Embryologists work with doctors in treating patients who require help with their reproductive health or can also work in the clinical research department of Fertility and its various aspects. The responsibility of clinical embryologists includes retrieval of eggs, assist with IVF (in vitro fertilization), maintain clinical records, and to run tests on the retrieved eggs. These healthcare specialists often work in hospital or fertility clinical settings. In some cases, they might also conduct laboratory work or retain positions in the related academia.
Duties and Responsibilities of an Embryologist:

An embryologist’s day-to-day clinical tasks and activities are determined by where they work. However, there are some mandatory or fundamental tasks associated with their role. Some of these tasks include:

Conduct In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Procedures

Embryologists successfully carry out procedures such as egg fertilization, embryo transfers, egg retrieval, assisted hatching (AH), sperm injection (ICSI), and sperm preparation. They usually conduct their duties in a clinical laboratory setting, often under the supervision of an embryology lab supervisor. They obtain semen specimens and prepare them for insemination.

Grade Embryos

This is one of the major roles of an embryologist involved in day-to-day assessment and grading of embryo health and development. Most embryologists complete embryo grading first thing when they arrive at their clinic.

Perform Sperm Analysis

Performing a detailed sperm analysis with the help of microscopic techniques is an essential part of an embryologist’s role. They study the sperm count, sperm mobility, and carry out anti-sperm antibody testing. Besides, they also conduct regular sperm preparation to be used in more advanced procedures.

Learn more on Standard Operating Procedures

It is important for an embryologist to stay up to date about the current and latest trends in their field and continue to seek improvement in laboratory equipment, standards, and success. They should write, review, and improvise the embryology standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Maintain Quality Control Policies

Embryologists are to obtain data and document quality control activities following the laboratory procedures and tasks. They perform quality assessment regularly to ensure that the specimens they take care of are of the highest quality. Further, embryologists also participate in quality improvement programs.

Managing Database and Records

Embryologists keep a record of all the documents and samples to ensure consistency on their testing and laboratory work. They carry out a detailed record-keeping along with IVF billing, paperwork, updating their computer systems with the data, performing laboratory checks, and updating data on usage of lab equipment.

The Importance Of An Embryologist In the field of Fertility:

Any couple dreams of being a parent someday, and when they are unable to, they tend to become depressed and wonder what the problem might be. Having reproductive problems is a common issue, and with the advancement in technology and science, it can be treated. An embryologist plays a very crucial role in this situation as they will be able to first-hand help them understand their options and carry out the treatment procedure accordingly. They can provide a number of tests in a hospital or a fertility clinic. Further, they will also have a hand in helping the patient undergo IVF treatment if they choose to.

Becoming a fertility specialist is a great opportunity as it helps them fulfil the dream of a couple longing to be a parent.

An embryologist possesses the following skills which will help them become a great fertility doctor.
Medical knowledge
Methodical
Good research
Well-educated
Detail-oriented
Scientific
Compassionate
Problem solver
Technical
Good communication

OSHERM – Oasis School for Human Embryology & Reproductive Management offers the related courses and study programs for medical and life science graduates who are looking for a career in embryology.