A behind-the-scenes look at fertility care and lab processes with FertilitySA
For anyone considering IVF, visiting a fertility clinic for the first time can be a daunting prospect. We spoke with Alana Donnelly, Laboratory Manager at FertilitySA, to help demystify the environment and its processes for patients, no matter where they are on their fertility journey.
FertilitySA’s clinic can be found at St Andrew’s Hospital, in Adelaide’s city centre. According to Alana, their location allows FertilitySA to assist a wider group of patients with complex medical needs, all in one place. “This means that no matter what their treatment requirements are, all patients can access the same level of care,” she says.
The laboratory itself is on the ground floor; it is where embryo transfer and IUI procedures take place. Any theatre procedures, like egg collections, are located on the first floor. “The friendly concierge and administration team of St Andrew’s are always available to guide patients to where they need to go,” says Alana.
In the lab, there’s a team of embryologists and administration support working to ensure the best outcome and experience for patients. The lab is powered by Genea, whose laboratories consistently deliver some of the highest rates of pregnancy in Australia. Their partnership with FertilitySA gives South Australian patients access to world-leading IVF technologies and advanced laboratory capabilities that optimise treatment outcomes for patients—something the FertilitySAteam are particularly proud of. “We are all invested in a patient’s journey,” Alana notes, “and are constantly working collaboratively with the entire clinic team to give the best chances of success.”
Embryologists play a crucial part in fertility care. For anyone unfamiliar with the title, Alana explains, “Embryologists are specialised scientists who are responsible for the processes involving eggs, sperm and embryos in the laboratory”. In the lead up to a treatment cycle, clinicians and the nursing team work closely with patients, but once the eggs are collected and have been transferred to the lab, the embryology team step in. They’re responsible for the fertilisation, culture, freezing and thawing of eggs, sperm and embryos. “Handling of these precious materials involves extensive training over a number of years,” says Alana, and as lab processes are updated, continuous training is undertaken.
Day to day, operations in the lab can vary greatly for an embryologist; it goes far beyond fertilising eggs. They might find themselves working with a clinician in theatre to collect a patient’s eggs or process sperm samples for freezing. They could be selecting the best quality embryos to be transferred to a patient or frozen for future use. “Embryologists are also in constant communication with patients, giving them updates on their treatment and answering a range of questions,” Alana adds.
Open communication is commonplace at FertilitySA. The entire laboratory team are in touch with patients throughout the week of their treatment cycle, when their embryos are developing in the Geri incubators. Additionally, patients can track the progress of their embryos via the Grow app on their phone, which is a special feature unique to treatment at FertilitySA. Embryologists will reach out to discuss the embryos’ development and outcomes with patients. Contact isn’t just limited to the treatment cycle, either; the laboratory team are always available to go through any questions or concerns patients may have in the lead up to, or follow on from, a cycle.
Successful outcomes are always a highlight for the team, and they always look forward to updates from patients. “We understand that the process of having IVF treatment can be overwhelming, taxing and stressful to everyone involved,” says Alana, “so to see that all be worthwhile in the end is so rewarding.”
FertilitySA
9/431 King William Street, Adelaide
08 8100 2900
South Australian Style Magazine 