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Course Description

This two-day workshop aims to introduce the genetics services used in ART and PGT as a screening tool for embryo selection, together with the procedures used in embryo biopsy and the handling of biopsied cells.

Methods for biopsy and cell tubing, including pipettes, media, and equipment will be discussed. Hands-on sessions will allow participants to practice the biopsy of trophectoderm cells and tubing of cells for analysis using mouse blastocysts.

This course will be held at the Center of Excellence (RSCB), located at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG) – UZ Brussel (University Hospital Brussels), Belgium.

Due to COVID-19, the course will be run partially as a virtual course and partially as an onsite hands-on course in micro groups. Delegates need to comply with the health and safety guidelines from the University Hospital Brussels (https://reproductiveskillscentre.com/; https://www.uzbrussel.be/web/coronavirus-file) and Belgian federal measures on COVID-19 ( https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/faq/#work).

Minimal expertise required for participation in the Course

Participants must have experience of micromanipulation techniques, though not necessarily in oocyte or embryo biopsy. The participant must have adequate Wi-Fi, camera and audio to engage during the course. Courses will be run via the Zoom and/or Teams platforms.

Course Format

Advanced level

  • 2 online modules of 60 minutes each with lecturing, interactive questioning and answering
  • 1-day hands-on session in the Center of Excellence at the RSCB, VUB, Brussels, Belgium (9.30 am – 4.00 pm CET)
  • 1 online module of 45 minutes for question taking and answering

Educational methods

  • Lectures
  • Discussions
  • Demonstration
  • Hands-on training with mouse blastocysts

Target Audience

Lab technicians, clinical embryologists, research scientists with micromanipulation experience wishing to learn the basics of trophectoderm biopsy or improve their technique.

Course Objectives

  • To learn about the introduction of PGT to the clinical and laboratory setting
  • To have hands-on practice in trophectoderm biopsy and cell preparation

What is included

  • Attendance to lectures
  • Hands-on training
  • Syllabus of the course
  • Lunches and refreshments during hands-on sessions
  • Certificate of attendance
  • Scrubs, masks, and gloves

What is not included?

  • Transportation to and from Belgium
  • Accommodation
  • Cost for visa application

Participants are advised to organize a personal travel insurance.

Certificate of attendance

Participants can obtain a certificate of attendance after completing the Course evaluation at the end of the Course.

Fee

The participation fee for this course is EUR 1,300. In order to maintain the high standards of teaching in this course, the number of participants will be limited to 9 during the virtual session and 3 during the hands-on training. The registration will be done on a first come, first serve basis.

Registration

Find the full yearly schedule on this page.