Bovine IVF Laboratory SOP
From Entry to Exit
Purpose:
To maintain a contamination-free, safe, and efficient environment in a bovine IVF laboratory, ensuring the integrity of gametes, embryos, and culture conditions.
Scope:
This SOP applies to all personnel entering, working, and exiting the IVF laboratory.
Responsibility:
All laboratory staff, including embryologists, technicians, and assistants, are responsible for following this SOP strictly.
1. Entry Protocol
Only authorized personnel are allowed in the IVF lab.
Log your entry in the laboratory access log (name, date, time).
Wash hands thoroughly with antiseptic soap for at least 30 seconds.
Remove jewelry, watches, and personal items from hands and wrists.
Tie hair back and secure loose clothing.
Put on lab-specific clean clothing (IVF lab coat or gown).
Wear nitrile gloves, surgical mask, and hairnet.
Use shoe covers or dedicated lab shoes.
For sensitive procedures, wear sterile gloves and face shield if required.
Step on disinfectant floor mat before entering the lab.
Sanitize hands with 70% ethanol or lab-approved disinfectant.
Check CO₂ incubators: temperature 38.5 , CO₂ level, humidity, and alarm functions.
Verify the working condition of laminar flow hoods (LFC) and clean if needed.
Confirm that microscopes, centrifuges, and other instruments are clean and functional.
Inspect media and reagents for expiration, contamination, or precipitation.
Pre-warm culture media in CO₂ incubators as required.
Ensure availability of sterile disposable consumables (pipettes, Petri dishes, tubes, syringes).
Wipe all working surfaces with 70% ethanol.
Decontaminate equipment handles, knobs, and frequently touched surfaces.
Verify that incubators, refrigerators, and freezers are clean and organized.
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Bovine IVF Laboratory SOP
Working in the IVF Lab
Handle oocytes, semen, and embryos under sterile conditions.
Minimize opening incubators and avoid cross-contamination.
Label all samples clearly with animal ID, date, and stage.
Follow standard protocols for oocyte aspiration and washing.
Maintain temperature-sensitive handling (typically 38.5°C for oocytes).
Perform semen washing, capacitation, and quality assessment under laminar flow hood.
Use sterile consumables and avoid reusing pipettes.
Combine gametes carefully, maintaining aseptic technique.
Culture embryos in pre-warmed, pH-controlled media.
Document all procedures, timings, and observations in lab log sheets.
Observe oocytes and embryos only with clean, calibrated microscopes.
Record cleavage, blastocyst formation, and morphological grades.
Dispose of biohazard waste in designated containers.
Segregate sharps, contaminated consumables, and media residues.
Do not remove lab waste without proper disinfection.
Wipe work surfaces with 70% ethanol every 2–3 hours.
Maintain incubator humidity and temperature logs.
Keep the lab organized to minimize accidents and contamination.
5. Exit Protocol
Return all embryos, oocytes, and semen to incubators or storage freezers.
Ensure all samples are labeled and properly secured.
Turn off or adjust equipment if required (laminar flow hoods, microscopes,centrifuges).
Close incubator and refrigerator doors properly.
Wipe all benches, equipment surfaces, and handles with disinfectant.
Sweep or mop floors if contamination occurred.
Check CO₂ incubator water pans and refill if needed.
Remove gloves, masks, hairnets, and gowns in the proper order.
Dispose of single-use PPE in biohazard bins.
Wash hands thoroughly after PPE removal.
Documentation
Complete daily lab activity logs, including:
§ Samples handled
§ Procedures performed
§ Equipment status
§ Incubator and refrigerator temperatures
§ Any incidents or deviations
Ensure all doors, freezers, and incubators are securely closed.
Record exit time in the lab log.
Safety & Emergency Guidelines
· Know the location of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and spill kits.
· In case of spills, immediately follow biohazard spill SOP.
· Report accidents, equipment malfunctions, or contamination incidents immediately to the lab manager.
✅ Notes:
· Regular weekly and monthly deep cleaning of walls, roofs, incubator interiors, and refrigerators is recommended.
· Always follow the lab’s approved protocols for oocyte, sperm, and embryo handling to maintain viability.
· Always maintain strict aseptic technique.