success rates of IVF treatments. At Olive Fertility we take immense pride in the fact that we have one of the highest IVF success rates in North America due to our state-of-the-art laboratory, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by some of the most skilled embryologists and andrologists in the field.
Can you tell us more about Dr. Salah Abdelgadir and the lab team?
, PhD, is our esteemed laboratory director with nearly 20 years of experience. He is certified as a technical supervisor (TS) and high complexity lab director (HCLD) by the American Board of Bioanalysis. Dr. Abdelgadir is the only PhD-educated lab director in British Columbia who is present on-site full-time, ensuring strict and direct supervision of all laboratory processes. He leads a dedicated team of top embryologists and andrologists who are committed to excellence and innovation in fertility care.
How important is air quality in the lab?
Air quality in an IVF lab is paramount. Contaminants and fluctuations in air quality can adversely affect embryo development. In the lab we have installed a giant state-of-the-art air purification system that maintains strict air quality control, ensuring a stable and contaminant-free environment. This involves using HEPA filters, maintaining positive air pressure and regularly monitoring air quality to provide optimal conditions for embryo culture.
What equipment is essential in an IVF lab?
Several key pieces of equipment are essential for an IVF lab, including:
- Incubators: These provide a stable environment for embryos to grow, mimicking the conditions of a woman's uterus as closely as possible.
- Microscopes: High-quality microscopes are crucial for examining eggs, sperm, and embryos.
- Air filtration systems: As mentioned, maintaining clean air is critical.
- Cryopreservation equipment: For freezing and storing eggs, sperm and embryos safely.
How are the best embryos selected, and what is PGT-A?
Embryo selection is a highly skilled process where embryologists evaluate embryos based on their development and morphology. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) is a technique used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. This helps increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of miscarriage.
What expertise is required for freezing and thawing eggs?
Freezing (vitrification) and thawing eggs require significant skill and precision. Our team of embryologists is highly trained in these techniques, ensuring high survival rates for thawed eggs. Proper handling and cryopreservation protocols are critical to maintaining the viability and quality of eggs and embryos.
How does Olive Fertility safeguard frozen eggs and embryos?
Our lab employs rigorous protocols to ensure the safety and viability of frozen eggs and embryos. This includes state-of-the-art cryopreservation equipment, meticulous documentation and continuous monitoring of storage conditions. By maintaining these high standards, we provide peace of mind to our patients that their genetic materials are well-protected.
How does Olive Fertility ensure personalized, patient-centered care?
At Olive Fertility Centre, we prioritize personalized patient-centered care. Each patient receives direct updates on their embryos from our embryologists, ensuring they are informed and involved in every step of the process. This approach allows patients to hear directly from specialists, confirming the plan and addressing any questions they may have, fostering a supportive and transparent environment.
According to “High quality IVF laboratories experience success rates at a two-fold higher level than other laboratories.”
By maintaining the highest standards in laboratory practices and focusing on personalized care, Olive Fertility Centre aims to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Fertility consultations and most tests are covered by MSP in British Columbia with a referral from a family physician.
Same Day Virtual Referral Option
Olive Fertility offers patients the option to book a same-day, no-fee, virtual referral appointment at The referral will be automatically sent to Olive Fertility and a member of their intake team will contact you shortly thereafter to book your fertility appointment.
