C.A.R.E. Laboratories
At CARE for the Bay Area, our laboratory was designed with the best interest of your embryos in mind. Since embryos and eggs are extremely sensitive, we have taken several measures to ensure that the air quality in the laboratory is as clean as possible. Before entering the laboratory, the air passes through a pre-filter to extract large particulate matter, a VOC (volatile organic compound) filter to eliminate harmful air pollutants and a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to eliminate small particles from the air. Moreover, the air within the laboratory is maintained at a positive pressure to prevent contaminants from entering the lab. Thus, when the laboratory doors are opened, air flows out of the room, rather than in. Similarly, we have given great thought to the types of paint, flooring, and building materials used, in addition to the quality and types of laboratory equipment used to culture patient specimens.
The security of your embryos and patient information is also of paramount importance to us. Communication between physician and embryologist is a top priority at CARE. Each individual case and laboratory procedure is discussed thoroughly throughout your cycle to ensure that your special needs are met. The embryologist will prepare for your case 24-hours prior to your given procedure, using color-coded labels, test tubes and dishes labeled with two unique patient identifiers (name and unique cycle id) for added security. Embryology procedures are verified by two CARE laboratory members to eliminate the possibility of error, including insemination, embryo transfer, cryopreservation and thawing of patient specimens. Special care is likewise taken with respect to patient identification. Patient IDs are verified throughout your cycle, including at the time of egg retrieval, sperm specimen collection and embryo transfer.
The following services are performed in our state-of-the art IVF laboratory by highly trained professionals:
- In Vitro Fertilization
- Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Assisted Hatching
- Embryo and Blastocyst Culture
- Embryo Transfer
- Embryo Cryopreservation and storage
- Oocyte Cryopreservation and storage
- Embryo Biopsy for Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A), Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic or Single gene Defects (PGT-M),and Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR)
Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology
Our Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology laboratories are located on-site for the convenience of our patients. The CARE Andrology and Chemistry laboratories are licensed by the state of California, certified by CLIA and accredited by CAP, a national healthcare accreditation organization. Accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards to quality day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey.
We are pleased to offer the following Andrology services in a convenient on-site atmosphere that is attractive, private and comfortable. The following services are available by appointment, with results available within 1-2 business days:
- Semen Analysis with Krueger’s Strict Morphology
- Semen Preparation for Intrauterine Insemination
- Sperm Cryopreservation
We perform several hormone assays on-site in our Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory. This allows us to provide patient results directly to the physician, so that any necessary adjustments to your treatment can be made quickly and efficiently. The following hormone assays are run at CARE for the Bay Area:
- Estradiol (E2)
- Progesterone (P4)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Beta hCG