Shaping the future of the IVF laboratory: standardization for more predictable outcomes
Alikani & Campbell, 2025
IVF success rates vary significantly between clinics and even between embryologists within the same clinic, partly due to differences in how procedures are performed. This commentary examines how standardization could improve reproducibility and IVF outcomes for patients. The authors discuss various approaches to standardization, from detailed protocols and checklists to automated systems that perform tasks the same way every time. They highlight successful examples from other medical fields where standardization has improved patient outcomes and reduced errors. The paper also addresses concerns about standardization potentially stifling innovation or ignoring patient individuality, arguing that proper implementation actually creates more time for personalized care by reducing variability in routine tasks. The authors conclude that embracing standardization, whether through better training, stricter protocols, or automation, is essential for making IVF success more predictable and accessible to all patients regardless of which clinic they attend.