IVFAustralia has three different in-house science specialties, with more than 30 scientists working across these departments:
- Embryology
- Andrology
- Pathology
Embryology
IVFAustralia has four specialist Embryology Laboratories located across Sydney and the Central Coast, all of which are accredited by the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC). Services performed within the laboratories include In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), blastocyst culture, embryo cryopreservation, assisted hatching, polscope microscopy, Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and surgical sperm collection.
The laboratories operate seven days a week and are staffed by university-trained embryologists to ensure the highest standard of excellence. IVFAustralia’s commitment to ongoing research and development of new methodologies, compliments proven laboratory procedures to help optimise treatment outcomes.
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Dr John Ryan
Director of Embryology
BScAgr, MScAgr, PhD
John has been an embryologist since 1981 and has specialised in human IVF and infertility since 1986. During this time he has facilitated the use of many of the current techniques such as embryo cryopreservation, ICSI and blastocyst culture into routine clinical practice. He is currently responsible for the scientific practices of the Andrology and Embryology departments of IVF Australia.
John has a long association with the University of Sydney and is currently a Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He also participates in NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) assessments of other laboratories. John is involved in a number of research and development activities including the production of stem cells for the treatment of diabetes, measurement of sperm DNA damage and vitrification (very rapid freezing) of oocytes (eggs) and embryos.
John is a member of IVF Australia’s Ethics Committee, the Research & Development Committee and the Management Review Committee. He is committed to maintaining the highest standards of laboratory practice and improving clinical outcomes of IVF treatments. |
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Andrology
IVFAustralia has a semen collection and andrology testing laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), at each of our fertility clinics across Sydney and the Central Coast. Here, specialist andrologists work closely with the team of fertility specialists to provide the highest standard of WHO (World Health Organisation) approved tests and reports. The tests available at IVFAustralia include:
- semen analysis
- sperm antibodies
- DNA fragmentation
- sperm freezing / thawing
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Dr Simon Cooke
Director A.R.T. Laboratory Services
B.Sc.Agr, PhD
Simon has more than 15 years experience working in and managing sperm and embryo laboratories, and has been involved in the design and operation of multiple laboratories.
Simon’s role at IVFAustralia is to coordinate and control the operational provision of service to all sperm and embryo laboratories across the company. This involves overseeing training compliance, operational performance, quality aspects, auditing and compliance with regulatory requirements of the Embryo and Andrology Laboratories.
Simon’s interests include the design, sourcing and implementation and logistics of new or emerging techniques, and the application of these to clinical Embryology and Andrology, to improve the service and outcome of these Laboratories. |
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Pathology
IVFAustralia’s Pathology Laboratory, located in Greenwich, specialises in performing hormone, serology and virology blood tests specifically for all patients undertaking treatment with us. This new purpose-built laboratory has four dedicated scientists who perform accurate analysis of blood samples within two hours of sample receipt, ensuring the efficient and timely return of blood test results to the patient’s managing doctor. IVFAustralia’s Pathology Laboratory currently validates over 120,000 blood test results per year. Research projects are being undertaken in the areas of both human and animal hormones.
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Don Garrett
Pathology Laboratory Manager
BSc(Biomed)
Don Garrett has more than 30 years experience in pathology with the last 27 years specialising in human reproductive medicine. For the past three years Don has worked with IVFAustralia managing the pathology department.
Don’s role includes managing the seven days per week rapid turnaround of blood results for patients on treatment, as well as the pre-treatment screening tests and post-treatment follow up testing which is a vital role of the Pathology lab. Investigation testing of non-treatment patients (e.g. Menopause) is also performed within the laboratory.
Don’s interests include expanding the current portfolio of blood tests available for IVFAustralia patients, and in undertaking research projects particularly dealing with reproductive hormones and infectious diseases that may affect pregnancy outcome. Don also has an interest in environmental factors that may influence initial fertility levels for couples and subsequent pregnancy outcomes.
Don is an active member of the OH&S committee and various other committees. |
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