A recent article in the Swedish press highlighting historical IVF chain of custody errors, once again reinforces the need for comprehensive protocols and the electronic witnessing tools to support these.

Such protocols and tools help ensure that the right sperm, eggs and embryos are tracked and monitored throughout the IVF process and mitigate the risk of a mismatch or transfer error.

Chain of custody errors are rare, but when they happen can have far reaching repercussions, as the article outlines. In this case, it is reported that in two instances involving different patients, the biological father’s sperm had been used without his consent or knowledge.

Electronic witnessing systems, such as the RI Witness™ ART management system, help to safeguard and confirm the identity of patients’ and, if used, their donor’s samples from collection to transfer. In addition, it offers a digital audit trail of sample related activities within the IVF lab.

The RI Witness™ System has been helping to safeguard samples in clinics since 2007 and helps offer clinics and patients peace of mind that their samples are being managed and monitored safely and comprehensively.

For more information about how the RI Witness ART management system can help safeguard your patients’ samples and offer a complete chain of custody audit trail click here.

Speak to an expert about RI Witness